31 Best Leftover Brisket Recipes (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (2024)

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Got a bunch of leftover beef brisket and are not sure what to do with it? These leftover brisket recipes offer creative ways to use your leftovers.

What’s better than a delicious piece of meat that’s just falling off the bone? When you have too much of it!

Anytime I make a brisket, I spend more time thinking about the leftovers. It’s such a versatile dish, so the leftover meat can be used in unlimited ways!

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What to Do with Leftover Brisket?

The best part about leftover brisket is that you can turn it into breakfast, lunch, or dinner very quickly.

Whip up these quick and easy recipes to impress your family the very next day, without the extra time needed. Trust me. There’s a recipe on this list for anybody and everybody.

Check out these inventive ways you can use brisket to put a delicious spin on some old favorites.

31 Best Leftover Brisket Recipes (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (1)

Brisket Breakfast

Did someone say breakfast? It is the most important meal of the day, after all.

You might not think brisket fits into this morning-time meal, but it’s actually the perfect thing to wake you up. You’ll be ready for anything the day holds!

I’ve got a couple of suggestions that will have you reaching for that frying pan in no time.

1. Breakfast Skillet

31 Best Leftover Brisket Recipes (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (2)

Source:learningtosmoke.com

Whipping up a hearty breakfast to prepare for a big day? This cast iron skillet is bursting with enough flavor and protein to do the job.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get rid of brisket leftovers in your fridge.

Love this recipe? You might enjoy these high calorie breakfast ideas!

2. Leftover Brisket Hash

31 Best Leftover Brisket Recipes (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (3)

Source:runningtothekitchen.com

If you’re looking for a more colorful breakfast option, this twist on a breakfast hash is to die for.

Your leftover brisket is the perfect topper to this treat for the eyes (and the tastebuds). Sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and pinto beans combine to make a hearty and nutritious first meal.

Brisket Lunch

If you’re not already salivating at the idea of brisket for lunch, allow me to offer some amazing ways to transform your brisket. These delicious recipes are guaranteed to satisfy, no matter who’s eating.

Whether your kids are clamoring for something tasty or you need a quick work lunch to get through those meetings, I’ve got you covered.

3. BBQ Brisket Hash

31 Best Leftover Brisket Recipes (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (4)

Source:freshaprilflours.com

Take the traditional brisket hash and give it a vegetable-based spin.

These earthy flavors will bring out the juices in your leftover meat. It will be more tender and delicious than ever!

This recipe is a good idea when you want to feed the whole family when you have way too much brisket at home!

4. BBQ White Queso Nachos

31 Best Leftover Brisket Recipes (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (5)

Source:fantabulosity.com

Made the brisket for a party the night before and still have some guests floating around? Lay out a table of these ingredients for a make-your-own-nachos bar!

Minimal hassle and maximum payoff, you won’t regret putting this sensational spin on your brisket.

5. Grilled Cheese

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Source:kitchenlaughter.com

We’ve all had a good grilled cheese sandwich.

This recipe will neatly take the top spot in your grilled cheese repertoire, trust me. Oozing, melting cheese with tender brisket is a mouth-watering combination.

Make sure to leave that bread toasting long enough to get a nice crunch.

6. Smoked Brisket Sandwich

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Source:xoxobella.com

Here’s a crunchy, zesty Sandwich to knock your socks off.

The pickled red onions on this sandwich are so easy to make! Combined with crunchy pickle and spicy jalapeno (and fried onions if you’re fancy), this sandwich is bursting with juicy flavor.

Serve it up with some delicious home fries or just as is.

7. Brisket Nachos

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Source:runningtothekitchen.com

The colorful array of vegetables covering this high-protein lunch makes it a sight for sore eyes. The sweetness of the corn and the hearty pinto beans add an earthiness that’s out of this world!

A quick squeeze of lime will add a zesty punch to elevate the meaty brisket and sweet corn.

8. Stuffed Zucchini Boats

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Source:theketoqueens.com

Zucchini is such a versatile vegetable.

In this recipe, the vegetable serves as the perfect base for a cheesy, meaty, utterly delicious topping. Not to mention, this features a low-carb BBQ sauce that will melt in your mouth.

The zucchini blends beautifully with the tasty stuff on top.

9. Beef Sandwich

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Source:mooshujenne.com

If your brisket has been sitting in the fridge for a little while, try mixing it with your favorite BBQ sauce before putting it on the sandwich.

Serve it up on a crunchy bun, pickles and all. Ever tried a brioche bun for a good meat sandwich? Life changing.

10. Brisket Tacos

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Source:daisiesandpie.co.uk

The mere idea of tacos for lunch is a treat, but add brisket in there and you’ve got an absolute winner!

Go with hard shells, soft tortillas, or both depending on your preference.

The two things that have to appear in the spread? A good salsa and a lot of cheese.

11. Pastrami

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Source:learningtosmoke.com

Any sandwich recipe that calls for pastrami will be doubly improved when you use a few pieces of brisket.

If you’ve left the brisket sitting in the fridge for a couple of days, even better. The meat will hold together well enough to slice into pastrami-thin pieces, and the flavor will be even deeper.

12. Side Salad

31 Best Leftover Brisket Recipes (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (13)

Source:fantabulosity.com

The humble side salad is often overlooked on the dinner table, but not this time!

Aside from the brisket adding a hearty touch to a traditionally light meal, there’s a secret to this salad. Basil and garlic powder. Who knew?!

Those two ingredients elevate every other element of the dish.

13. Taquitos

31 Best Leftover Brisket Recipes (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (14)

Source:missinthekitchen.com

Hearty, tender, juicy brisket is packaged in these delicious rolls of bread, cheese, and spice. Whether you eat them alone or dip them in a fresh salsa, you’re in for a treat.

Super easy to whip together in thirty minutes.

14. Quesadilla

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Source:runningtothekitchen.com

These quesadillas are stuffed full of flavor, crunchy, and gooey all at the same time.

With five simple ingredients and only a pan needed, these come together so quickly!

They’re great to have in your arsenal come game day. A platter of cheesy quesadillas made with last night’s rich brisket? Gamechanger.

Brisket Dinner

For most of us, dinner is the meal that demands a little more time and energy. So it’s always a treat when we can use some leftovers to speed the process along.

After brisket has sat in your refrigerator overnight, the flavors have soaked even deeper into the meat. From there, you can build up the taste however you like.

Thanks to this incredibly versatile cut of meat, almost any dinner recipe that features meat can be reinvented with brisket. Whether solo or family-sized, take the stress out of your weeknight meals.

15. Brisket Nachos

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Source:kitchenlaughter.com

Looking for ultimate comfort food? Why not turn your very own leftover brisket into nachos?

This is a perfect meal for parties and celebrations. With a bit of cheddar cheese, extra brisket, and tomato sauce, you can create the nachos of your dreams.

16. Chili

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Source:runningtothekitchen.com

This chilli is great as a leftover dish itself, you can save any extra for your lunch the next day. Peppers and corn add a lovely sweetness.

Because this dish simmers away on the stove with the brisket inside, the meat has a chance to absorb even more flavor.

17. Mexican Brisket Soup

Source:littlesproutslearning.co

The Mexican spice medley hiding in this soup offers a warm, robust kick that ties beautifully with the brisket.

It takes less than thirty minutes to pull together, so it’s perfect for weeknights.

It serves eight people, so whip up a full batch for the family and guests, or save the leftovers.

18. Brisket Baked Potatoes

31 Best Leftover Brisket Recipes (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (19)

Source:runningtothekitchen.com

These brisket baked potatoes are the best of both worlds. The mellow flavor of the baked potato offers a delicious, starchy base for the brisket mixture to shine.

While the recipe uses spinach, onion, and tomato, you can use whatever you’d like. Try out a BBQ-inspired potato with caramelized onions and liquid smoke.

19. Brisket Tacos

31 Best Leftover Brisket Recipes (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (20)

Source:missinthekitchen.com

Your standard taco fixings will go beautifully with a leftover brisket. But you can always up the ante by refrying the brisket with a bit of cumin, cilantro, and chili powder for extra flavor.

Brighten the spread with some cilantro and charred corn to top the tacos.

20. Smoked Chilli

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Source:learningtosmoke.com

When it comes to using brisket for a smoked chilli, it’s always best to use the fatty parts.

This is a one-pot wonder you can set and forget on the stove. If you’ve got some extra root vegetables lying around that need using, you can dice them up and bulk the chilli with them easily!

21. Air Fryer Tacos

31 Best Leftover Brisket Recipes (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (22)

Source:everythingairfryer.com

If you haven’t heard of air fryer tacos, I don’t blame you, I hadn’t either. These delicious tacos are the perfect college dinner option.

Air frying the brisket gives it a wonderful crispy texture. The texture contrasts with the mellow sour cream and avocado (plus the shell) will delight your tastebuds at every turn.

22. Chile Relleno

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Source:hildaskitchenblog.com

You’ll be stuffing poblano peppers with your delicious leftover brisket. Then, you coat them in batter, fry them to golden perfection, and serve.

Pair these wonderfully crunchy peppers with salsa rojas; a tangy, sweet, rich sauce that brings out the brisket’s taste.

23. Tacos

31 Best Leftover Brisket Recipes (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (24)

Source:angrybbq.com

Tender, flaked brisket meat is combined with soft tortilla and a few spices.

I like to serve tacos with both hard shell and tortilla options. That way, everyone attending can assemble a meal that best suits their tastes. Add some guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for a party.

24. Brisket Spaghetti

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Source:missinthekitchen.com

This quick and easy weeknight college dinner blends your already-delicious brisket with tried and true Italian flavors. I’m talking peppers, pasta, and herbs.

This colorful array of vegetables will adorn a plate of pasta and brisket. Invest in a high-quality parmesan cheese to round it off with a salty tang.

25. Spicy Beef Carnitas

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Source:mooshujenne.com

Aside from the incredible flavor of these carnitas, this meal is pulled together in five minutes.

Brighten your spread with lime and cilantro to tone down spice.

Take this one step further by reheating the brisket in a pan with some broth, cumin, and paprika. These spices will soak into the tender meat.

26. Smoked Brisket & Beer Queso

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Source:kitchenlaughter.com

Queso – already the ultimate dip – has just gotten a makeover!

The combination of smoky brisket with creamy jack cheese and spicy jalapeno creates a flavor sensation like no other.

Serve with nachos, over fries, or even with a vegetable spread.

27. Twice Baked Potatoes

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Source:kitchenlaughter.com

When making twice-baked potatoes, always make sure to spring for some big gorgeous russets. The skin roasts so crispy while the insides go nice and soft.

Set and forget the potatoes to bake in the oven. Once done, all you have to do is assemble your ingredients and serve this cheesy, meaty perfection!

28. Fried Rice

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Source:missinthekitchen.com

When shredded, brisket is the ideal addition to fried rice thanks to its flaky texture. It blends beautifully with the fluffy rice and crunch vegetables to create a medley of luscious flavor.

Sprinkle a bunch of cilantro on the finished result – or even sambal for an extra kick.

29. Brisket & Gravy Dinner

31 Best Leftover Brisket Recipes (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (30)

Source:daisiesandpie.co.uk

There’s a lot to be said for celebrating brisket exactly as it is.

Whip up some mashed potatoes, some gravy, and even some Yorkshire pudding if you’re feeling frisky. This will bring your brisket back to life for a quick version of the Sunday roast.

30. Spicy & Sweet Habanero Pineapple Burnt Ends

31 Best Leftover Brisket Recipes (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (31)

Source:hildaskitchenblog.com

Spicy, sweet, and savory; you just can’t put these down.

This chutney comes together nice and quick, requiring only a few ingredients. The best part is, you can easily make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge, ready to use whenever you want it.

31. Guinness Brisket Baked Beans

31 Best Leftover Brisket Recipes (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (32)

Source:kitchenlaughter.com

These brisket baked beans only need about 15 minutes to make them, start to finish.

Bursting with juicy, meaty, tomatoey flavor, these baked beans fit beautifully into any dish. Make them ahead of time and store, or make them fresh to serve up with your next big breakfast.

31 Best Leftover Brisket Recipes (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (33)

31 Leftover Brisket Recipes Anyone Can Make

Have some leftover brisket from barbecue? Make these Leftover Brisket Recipes and have enough food for breakfast, lunch, and even dinner.

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Recipe Roundup

Cuisine American

Servings 4 -6

Ingredients

  • 1. Breakfast Skillet
  • 2. Brisket Hash
  • 3. BBQ Brisket Hash
  • 4. BBQ White Queso Nachos
  • 5. Grilled Cheese
  • 6. Smoked Brisket Sandwich
  • 7. Brisket Nachos
  • 8. Stuffed Zucchini Boats
  • 9. Beef Sandwich
  • 10. Brisket Tacos
  • 11. Pastrami
  • 12. Side Salad
  • 13. Taquitos
  • 14. Quesadilla
  • 15. Brisket Nachos
  • 16. Chili
  • 17. Mexican Brisket Soup
  • 18. Brisket Baked Potatoes
  • 19. Brisket Tacos
  • 20. Smoked Chilli
  • 21. Air Fryer Tacos
  • 22. Chile Relleno
  • 23. Tacos
  • 24. Brisket Spaghetti
  • 25. Spicy Beef Carnitas
  • 26. Smoked Brisket & Beer Queso
  • 27. Twice Baked Potatoes
  • 28. Fried Rice
  • 29. Brisket & Gravy Dinner
  • 30. Spicy & Sweet Habanero Pineapple Burnt Ends
  • 31. Guinness Brisket Baked Beans

Instructions

  • Scroll up to get a bunch of easy, yummy, and delicious recipes. Don't be afraid to get creative with the ingredients, you might discover a flavor you didn't know you liked.

  • Get your shopping list going and make sure you've got all the ingredients.

  • Get cooking and make your next Leftover Brisket Recipe!

Notes

Which one of these recipes was your favorite? Let me know in the comment section or on Pinterest!

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below with your rating! I love the feedback and respond to every comment!

31 Best Leftover Brisket Recipes (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (2024)

FAQs

What can I do with leftover tough brisket? ›

If your leftover brisket seems a bit dry, never fear. It can still be revived and no one will be the wiser. To moisten the meat, give it a marinade in some warm beef broth, and make sure to add broth when reheating. Another option is to use the meat in dishes where it can soak up a rich sauce.

What is the secret to brisket? ›

These are our top 10 tips for cooking the best brisket possible.
  • Start with a good brisket. ...
  • Trim it into a nice shape. ...
  • Season it simply. ...
  • Maintain an even heat. ...
  • Look for color changing. ...
  • Wrap it at the right time. ...
  • Wrap it in a foil boat. ...
  • Pull it off when it's tender.
Mar 22, 2021

How do you make dry brisket moist again? ›

Reheat it in a moist environment: One of the easiest ways to soften a dry brisket is to reheat it in a moist environment. You can do this by placing the brisket in a covered dish with a small amount of beef broth, water, or tomato sauce. Cover the dish with foil and bake it in the oven until it is heated through.

How do you reheat brisket to make it tender? ›

Cube the brisket, spritz with some apple juice in AL pan, add a few dollops of BBQ then heat in 300 F oven for 90-120 mins until hot and tender.

What not to do with brisket? ›

12 Brisket Mistakes Everyone Should Avoid
  1. Cooking at the Wrong Temperature. ...
  2. Using the Wrong Rub. ...
  3. Not Allowing (More Than) Enough Time to Smoke. ...
  4. Not Letting Brisket Rest Long Enough. ...
  5. Making Too Many Changes Between Cooks. ...
  6. Only Looking at Time and Temperature Before Wrapping. ...
  7. Spraying the Fat. ...
  8. Over or Under Smoking the Meat.

What is the best way to reheat brisket without drying it out? ›

Drizzle the meat with some of the original cooking liquid or a little beef broth, then cover the dish tightly with foil. Heat until the brisket is warmed through (cooking times will vary depending on whether your brisket is sliced or whole).

Is it better to reheat brisket sliced or whole? ›

Reheating the brisket whole, and then slicing it when it's time to serve helps keep the brisket from drying out.

How many days is leftover brisket good for? ›

USDA recommends using cooked beef within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. USDA recommends using cooked leftovers within 3 to 4 days.

What is the 3 2 1 rule for brisket? ›

The Texas Crutch doesn't exclusively refer to brisket. You can use the technique with any meat. The popular 3-2-1 method of cooking ribs uses the Texas crutch. The numbers simply refer to 3 hours in the smoker unwrapped, then 2 hours wrapped in foil, with the final hour unwrapped at a slightly higher temperature.

What cut of meat is a poor man's brisket? ›

“Poor Man's Brisket” AKA: Smoked Chuck Roast.

What makes a brisket more tender? ›

The type of connective tissue in brisket is called collagen. Cook the meat quickly and you get tough, dry meat. Cook a brisket slowly, with some liquid, and the collagen turns into gelatin. A tender and moist brisket is the result.

Why did my brisket turn out tough and dry? ›

If it doesn't cook long enough the fibres don't break down so it is tough and dry. If cooked to long the fibres are completely broken down and juices released and gone so the brisket is dry and crumbly.

What can I spray on brisket to keep it moist? ›

7 Options of Liquids to Use for Spritzing Brisket:
  1. Apple Cider Vinegar. This is one of the most commonly used liquids for a brisket spritz, especially for Carolina-style barbecue. ...
  2. Apple Juice. Apple juice is another popular spritz option. ...
  3. Beer. ...
  4. Beef Broth. ...
  5. Melted Butter. ...
  6. Worcestershire Sauce. ...
  7. Plain Water.
Oct 12, 2022

Can you eat cooked brisket cold? ›

You may eat brisket cold, lukewarm, or hot … if it has been first cooked to an internal temperature of 180°F or 82°C.

Can you tenderize brisket after it has been cooked? ›

When the meat has cooled, cut off the fatty top layer. Slice the brisket into 1/4-inch-thick slices and put the slices into a roasting pan. Cover the sliced meat with the defatted cooking liquid and reheat slowly. All the fat is gone and the meat is tender and juicy.

Does brisket get more tender the longer you cook it? ›

The temperature of the meat begins to rise again -- which you want because brisket gets more tender the longer you cook it.

Can overcooked brisket be saved? ›

Unfortunately, it's impossible to put the fat and moisture back into your meat. All you can do is add things that will surround or encapsulate the beef and, by extension, make it taste more succulent. You won't be able to save your roast as an actual roast, but you will be able to turn your beef into something else.

Why is my brisket tough and dry? ›

It's more likely that a dry brisket is overcooked, rather than under, but the dryness can also be the result of improper seasoning or particularly low fat marbling. Not to mention, brisket usually is cooked to like, 180ºF, so overcooking it takes quite a bit of effort/negligence.

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