What to Do With Leftover Brisket: 5 Delicious Ideas

Brisket is often served as the main course at special gatherings, such as barbecues and holiday dinners. But what do you do with all the leftovers? There are countless delicious ways to use that leftover brisket in additional dishes, saving you time and energy the next day. Here are five of our favorite ways to repurpose that extra brisket!

Reheat and Serve

One of the simplest and quickest ways to serve leftover brisket is to simply reheat and serve. Brisket can be reheated either in a microwave or a conventional oven – just make sure to use low heat and keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn or dry out. For optimal tenderness, wrap it in aluminum foil while it’s reheating in the oven, or use a microwave-safe dish and add a bit of liquid while heating to keep the meat moist. Once heated, the brisket is ready to be served with your favorite sides.

If you're looking to add a bit of flavor to your reheated brisket, try adding a few tablespoons of your favorite barbecue sauce or a sprinkle of your favorite spices. This will help to bring out the flavor of the brisket and make it even more delicious. You can also try adding a bit of butter or olive oil to the brisket while it's reheating to help keep it moist and flavorful.

Slice and Fry

Another great way to use up leftover brisket is to slice it into thin strips and fry it in a pan. To do this, heat a bit of oil in a pan and lay out the strips of brisket. Fry over medium heat and flip regularly until both sides are nicely browned. Serve as is or with your favorite accompaniments – this is a great way to add extra flavor, texture, and color to any meal.

If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can also bake the brisket strips in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the strips of brisket on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The brisket strips will be crispy and delicious when they come out of the oven. Enjoy!

Turn Into a Sandwich

Leftover brisket can also be used to make sandwiches. To create a delicious sandwich, start by slicing the brisket into thin strips and setting aside. Next, spread mayonnaise on one slice of bread and butter on the other. Place the brisket slices onto one slice of the bread and top with cheese slices, sautéed onions, pickled relish, or whatever toppings you’d prefer. Put the two slices of bread together, press down lightly, and enjoy your tasty brisket sandwich!

If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can use whole wheat bread instead of white bread. You can also use mustard instead of mayonnaise, and use avocado or hummus as a spread. You can also add some fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, or cucumbers to make your sandwich even more nutritious. With a few simple swaps, you can turn your leftover brisket into a delicious and healthy sandwich!

Shred and Add To Tacos

Shredded brisket can be added to a variety of dishes, including tacos! Start out by preheating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and let it heat for 30 seconds before adding the shredded brisket. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the meat is heated through and lightly browned. Add the shredded brisket to corn tortillas that have been heated in a 350°F oven, then top with your favorite taco toppings such as pico de gallo, shredded cheese, avocados, sour cream, and/or cilantro. Enjoy your delicious tacos with leftover brisket!

If you have extra brisket, you can also use it to make a delicious taco salad. Start by heating the brisket in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it is heated through, add it to a bowl of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cheese. Top with your favorite taco toppings and a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy your taco salad with a side of chips and salsa!

Make Brisket Soup

Leftover brisket can also be used to make delicious soups. Start off by trimming off any excess fat from the brisket, then cut the meat into cubes. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed brisket and sauté for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned. Next add diced onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and tomato sauce and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables are softened. Now add 6 cups of beef stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes more. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. This hearty soup is sure to be a hit with your family.

Use in a Pasta Dish

Leftover brisket can also be used to make a flavorful salsa verde pasta dish. Start making this dish by shredding the leftover brisket. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the shredded brisket until it is heated through and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside. Next, prepare the sauce by combining 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 cloves diced garlic, ¼ cup diced onion, ½ cup chopped parsley, and ½ cup diced tomatoes in a food processor and processing until the ingredients are combined but still chunky. To finish the dish, cook your favorite type of pasta according to package directions, tossing with the sauce and cooked brisket right before serving.

Put Into a Casserole

Casseroles are always a great way to use up leftovers! To make a delicious casserole out of leftover brisket, preheat oven to 350°F. Start by combining the shredded brisket with 1 cup of frozen corn kernels, one 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained), 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, one 4-ounce can of chopped green chilies (drained), 1 cup of sour cream, 1 cup of uncooked white rice, and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin in a large bowl. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the rice is tender and cheese is melted. Enjoy your tasty and easy casserole!

Create a Pizza Topping

Leftover brisket can also be used as a pizza topping! Start by dicing the brisket into small cubes and setting aside. Preheat oven to 425°F. Next either prepare your own pizza dough or purchase store-bought pizza dough. Spread out over two 12-inch baking pans that have been greased with a thin layer of oil. Top with diced tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, sliced onions, and/or any other pizza toppings you'd like. Then top with shredded cheese and diced brisket. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown. Enjoy your delicious homemade pizza!

Use in Fried Rice

Leftover brisket can also find new life in fried rice! To make fried rice using leftover brisket, start by cutting brisket into ¼-inch cubes and setting aside. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed brisket and sauté for 3 minutes until lightly browned. Add 1 cup cooked white rice to skillet and stir until combined. Next add 2 tablespoons soy sauce, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional), and 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional). Stir until all ingredients are combined, then taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Serve warm as is or accompanied with your favorite sides.