There is something about the comfort of a nicely cooked brisket. It’s hearty, filling, and makes the house smell divine. I’ve read through many recipes, and each uses at least six pounds of meat. I say that as an admitted carnivore!
We don’t want that food to go to waste! That meat was expensive, contributing more to the food waste problem in the United States. But no one wants to eat the same thing night after night; it is exhausting. It’s time to change things up and repurpose those leftovers.
Are you wondering what you can do with leftover brisket? We’ve got you covered with easy leftover brisket recipes.
Let’s go to The Chalkboard.
Jump Ahead To
How To Store Leftover Brisket?
It’s best to store brisket in the refrigerator. Place leftover brisket in plastic or glass containers and seal.
The USDA strongly suggests not leaving leftovers at room temperature for more than two hours. Leaving food out too long allows harmful bacteria to grow.
It’s best to freeze leftover brisket if you don’t plan on eating it within a few days. Place it in a large freezer bag and seal. Open a small section of the bag and remove any air. Label it with the date and contents and freeze.
Place the frozen leftovers in the refrigerator overnight to defrost.
How Long Does Leftover Brisket Last?
Properly stored leftover brisket will last 3-4 days. However, it’s best always to use your senses as a guide. If the food doesn’t look or smell good, it’s best to toss it.
Frozen brisket will last three to four months. Be sure to date leftovers to help you gauge freshness.
Can You Reheat Cooked Brisket?
You can reheat cooked brisket. But you need to be careful not to overcook it, which causes it to dry out. Brisket is not fatty, so it is very susceptible to dryness.
It’s best to reheat cooked brisket low and slow. Place it in an oven-safe pan with gravy or butter and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Cook in a preheated 250-degree oven for about 20-30 minutes, checking after 15 minutes.
The microwave will also work if you are time-pressed, although you risk it drying out. Heat it for a few minutes, and then add time as needed.
How Do You Moisten A Brisket?
If you have dry brisket, you can save it! Here are two things you can do.
If you want to eat your food for dinner, lay the meat on two layers of aluminum foil and lift the sides. Pour a tablespoon or two of gravy or broth on top and tightly seal.
Place the meat in a baking dish with a cooling rack set inside. The rack helps air move around in the oven and allows the meat to cook evenly.
There’s a better way to add moisture if you have more time — marinade the meat overnight. The sauce moistens the brisket and adds flavor. It’s great for soups, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, etc.
What Can I Do With Leftover Dry Brisket?
Leftover dry brisket is tricky, and depending on how dry it is, it may be beyond repair. If it’s slightly dry, try mixing it with lots of sauce. Barbeque sauce is a great option.
You can also try the marinading technique mentioned above to inject moisture into the meat. Flat brisket has one of the lowest fat contents of meats, and therefore it dries out quickly.
Can You Save A Tough Brisket?
We can certainly try to save a tough brisket. The best way is to eat it while it’s still warm. When it cools down, it will dry out further.
You can also try to inject some moisture back into the meat. Simmer the meat in the oven on low heat in some broth. Be careful not to cook it for too long, or it will make things worse!
Be aware that some flavors become more pronounced when meat dries out, specifically saltiness and meatiness. Taste the meat as you go, and you may need to add some acidity; vinegar works well here.
Easy Leftover Brisket Recipes
Leftover Brisket Stroganoff
With origins in 19th-century Russia, this saucy dish is perfect for brisket! Using leftovers shaves cooking time, putting this easy recipe from Gimme Some Oven on the table in under 25 minutes! If you don’t love mushrooms, that’s ok! Some great mushroom substitutes won’t skimp on flavor or texture.
Leftover Brisket Pasta
Brisket over egg noodles is a classic dish. This Rigatoni with Brisket and Porcini Ragu takes the idea of meat over pasta to the next level. It is full of flavor and easy to make; it even includes leftover brisket in the ingredients. Leftover Brisket Casserole Recipe
Leftover Brisket Pie
Take leftover brisket and, its gravy, add some sauteed mushrooms and top with puff pastry. Place in a preheated 425-degree oven for 30-40 minutes.
Reduce waste and save money. Check out these simple strategies to repurpose leftovers.
Leftover Brisket Shepherds Pie
A similar take to the pot pie above, Shepherd’s Pie is a great option to use up leftovers. Top leftover brisket with mashed potatoes and bake.
Leftover Brisket Hash
Leftover dinner can become a delicious breakfast if you make hash. Use prepackaged potatoes to make prep a breeze! Diced or shredded potatoes are the best here. Our favorite is Trader Joe’s Frozen Hash Browns. We heat the potatoes with a few tablespoons of oil in a cast-iron skillet until almost done. Then add the brisket to warm. Top with poached eggs.
Leftover Brisket And Beans
If you are looking for a great side dish, look no further than this Brisket Baked Beans. It’s excellent with a hearty bread to sop up any liquid. This recipe cooks for a long time without much moisture, so it’s probably not the best if your brisket is dry.
Leftover Brisket Tacos
Heat brisket in a skillet, then add your favorite taco seasoning and water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens. Fill tacos with meat, cheese, and other toppings for an easy fiesta!
Nachos Topping
The best nachos are the ones that are fully loaded, and every chip delivers some sort of topping—Lay tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil. Top chips with brisket and cheese and place under the broiler until the cheese melts. Take them out of the oven and add sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes, etc.
Leftover Brisket Stir Fry
Stir fry is a dish that comes together quickly and, using leftover brisket, has it on the table in a flash. Cook carrots, broccoli, or any of your favorite vegetables, add the brisket until it’s warm, and mix some sauce (I love this one from All Recipes that doesn’t contain too much sugar). This meal is excellent with ramen bricks (minus the flavor packets) or lo mein noodles.
Leftover Brisket Fried Rice
If you have rice hiding in your refrigerator, it’s time to make brisket fried rice. Day-old rice has a stiffer texture which adds a great texture and doesn’t get soggy when cooking. Mix the rice, brisket, chopped carrots, and peas (frozen works well) in a large pan. Push everything to the side, scramble two eggs, and mix them when they are cooked. Add soy sauce and top with sesame seeds.
Leftover Brisket Chili
This recipe from Running To The Kitchen uses leftover brisket. Don’t leave out the espresso; it adds substantial depth of flavor, and you don’t taste it. It takes some time to prepare, but there’s not too much prep involved.
Other Leftover Brisket Ideas
Brisket Sandwich
Put shredded beef on a roll and top with swiss cheese and steak sauce for a delicious lunch. If you have pepperoncini or pickled jalapenos, those are great to add!
Pizza Topping
Top store-bought pizza dough with ricotta cheese and brisket and drizzle some hot chili oil or try BBQ, brisket, and red onion topped with mozzarella cheese.
What Do You Think?
How do you use up leftover bolognese? Let me know in the comments below; I’d love to read.
More Ways To Use Up Leftovers:
- Corned Beef
- Taco Meat
- Bolognese
Happy Cooking!
Pin this for later.
