Often grilled or roasted to perfection, it makes a fantastic meal on its own. But what do you do with the leftovers? In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of leftover tri-tip recipes that are easy to make, incredibly tasty, and perfect for using up those delicious leftovers. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a hearty dinner, or a tasty snack, these recipes will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.
Transforming Leftover Tri-Tip into Hearty Meals
Leftover tri-tip can be transformed into several hearty meals that are perfect for any time of the day. Here are some ideas to get you started.
1. Tri-Tip Sandwiches
A classic way to use leftover tri-tip is by making sandwiches. These can be prepared quickly and are great for lunch or dinner.
Classic Tri-Tip Sandwich
To make a classic tri-tip sandwich, follow these steps:
- Slice the leftover tri-tip thinly.
- Toast your favorite type of bread.
- Add mayonnaise, mustard, or your favorite sandwich spread.
- Layer the sliced tri-tip, lettuce, tomato, and onions.
For extra flavor, you can also add cheese, pickles, or jalapeños. This sandwich is both satisfying and packed with flavor.
BBQ Tri-Tip Sandwich
If you’re a fan of barbecue, this variation is for you:
- Shred the leftover tri-tip.
- Mix with your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Pile onto a toasted bun.
Top with coleslaw for added crunch and flavor. This BBQ tri-tip sandwich is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Tri-Tip Melt
For a warm and cheesy option, try a tri-tip melt:
- Slice the leftover tri-tip.
- Place on a slice of sourdough bread.
- Add your favorite cheese (cheddar or Swiss work well).
- Top with another slice of bread and grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
This sandwich is perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
2. Tri-Tip Tacos
Tri-tip tacos are a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of your leftover meat with a Mexican twist.
Classic Tri-Tip Tacos
To make classic tri-tip tacos, you’ll need:
- Corn or flour tortillas.
- Sliced or shredded tri-tip.
Simply warm the tortillas, fill with tri-tip, and top with your preferred ingredients. These tacos are quick, easy, and delicious.
Spicy Tri-Tip Tacos
For those who like a bit of heat, try spicy tri-tip tacos:
- Sauté the tri-tip with onions and peppers.
- Add a spicy taco seasoning or hot sauce.
- Serve in tortillas with jalapeños, spicy salsa, and a squeeze of lime.
These tacos are perfect for spice lovers.
Tri-Tip Fajita Tacos
For a Tex-Mex twist, make tri-tip fajita tacos:
- Sauté the tri-tip with bell peppers and onions.
- Add fajita seasoning.
- Serve in tortillas with sour cream, guacamole, and shredded cheese.
These fajita tacos are a flavorful way to enjoy your leftovers.
3. Tri-Tip Salads
For a lighter option, turn your leftover tri-tip into a delicious salad.
Tri-Tip Caesar Salad
To make a tri-tip Caesar salad:
- Chop romaine lettuce.
- Add sliced tri-tip.
- Toss with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.
This salad is both refreshing and satisfying.
Southwestern Tri-Tip Salad
For a salad with a bit of a kick:
- Combine mixed greens, black beans, corn, and cherry tomatoes.
- Add sliced tri-tip.
- Top with avocado, tortilla strips, and a cilantro-lime dressing.
This salad is packed with flavors and textures.
Asian Tri-Tip Salad
For an Asian-inspired option:
- Mix together shredded cabbage, carrots, and sliced bell peppers.
- Add thinly sliced tri-tip.
- Toss with an Asian dressing made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
This salad is light, healthy, and delicious.
Using Leftover Tri-Tip in Comfort Foods
Leftover tri-tip can also be used to create comforting dishes that are perfect for a cozy night in. Here are some ideas to warm your soul.
4. Tri-Tip Stew
A hearty stew is a great way to use leftover tri-tip, especially during colder months.
Classic Tri-Tip Stew
To make a classic tri-tip stew:
- Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot.
- Add diced potatoes and leftover tri-tip.
- Pour in beef broth and add seasonings (bay leaves, thyme, salt, pepper).
- Simmer until vegetables are tender.
This stew is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal.
Tri-Tip and Bean Stew
For a twist, add beans to your stew:
- Follow the classic stew recipe, but add a can of white beans or kidney beans.
- Simmer until everything is well combined and heated through.
The beans add extra protein and texture to the stew.
Spicy Tri-Tip Stew
For those who enjoy a bit of spice:
- Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic.
- Add leftover tri-tip and diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Pour in beef broth and add chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
Simmer until all the flavors meld together. This spicy stew is sure to warm you up.
5. Tri-Tip Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie is a classic comfort food that can easily incorporate leftover tri-tip.
Classic Tri-Tip Shepherd’s Pie
To make a classic tri-tip shepherd’s pie:
- Sauté onions, carrots, and peas.
- Add chopped leftover tri-tip.
- Spread the mixture in a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes.
- Bake until the top is golden brown.
This dish is both comforting and delicious.
Cheesy Tri-Tip Shepherd’s Pie
For a cheesy version:
- Follow the classic recipe, but mix shredded cheese into the mashed potatoes.
- Top the pie with additional cheese before baking.
This cheesy shepherd’s pie is sure to be a family favorite.
Southwestern Tri-Tip Shepherd’s Pie
For a Southwestern twist:
- Sauté onions, corn, and black beans with leftover tri-tip.
- Spread in a baking dish and top with mashed sweet potatoes.
- Sprinkle with chili powder and bake.
This version adds a unique flavor to the classic dish.
6. Tri-Tip Pasta
Pasta dishes are a great way to use up leftover tri-tip. Here are some delicious options.
Tri-Tip Alfredo
To make tri-tip Alfredo:
- Cook your favorite pasta.
- In a saucepan, make Alfredo sauce (butter, cream, Parmesan cheese).
- Add sliced tri-tip to the sauce and combine with pasta.
This creamy dish is both rich and satisfying.
Tri-Tip Bolognese
For a meaty pasta sauce:
- Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots.
- Add chopped leftover tri-tip and a can of crushed tomatoes.
- Simmer and season with Italian herbs.
Serve over your favorite pasta for a hearty meal.
Spicy Tri-Tip Pasta
For those who enjoy a bit of spice:
- Cook your favorite pasta.
- Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic with red pepper flakes.
- Add sliced tri-tip and a spicy marinara sauce.
Combine with pasta for a dish that’s packed with flavor.
Creative and Unique Leftover Tri-Tip Recipes Ideas
If you’re looking for something a little different, here are some creative and unique ways to use your leftover tri-tip.
7. Tri-Tip Pizza
Using leftover tri-tip on pizza is a great way to enjoy its flavor in a fun and different way.
BBQ Tri-Tip Pizza
To make BBQ tri-tip pizza:
- Use a prepared pizza crust.
- Spread with BBQ sauce instead of tomato sauce.
- Add sliced tri-tip, red onions, and mozzarella cheese.
Top with fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Tri-Tip and Veggie Pizza
For a veggie-packed option:
- Use a prepared pizza crust.
- Spread with tomato sauce.
- Add sliced tri-tip, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions.
- Top with mozzarella cheese.
Spicy Tri-Tip Pizza
For a spicy twist:
- Use a prepared pizza crust.
- Spread with a spicy marinara sauce.
- Add sliced tri-tip, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese.
This pizza is perfect for spice lovers.
8. Tri-Tip Stuffed Peppers
Classic Tri-Tip Stuffed Peppers
To make classic tri-tip stuffed peppers:
- Mix cooked rice, diced tri-tip, and marinara sauce.
- Stuff the peppers with the mixture.
- Bake until the peppers are tender.
Top with cheese for extra flavor.
Southwestern Tri-Tip Stuffed Peppers
For a Southwestern twist:
- Mix cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, and diced tri-tip.
- Stuff the peppers with the mixture.
- Bake until the peppers are tender.
Top with avocado and a squeeze of lime.
Spicy Tri-Tip Stuffed Peppers
For a spicy version:
- Mix cooked rice, diced tri-tip, and spicy salsa.
- Stuff the peppers with the mixture.
- Bake until the peppers are tender.
Top with jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
9. Tri-Tip Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a quick and easy way to use leftover tri-tip.
Classic Tri-Tip Quesadillas
To make classic tri-tip quesadillas:
- Heat a tortilla in a skillet.
- Add sliced tri-tip and cheese.
- Fold the tortilla
Serve with salsa and sour cream.
BBQ Tri-Tip Quesadillas
For a BBQ twist:
- Heat a tortilla in a skillet.
- Add shredded tri-tip and BBQ sauce.
- Top with cheese and fold the tortilla.
- Cook until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
Serve with ranch dressing.
Spicy Tri-Tip Quesadillas
For a spicy version:
- Heat a tortilla in a skillet.
- Add sliced tri-tip, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese.
- Fold the tortilla and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
Serve with guacamole.
Easy and Quick Leftover Tri-Tip Recipes
For those times when you need a quick and easy meal, here are some recipes that use leftover tri-tip in a snap.
10. Tri-Tip Stir-Fry
Stir-fry is a great way to use leftover tri-tip Recipes along with any vegetables you have on hand.
Classic Tri-Tip Stir-Fry
To make a classic stir-fry:
- Sauté your favorite vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots) in a large skillet.
- Add sliced tri-tip and a stir-fry sauce (soy sauce, garlic, ginger).
- Cook until everything is heated through.
Spicy Tri-Tip Stir-Fry
For a spicy version:
- Sauté vegetables with sliced tri-tip.
- Add a spicy stir-fry sauce (soy sauce, sriracha, garlic).
- Cook until heated through.
Serve over noodles for a spicy twist.
Tri-Tip and Pineapple Stir-Fry
For a sweet and savory option:
- Sauté vegetables and pineapple chunks.
- Add sliced tri-tip and a teriyaki sauce.
- Cook until everything is heated through.
Serve over rice for a tropical flair.
11. Tri-Tip Wraps
Wraps are a quick and easy way to use leftover tri-tip.
Classic Tri-Tip Wrap
To make a classic wrap:
- Use a large tortilla.
- Add sliced tri-tip, lettuce, tomato, and your favorite wrap sauce.
- Roll up and enjoy.
This wrap is perfect for a quick lunch.
BBQ Tri-Tip Wrap
For a BBQ version:
- Use a large tortilla.
- Add shredded tri-tip, coleslaw, and BBQ sauce.
- Roll up and enjoy.
This wrap is both flavorful and satisfying.
Spicy Tri-Tip Wrap
For a spicy twist:
- Use a large tortilla.
- Add sliced tri-tip, jalapeños, and spicy mayo.
- Roll up and enjoy.
This wrap is perfect for spice lovers.
12. Tri-Tip Breakfast Burritos
Breakfast burritos are a great way to start your day with leftover tri-tip.
Classic Tri-Tip Breakfast Burrito
To make a classic breakfast burrito:
- Scramble some eggs.
- Add diced tri-tip and cheese.
- Wrap in a large tortilla.
This burrito is perfect for a hearty breakfast.
Spicy Tri-Tip Breakfast Burrito
For a spicy version:
- Scramble some eggs with diced jalapeños.
- Add diced tri-tip and pepper jack cheese.
- Wrap in a large tortilla.
Serve with salsa for extra heat.
Tri-Tip and Potato Breakfast Burrito
For a filling option:
- Cook some diced potatoes until crispy.
- Scramble eggs and add diced tri-tip.
- Mix with the potatoes and wrap in a large tortilla.
This breakfast burrito is both hearty and delicious.
You can get more recipes from here: