15+ Recipes For Leftover Tri Tip: Easy Recipe Ideas

Tri-tip roast leftovers can be an excellent opportunity to explore delicious and creative meals that are perfect for every occasion. Here’s the scoop on recipes for leftover tri tip!

This juicy cut of meat is an au jus that is usually cut in a triangular shape, served with a creamy dressing, and full of rich flavor.

Making it a family favorite that can be used in leftover steak recipes or other delicious ways.

Whether you’re looking to repurpose last night’s barbeque with your leftover tips or want to cook up a quick weeknight dinner, a variety of tri-tip recipes are great options that can help you transform this lean, flavorful cut of roast beef into versatile and satisfying dishes.

We’ve got the scoop on a selection of mouthwatering recipes that are perfect for putting leftover tri-tip to good use and for the best results.

From hearty tri-tip sandwiches to warm and comforting stroganoff steaming in a large pot, you’ll find plenty of options for using a tri tip steak that caters to different tastes and preferences.

These dishes are not only easy to prepare, but they also offer a unique and delectable twist on traditional tri-tip meals.

Get ready to expand your culinary repertoire and impress your loved ones with these fantastic tri-tip recipes.

Keep reading to find out how you can make the most out of your leftover tri-tip, and create full recipe meals that are delicious, satisfying, and perfect for sharing no matter your personal preference.

Have fun finding the best recipe for you!

Reheating Leftover Tri Tip

cutting tri tip on a wooden cutting board

Oven Reheating

Before working with this piece of meat and creating awesome meals with your new recipes, it’s important how to reheat these thin slices.

To reheat your leftover tri-tip in the oven, follow these steps:

Preheat the oven to 250°F and prepare a baking pan with water. Place the pan on a lower rack in the oven.
Place your tri-tip on an aluminum foil sheet, ensuring it is wrapped securely to retain moisture.
Place the wrapped tri-tip on a roasting rack in the oven, above the pan of water.
Allow the tri-tip to reheat for approximately 30-45 minutes. The exact time may depend on the size and thickness of the meat.

Remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure the tri-tip has reached a safe internal temperature of at least 110-130°F.

Air Fryer Reheating

Alternatively, you can reheat your leftover tri-tip using an air fryer by following these steps:

Set your air fryer to 370°F.
Place the tri-tip on the frying tray inside the air fryer.
Close the air fryer and reheat the tri-tip in increments of 3 minutes.
Check the internal temperature of the meat using a thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe temperature between 110-130°F.
Once the tri-tip reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the frying tray and serve immediately.

In both methods, it is crucial to monitor the temperature of your leftover tri-tip to maintain its flavor and quality while ensuring it is safe to consume.

As a reminder, keeping the tri-tip steak in high heat might cause it to become tough, while a low heat might not be completely safe to eat.

Versatile Leftover Tri-Tip Recipes

tri tip steak with garnish on a wooden plate

When it comes to repurposing your leftover tri-tip, creativity goes a long way in transforming it into delicious and satisfying meals for next time.

You can take different directions with how you cook and what recipes you would like to use.

Consider these breakfast and lunch and dinner ideas, designed to help you get the most out of your leftover beef.

Breakfast Ideas

Tri-Tip Breakfast Hash:

Give your usual breakfast hash a tri-tip twist with the following ingredients:

Chopped leftover tri-tip such as the bottom sirloin tip
Diced potatoes
Chopped onions like red onion
Bell peppers such as red peppers
Mushrooms
Salt and black pepper to taste

Simply sauté the ingredients in a sauce pan and serve with a side of eggs for a delicious and filling breakfast.

This complete meal makes for a quick and easy recipe and is a great way to use up the remaining ingredients you have in your kitchen.

Beef Fried Rice:

If you’re in the mood for an Asian-inspired breakfast, then whip up a tasty beef fried rice into a stir fry :

Cold, cooked rice or hot wide noodles
Chopped leftover tri-tip
Mixed vegetables (such as peas, corn, and carrots)
Eggs
Soy sauce
Green onions, thinly sliced

Cook the ingredients together in a skillet and serve as a standalone breakfast or alongside other morning favorites.

Lunch and Dinner Ideas

cut open tri tip with sides on a black plate

Tri-Tip Chili:

Transform your leftover tri-tip into a comforting bowl of chili:

Diced leftover tri-tip
Canned tomatoes or tomato sauce
Beans (your choice, like kidney or black beans)
Chili powder and spices
Chopped onions and bell peppers

Simply simmer the ingredients together on a stove top, adjusting the seasonings to your taste.

Steak Salad Sandwich:

Give your steak sandwich and your overall tri-tip sandwich recipe a tasty upgrade by adding leftover tri-tip to your favorite salad mix:

Thinly sliced leftover tri-tip
Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber
Your choice of dressing and condiments
Sliced bread or a crusty roll
Add BBQ sauce or melty cheese for more flavor

Simply pile the ingredients on your bread or roll, and enjoy a satisfying lunch or weeknight dinner.

Fajitas or Tacos:

Spice up your next dinner by turning your leftover tri-tip into delicious fajitas or tacos:

Sliced leftover tri-tip (cut up like skirt steak or pork steak)
Sliced bell peppers and onions
Fajita or taco seasoning
Flour tortillas or shells

Sauté your tri-tip, peppers, and onions with the seasoning, then serve with warm tortillas or taco shells, along with any desired toppings.

With these versatile recipes, you can turn your leftover tri-tip into mouthwatering meals for any time of the day.

In a hurry? Luckily, the good news is that these recipes only take a little bit of your time.

Prepare for the next day the better way in just 3-5 minutes with these breakfast, lunch, and dinner ideas.

Incorporating Leftover Tri Tip Into Sandwiches And Wraps

Grilled Cheese and Tri-Tip Sandwich

Transform your leftover tri-tip into a mouthwatering grilled cheese sandwich.

Start by slicing your triangle roasts thinly and set it aside.

In a pan, lay a slice of bread topped with your choice of cheese like Swiss or cheddar.

Add the tri-tip slices and cover with another slice of bread.

Cook both sides until your sandwich is crispy and the cheese has melted.

Feel free to add tomatoes and onions for extra flavor and texture.

You can also get creative with the bread and use alternatives such as garlic bread.

Tri Tip Quesadillas

Create delicious tri-tip quesadillas with only a few simple ingredients from your grocery stores. You’ll need:

Tortillas
Thinly sliced leftover tri-tip
A mix of Asadero and Monterey Jack cheese
Grilled peppers and onions

Place a tortilla in a pan, and layer the cheese, tri-tip, and grilled veggies on one half.

Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is slightly crispy.

Serve with salsa and sour cream.

Tri Tip Tacos

Spice up your taco night with leftover tri-tip.

Use a dry rub on the tri-tip, adding a bit of olive oil to help the flavors soak in.

Build your tacos with the seasoned tri-tip, pickled red onions, and your choice of herby, mildly spicy chimichurri sauce.

Feel free to customize your tacos with other favorite toppings like lettuce, cheese, or tomato.

Tri-Tip Sandwich

A classic tri-tip sandwich is another great option.

To make this sandwich, thinly slice the leftover tri-tip roast and place about 4 ounces on the bottom half of a bun.

Make sure to add some barbecue sauce, pickled red onions, lettuce, and sliced cheese to enhance the flavor.

You can even toast the bun for extra crispiness.

Enjoy your delicious tri-tip sandwich!

If you want to get even more creative, cover your tri tip roast in purpose flour and fry it up for any of these recipes.

Turn Leftover Tri Tip Into Hearty Meals

Beef Stroganoff

Transform your leftover tri-tip into a delicious and comforting Beef Stroganoff.

Simply slice the tri-tip into thin strips and sauté with onions and garlic.

Add mushrooms, cook until tender, then mix in a creamy sauce made from beef broth, sour cream, and a touch of Dijon mustard.

Serve your Beef Stroganoff over egg noodles or rice for a filling meal that will satisfy your taste buds.

Tri Tip Nachos

For a fun and tasty snack or meal, create Tri Tip Nachos.

Start by cutting your leftover tri-tip into bite-sized pieces and place them on top of a bed of tortilla chips.

Load up your nachos with your choice of toppings, such as:

Black beans
Jalapeños
Diced tomatoes
Sliced olives
Green onions
Shredded cheese

Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and serve with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

Your Tri Tip Nachos will be a hit at any gathering or for a simple family dinner.

Shepherd’s Pie

Use your leftover tri-tip in a classic comfort food, Shepherd’s Pie. Dice the tri-tip and sauté with onions, carrots, and peas in a skillet.

Stir in a simple gravy made from beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce.

Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and top with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes.

Bake until golden and enjoy a robust and satisfying meal.

Mac And Cheese With Tri Tip

Elevate your classic mac and cheese by adding tender pieces of leftover tri-tip.

Prepare your favorite mac and cheese recipe, whether it’s a creamy stovetop version or baked with a crispy breadcrumb topping.

When it’s nearly cooked, mix in bite-sized pieces of tri-tip, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dish.

The combination of savory meat and rich, cheesy pasta makes Mac And Cheese With Tri Tip a comfort food favorite that your whole family will love.

Ideas For Cooking With Leftover Tri Tip

Grilling

One way to repurpose your leftover tri-tip is by grilling it.

Grilled tri-tip can give your dish that fresh-cooked flavor and slightly crispy texture, without overcooking the meat.

Here are some ideas for grilling leftover tri-tip:

Grilled Tri-Tip Sandwiches: Thinly slice your leftover tri-tip and place it on your grill. Add your favorite barbecue sauce, pepper, and onions for a flavorful, juicy sandwich.
Tri-Tip Tacos: Cube the leftover tri-tip and grill it briefly, allowing the edges to sear. Combine with taco seasoning, grilled onions, and bell peppers, and serve it in soft tortillas for a delicious twist on classic tacos.

Roasting

Roasting is another great option for using your leftover tri-tip.

The gentle heat of the oven allows the flavors to meld together in a mouth-watering manner without drying out the meat.

Here are a couple of ideas for roasting your leftover tri-tip:

Tri Tip Hash: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Dice your leftover tri-tip and combine it with potatoes, onions, and bell peppers. Spread the mixture evenly in a baking dish and roast until the vegetables are tender, creating a tasty breakfast or dinner hash.
Smoked Tri Tip Mac and Cheese: Combine sliced leftover tri-tip with creamy mac and cheese and place it in a baking dish. Bake the dish in the oven at 350°F until the cheese is bubbly, creating a delicious main course or side dish.

Slow Cooking

Slow-cooking your leftover tri-tip can transform it into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth meal that’s perfect for a chilly day, or to let you make the most of your time by cooking it while you go about your day.

Here are some slow cooker ideas for your leftover tri-tip:

Tri Tip Stew: Combine your cubed leftover tri-tip with potatoes, carrots, onions, and beef broth in your slow cooker. Cook the stew on low for 6-8 hours. The result is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for winter nights.
Tri Tip Chili: In your slow cooker, mix together the diced leftover tri-tip with ground beef, minced garlic, chili powder, and canned tomatoes. Cook the chili on low for 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together for a delicious meal.

Remember to use a confident, knowledgeable, neutral, and clear tone of voice throughout your cooking process, and enjoy the variety of dishes you can create from your leftover tri-tip.

Smart Storage Tips For Leftover Tri Tip

tri tip on a wooden cutting board with garnish

Storing leftover tri-tip properly is crucial to maintaining its flavor, texture, and quality for your future meals.

Here are a few practical tips to help you store your leftover tri-tip in the best way possible:

Fridge storage

If you plan to consume your leftover tri-tip within a few days, store it in the refrigerator.

Keep the meat in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent exposure to air, which can cause the meat to dry out.

Freezer storage

For longer storage, wrap each piece of leftover tri-tip individually in freezer paper.

This helps to preserve the meat’s quality and makes it easier to thaw only the portions you need.

Then, place the wrapped pieces into a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing. Properly stored beef can last up to two months in the freezer.

Meal prep

If you have specific recipes in mind for your leftover tri-tip, consider portioning and prepping the meat before freezing.

For example, slice the meat for sandwiches and sandwiches, and separate them in the freezer.

Meal Idea	Preparation Before Freezing
Tri-tip chili	Cube the leftover meat
Tri-tip sandwiches	Slice the meat and arrange portions
Tri-tip salad	Shred or thinly slice the meat
Tri-tip stew	Cube the meat and freeze it with veggies

Barbecue sauce

If you’re storing leftover tri-tip that’s already cooked in barbecue sauce, you can store it in the fridge or freezer as is.

Just make sure to use airtight containers to avoid cross-contamination and to maintain the quality of the sauce.

Remember to always label and date your containers or bags before storing them, so you can easily track how long they’ve been stored and ensure you’re using the freshest ingredients in your future meals.

By following these smart storage tips, you’ll make the most of your leftover tri-tip and enjoy delicious dishes whenever you desire.

Bonus Recipes Using Tri-Tip Leftovers

cutting block filled with tri tip steak and french fries

Leftover Tri-Tip Chili

Transform your leftover tri-tip into a hearty and delicious chili.

Start by sautéing diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic in a pot.

Add your chopped leftover tri-tip, a can of tomatoes, some cooked or canned beans, and your favorite chili spices like cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Cook everything over medium heat until the flavors meld, and serve with a dollop of sour cream, grated cheese, and freshly chopped cilantro.

Leftover Beef Fried Rice

Turn your tri-tip leftovers into satisfying beef-fried rice.

Begin by scrambling eggs in a wok or large skillet.

Set the eggs aside and then sautée diced onions, carrots, peas, and sliced green onions with some vegetable oil.

Add cooked rice and a generous amount of soy sauce, stirring frequently.

Incorporate diced tri-tip and the scrambled eggs, and cook everything together for a few minutes.

Serve hot, garnished with more green onions.

Tri-Tip Fajitas

close up of tri tip steak with garnish on top

Create delicious tri-tip fajitas with your leftover tri-tip by thinly slicing the meat and sautéing it with sliced onions, bell peppers, and a sprinkle of your favorite fajita seasoning.

Feel free to customize your spice blend with ingredients like cumin, chili powder, and oregano.

Warm up some tortillas and fill them up with the tri-tip mixture.

Top with sliced avocado, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime for a tasty meal.

Steak Salad With Berries, Avocado, And Goddess Dressing

Put together a refreshing and colorful steak salad using leftover tri-tip.

Slice the tri-tip into thin pieces and arrange them over your choice of mixed greens.

Add a variety of fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries along with slices of avocado.

Drizzle your favorite goddess dressing over the salad and dig in!

This dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor, making it a delicious and nutritious option.

Garden Tri-Tip Crostini

Adorn crostini with tender leftover tri-tip for an elegant appetizer or light meal.

Start by toasting some French baguette or ciabatta slices in the oven until they’re crisp.

Spread a thin layer of herbed goat cheese, cream cheese, or hummus on each toasted slice.

Add a leafy green like arugula or spinach, followed by a piece of thinly sliced tri-tip.

Complete your crostini with a cherry tomato half, some thin cucumber slices, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley.

Enjoy these garden tri-tip crostini as a delightful way to use up your meat leftovers.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to recipes for leftover tri-tip, there are numerous delicious options that can transform your leftovers into a mouthwatering meal.

One popular approach, inspired by the Santa Maria style of cooking, is to incorporate the rich flavors of brown sugar and cabernet sauvignon.

By simmering the leftover tri-tip in a mixture of boiling water, brown sugar, and cabernet sauvignon, you can infuse the meat with a delectable sweetness and a hint of wine.

This technique not only adds depth to the flavor profile but also helps to tenderize the meat.

Whether you choose to slice the tri-tip and serve it alongside roasted vegetables or incorporate it into a hearty stew, these recipes allow you to make the most of your leftover tri-tip, ensuring that no deliciousness goes to waste.