13 Delicious Ways to Use Up Leftover Beef Tenderloin

Beef tenderloin is a luxury cut of meat perfect for special occasions. But with its high price tag, you want to make sure none of it goes to waste. The good news is you can transform leftover beef tenderloin into all kinds of easy, delicious dishes.

This list will inspire you with creative ideas beyond reheating slices or making simple sandwiches. From skillet meals to hearty casseroles, keep reading for 13 tasty ways to use up leftover beef tenderloin.

Why Save Leftover Beef Tenderloin?

Beef tenderloin, also called filet mignon, is one of the most tender, sought-after cuts of beef. It comes from the short loin primal cut near the cow’s back legs. Since this area doesn’t get much exercise, the meat is very soft.

Cooking a whole tenderloin is perfect for special occasions like holidays and dinner parties. But at $20 or more per pound, it’s an expensive splurge. That’s why it’s crucial not to waste a single bite.

Leftover cooked beef tenderloin retains its buttery texture. Slices make excellent sandwiches while small pieces work great in eggs, pasta, rice, and more. With a little creativity, you can transform leftovers into easy, delicious meals all week long.

Sandwiches

  • Slice thick cuts of leftover tenderloin and pile high on crusty bread or rolls. Add cheese, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, lettuce, and tomato for an upscale steak sandwich.

  • For an open-faced sandwich, top toasted bread with tenderloin slices, blue cheese crumbles, and caramelized onions.

  • Make steak salad sandwiches by slicing tenderloin and mixing with leafy greens, tomatoes, avocado and blue cheese dressing. Spoon onto crusty bread.

  • Pile shaved tenderloin with peppers, onions, and provolone cheese on hoagie rolls for tasty steak subs.

Eggs

  • Chop tenderloin and sauté with onions and peppers. Add to scrambled eggs or an omelet for a hearty steak and eggs meal.

  • Make steak and hash by sautéing diced potato with tenderloin pieces. Top with a fried egg for breakfast or dinner.

  • Stuff an omelet with shredded tenderloin, cheese, and sautéed vegetables for a satisfying meal anytime.

Pasta

  • Toss chopped tenderloin with pasta, olive oil, veggies, and Parmesan.

  • For steak Alfredo, stir slices or pieces into hot fettuccine with an Alfredo sauce, peas, and mushrooms.

  • Make a creamy stroganoff by cooking tenderloin strips with mushrooms, onions, sour cream, and broth over egg noodles.

Rice Bowls

  • Dice tenderloin and stir-fry with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and veggies over rice. Top with a fried egg if desired.

  • Cook tenderloin strips with broccoli, onions, hoisin and chili sauce. Serve over jasmine rice for a quick Asian-inspired meal.

  • Sauté tenderloin with onions, peppers and taco seasoning. Serve over cilantro lime rice with avocado, cheese, and salsa.

Soups and Stews

  • Simmer diced tenderloin in tomato sauce with beans, corn, zucchini and spices for a tasty Southwest stew.

  • Add bite-size pieces to hearty vegetable beef soup with potatoes, carrots, peas, and barley.

  • Cook sliced tenderloin in mushroom soup with sherry, onions, carrots, and thyme for a cozy, comforting meal.

Salads

  • Slice cold tenderloin very thin and serve over leafy greens with blue cheese, walnuts, and balsamic vinaigrette.

  • For a hearty main-dish salad, top mixed greens with tenderloin strips, boiled potatoes, green beans, and Dijon dressing.

  • Make an Asian-style salad with shredded tenderloin, cabbage, edamame, mandarin oranges, and ginger dressing.

Skillets

  • Cook tenderloin strips with peppers, onions, chimichurri sauce, and quinoa or rice for a quick Latin-inspired meal.

  • Sauté bite-size tenderloin pieces in gravy with mushrooms, onions, peas, and mashed potatoes for an easy shepherd’s pie skillet.

  • Brown tenderloin strips with Brussels sprouts, bacon, and a creamy mustard sauce over pasta or mashed potatoes.

Appetizers

  • Slice thin pieces of tenderloin and serve on crostini topped with blue cheese crumbles and onion jam.

  • Make steak lettuce wraps with ginger-lime marinated tenderloin, avocado, carrots, cilantro, and cashews.

  • Grill or pan-sear marinated tenderloin tips on skewers for easy steak satay with peanut dipping sauce.

Casseroles

  • Combine chopped tenderloin with rice, cream of mushroom soup, peas, and cheese baked until bubbly.

  • Mix diced tenderloin, potatoes, corn, cheese, and spices and bake as the filling for shepherd’s pie.

  • Layer tenderloin slices, potatoes, carrots, onions, gravy, and cheese for a hearty beef pot pie casserole.

With a bit of creativity, you can give leftover beef tenderloin new life in a variety of dishes. Make the most of this expensive ingredient and transform it into easy, delicious new meals.

3 Recipes You Can Make With Leftover Steak

FAQ

How do you reheat leftover beef tenderloin?

Preheat oven to 385° 2. Place in oven covered for 30 minutes 3. Check temperature in thickest part of tenderloin • 135° Medium rare • 145° medium 4. Keep covered until desired temp. is reached.

Can you freeze leftover cooked beef tenderloin?

Squeeze out any excess air to prevent freezer burn. Properly frozen leftover beef tenderloin can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the meat in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it gently to prevent it from drying out.

What to do with head and tail of beef tenderloin?

The Filet Head – This piece is great for a roast, medallions of filet mignon or making brochettes. The Center Cut – this is where the best steaks come from. The tenderloin tail – a tapered side of the tenderloin great for brochettes.

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