Beef stir fry is a classic versatile meal that works for busy weeknights or impromptu lunches. Sliced beef is quickly seared with crisp colorful veggies and served over rice, noodles or on its own for a fast protein-packed dinner. However, you may not always use up all the sliced stir fry meat in one meal. Luckily, there are endless ways to repurpose and transform those leftovers into entirely new dishes.
Keep reading for 15 creative ideas for using up extra beef from stir fry. With a little imagination, you can give your stir fry beef new life in everything from omelets to sandwiches to grain bowls and more.
1. Loaded Omelets or Frittatas
Eggs make an easy partnership for leftover sliced beef. Simply beat eggs with milk or cream and cook up an omelet or frittata packed with the beef and any other veggies you have on hand. The meat adds hearty flavor to the eggs for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
2. Build a Rice Bowl
Transform leftover stir fry beef into a hearty rice bowl for an easy next-day lunch. Pile warm white or brown rice in a bowl and top with the sliced seared beef and fresh veggies like spinach, edamame, avocado, or cabbage. Drizzle with a sauce like soy, teriyaki, or Sriracha mayo.
3. Toss with Pasta
Pasta and beef are a perfect match. Toss leftover stir fry beef slices with hot pasta and your favorite sauce. Tomato-based marinara always works, but you could also use pesto, Alfredo, herby olive oil, or just a sprinkle of Parmesan. Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes for a little kick.
4. Layer Into Lettuce Wraps
For a lighter lunch or snack, tuck slices of the seared beef into cool, crisp lettuce wraps. Pair it with rice, diced veggies, beans, avocado, and a drizzle of dressing or sauce. The fresh lettuce adds volume and satisfying crunch.
5. Pile Onto Nachos
Take your nachos to the next level by topping corn tortilla chips with stir fry beef. Add other favorite nacho toppings like melted cheese, black beans, salsa, avocado, pickled jalapeños, and dollops of Greek yogurt or sour cream. The bits of beef add hearty substance and flavor.
6. Toss with Roasted Veggies
Roasting gives veggies deep, caramelized flavor that pairs perfectly with seared beef. Toss cubed potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, or any other veggie with olive oil and roast until browned. Then mix in bites of leftover beef and seasonings like garlic, herbs, or chili powder.
7. Stuff Quesadillas
Quesadillas are an easy weeknight meal solution that taste great with leftover beef. Layer beef strips between tortillas with cheese, peppers, onions, beans, or salsa. Cook the quesadillas in a skillet until the cheese melts and tortillas turn crispy and golden brown on both sides.
8. Build a Taco Salad
Give taco salad extra heartiness with leftover stir fry beef slices. Fill a bowl with lettuce, corn chips, beans, cheese, avocado, salsa, and other favorite taco toppings. Pile the warm seared beef on top and finish with lime juice and taco seasoning. The slices add extra flavor and protein.
9. Make Beef Fried Rice
Transform leftover cooked rice into easy beef fried rice. Toss cold rice with sesame oil, soy sauce, eggs, and veggies. Then stir in slices of leftover beef. The browned bits add a savory depth of flavor to the quick veggie fried rice.
10. Enjoy on Salads
Chopped up leftover beef makes an easy topping for any salad. Pile colorful mixed greens, crunchy vegetables, nuts, and cheese in a bowl. Then sprinkle the warm sliced beef on top along with your desired dressing to add hearty protein.
11. Blend Into Soups or Chilis
Slices of seared beef blend perfectly into many soups or stews. Try adding them to tomato soup, chili, beef stew, ramen soup, or vegetarian vegetable soup. The meat adds extra texture and richness to balance the broth and veggies.
12. Whip Up Beef Hash
Make your own version of corned beef hash by sautéing diced potatoes with bits of leftover beef, onions, bell peppers, and seasonings. You could also add peas, corn, or other veggies. Top the hearty hash with fried eggs for breakfast or serve alone as a skillet dinner.
13. Craft Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls
Fresh, healthy Vietnamese style rice paper rolls work for savory leftovers. Soak rice paper wrappers in water until pliable. Fill them with beef slices, raw veggie matchsticks, herbs, rice noodles, and dipping sauce. The rolls make an easy appetizer or light meal.
14. Top Avocado Toast
Just a few slices of seared beef can instantly take avocado toast to the next level. Toast or grill bread and top with mashed avocado, meat, and anything else you love. The richness of the avocado pairs perfectly with the savory sliced beef.
15. Pile On Sandwiches
Whether it’s for lunch or dinner, leftover stir fried beef is delicious piled high on sub rolls, buns, baguettes, or sliced bread. Pair it with toppings like melted cheese, roasted peppers, caramelized onions, mushrooms, slaw, and condiments like mustard or chimichurri.
With just a bit of creativity, leftover stir fried beef can be transformed into a totally new and delicious meal for any time of day!
Beijing Beef (TENDER BEEF!)
FAQ
What to serve with beef stir-fry?
What meat can you use for stir-fry?
What’s the difference between stew meat and stir-fry beef?