33 Best Leftover Ribs Recipes To Enjoy Today

If you’ve ever found yourself with a surplus of ribs after a BBQ party, you’re not alone. The thrill of a backyard bash can quickly turn into the stress of dealing with leftover food. But fear not, dear reader!

With a little creativity, those scraps can be transformed into something even more delectable than the original dinner.

Whether you’ve got cooked or raw rib trimmings, this article is here to guide you through some go-to recipes that’ll breathe new life into your leftovers.

Reheat Ribs in Air Fryer


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To revive tender and flavorful ribs, you can follow this simple recipe that covers multiple reheating methods. The ultimate method is using an Air Fryer, which ensures optimal results. However, if you don’t have one at your disposal, you can still achieve great outcomes by reheatening the ribs in a microwave, conventional oven or a skillet.

Barbecue Pork Rib Tacos with Honey Lime Slaw


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Indulge in a flavorful twist on traditional ribs with this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. The smoky goodness is perfectly complemented by a medley of crunchy vegetables, including cabbages, beans, and carrots, making it an ideal choice for casual gatherings or game-night festivities.

Leftover Prime Rib Fried Rice


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Transforming BBQ leftovers into a delectable meal is a culinary challenge many of us face. This recipe breathes new life into leftover ribs, providing a protein-packed and fiber-rich solution that will leave you feeling satisfied in no time. The simplicity of ingredients – eggs, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and green onions – belies the incredible flavor and satisfaction this dish brings, making it one of my personal favorites.

Creamy Prime Rib Pasta


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Transforming your beloved smoky ribs into a satisfying pasta dish has never been easier! By adding just a few simple ingredients – namely sautéed mushrooms, parmesan cheese, and heavy cream – you’ll create a rich, creamy, and protein-packed meal that’s sure to become a new favorite. This comforting dish makes for an excellent Sunday dinner idea, perfect for cozying up with family and friends.

Shredded BBQ Beef


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One approach to preparing the rib mixture is to use larger quantities of shredded ribs. Alternatively, you can also process the meat using a food processor as recommended by the recipe. Regardless of your chosen method, the result is a deliciously saucy concoction that will elevate your sandwich game.

Braised Beef Short Rib


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As the tender fall-off-the-bone ribs are carefully pulled apart and shredded into bite-sized pieces, they’re transformed into a delicious filling for cheesy quesadillas. Adding a fresh and tangy pico de gallo to the mix takes this recipe to the next level. When it comes to cheese, white cheddar is the star of the show, but feel free to substitute with mozzarella or sharp cheddar for added depth of flavor. This crowd-pleasing combination makes it an ideal choice for birthday parties and other gatherings where you want to wow your guests.

Prime Rib Sandwich


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Transforming leftover prime ribs into a mouth-watering masterpiece is easier than you think. A clever solution to this common culinary conundrum is the prime rib sandwich, where tender shreds of prime rib are paired with crispy hoagie rolls and elevated by sautéed onions and melted provolone cheese. The combination is nothing short of divine.

Instant Pot Leftover Prime Rib Soup


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At its core, this hearty soup boasts an impressive array of ingredients. The medley includes tender tomatoes, potatoes, zucchini, peas, corn, carrots, and beans, all expertly blended with a rich broth that’s sure to quench even the most enthusiastic slurpers. What’s more, the recipe has been carefully crafted for preparation in the Instant Pot, making it an ideal solution for anyone seeking comfort food during a time of illness or convalescence.

Pork Rib Soup


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While spare ribs take center stage in this recipe, the supporting cast of characters includes white beans, celeriac, carrots, peppers, and tomato paste. The combination creates a richly flavored and satisfying soup that makes perfect use of your leftover ribs. Serve it with a crusty loaf on the side and you’ll be hard-pressed to keep everyone from asking for seconds.

Pork Carnitas


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This recipe is characterized by its slow-cooked richness, derived from a harmonious blend of caramelized onions, subtle bay leaves, and the brightness of citrus flavors. To begin, combine all ingredients except for the meat in a pot and simmer them together for approximately 10 minutes before introducing your tender shredded ribs to the mixture. For an added layer of authenticity, consider pairing this dish with traditional Mexican bread recipes, perfectly complementing the bold flavors of carnitas.

Pork Ribs and Cabbage Casserole


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Transforming spare rib cuts into a mouthwatering meal is easier than you think. This recipe showcases the versatility of these often-overlooked ingredients, turning them into a satisfying and nutritious dinner option. By combining tender ribs with sweet cabbages and rich tomato sauce, then baking until golden brown, even those who aren’t typically cabbage enthusiasts will be won over by this delightful dish.

Pork Bone Broth


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To create a mouthwatering bone broth, preheat your oven to the perfect roasting temperature. Place ribs on a baking tray alongside carrots, onions, garlic, and celery, ensuring they’re evenly spaced for optimal browning. Allow them to roast for 40 minutes, allowing the natural sweetness of the vegetables to meld with the savory flavor of the bones. Once roasted, transfer the mixture to your Slow Cooker and add a splash of vinegar, water, and peppercorns. Let the slow cooker do its magic, simmering the broth for an extended period to extract all the rich flavors and nutrients from the ingredients.

Instant Pot Bak Kut Teh


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This comforting recipe, featuring tender ribs, savory garlic, earthy shiitake mushrooms, protein-rich tofu, and a hint of spicy chilis, is a masterclass in Instant Pot cooking. The result is a satisfyingly hearty dish that’s packed with nourishing liquid to leave you feeling cozy and content. It’s the perfect solution for a chilly workday when all you want is a warm, comforting bowl of goodness.

Italian Meat Sauce with Country Ribs


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Culinary fusion is at the heart of this mouthwatering recipe, which combines the richness of canned tomatoes, pungency of garlic, sweetness of basil, and savory flavor of onions to create a delectable sauce that elevates any Italian dish. This flavorful concoction is particularly well-suited for smothering pasta, bringing an unparalleled level of comfort and satisfaction to your meal.

BBQ Rib Potato Salad

When it comes to repurposing barbecue leftovers, this potato salad is the perfect solution. Imagine combining tender, smoky ribs with creamy egg yolks, diced potatoes, and tangy pickles, all bound together by a rich mayo and mustard dressing that complements the bold flavors of your barbecue.

Prime Rib Chili


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If you’re a fan of prime ribs, you might be surprised to learn that it’s just as delicious in chili form. In this recipe, we’re using leftover prime ribs to create a hearty and filling dish that’s perfect for serving with some crusty cornbread on the side. What’s more, this recipe is surprisingly versatile – feel free to substitute the prime ribs with leftover beef tenderloin for a different twist. With its rich flavor profile, courtesy of the combination of prime ribs, tomatoes, and two types of beans, this chili is sure to become a staple in your household.

BBQ Spaghetti


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Imagine a dish that combines the comforting warmth of spaghetti with the rich, meaty flavor of spare ribs. If you’re a fan of meatball pasta or just love the idea of loading up your noodles with savory goodness, this recipe is a must-try. The key ingredients include a generous helping of peppers, onions, and slow-cooked spare ribs smothered in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. For anyone who loves BBQ, this dish is a veritable dream come true.

Leftover Prime Rib Tostadas


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To create tostada shells, start by preparing flour or corn tortillas. A unique twist is to shape them into cup-like containers by baking them in ramekins or muffin tins until crispy. This helps maintain their shape when filled with a variety of ingredients. For the filling, consider a combination of refried beans, shredded ribs, pico de gallo, crisp lettuce, melted shredded cheese, and a dollop of cream to add texture and flavor.

Leftover Prime Rib Phyllo Pot Pie


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This rich and comforting pot pie recipe brings together the natural sweetness of potatoes, peas, carrots, and corn, elevated by the depth of red wine and broth. As you savor each bite, consider pairing it with a glass of your favorite wine – after all, cooking is often about enjoying the fruits of your labor! If you have any leftover phyllo dough, be sure to explore our collection of easy recipes that make the most of this versatile pastry.

Leftover Prime Rib Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich


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If you’re left with prime ribs that haven’t been devoured, consider repurposing them into a mouthwatering sandwich. Thinly slice the leftover meat and pair it with caramelized onions, bell peppers, and an abundance of melted cheese. To elevate the dish further, opt for a crusty hoagie or torpedo roll as your foundation. When it comes to the cheeses, provolone and American will meld together in perfect harmony, creating a gooey, stringy delight.

Prime Rib Casserole


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Penne pasta takes center stage in this delectable casserole, smothered in a rich and creamy sauce. To add depth of flavor, tender chunks of leftover rib are incorporated into the dish, along with an abundance of melted cheese. For those who aren’t fond of baked pasta, fear not – the cheesy sauce and meat combination is sure to please, whether served as is or accompanied by a crunchy breadcrumb topping.

Leftover Prime Rib and Barley Soup


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The dish in question boasts a medley of leftover prime ribs, earthy cremini mushrooms, and a generous serving of diced vegetables. The barley adds a satisfying depth to the mixture. While the ingredients may appear overwhelming at first glance, rest assured that this recipe is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. Moreover, the flavors meld together harmoniously, providing a delightful culinary experience that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also provides nourishment after just one bite.

Prime Rib Stew


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By utilizing both the bones and shredded meat from leftover ribs, this hearty stew is a creative way to repurpose your post-barbecue bounty. The addition of au jus sauce is a no-brainer, as it’s hard to imagine enjoying ribs without that rich, savory flavor. Beyond these rib-centric components, the recipe leans on familiar stew ingredients like potatoes, carrots, onions, and beef bouillon for added depth. A splash of red wine provides a subtle yet significant boost to the overall flavor profile.

Breakfast Hash with Leftover Ribs


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Indulge in a culinary delight by combining yesterday’s ribs with breakfast for a game-changing morning meal. Imagine cubes of potatoes, crispy bacon, sautéed onions, scrambled eggs, tender shredded beef, and melted cheese all harmonizing together – a filling and satisfying start to the day that will leave you craving more.

BBQ Pork with Cheesy Grits


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Indulge in tender, slow-cooked BBQ shredded chicken, smothered in a rich and tangy barbecue sauce. Serve it atop creamy grits, infused with the comforting warmth of butter and cheese. As you take your first bite, the harmonious union of flavors and textures will leave you craving more – no convincing needed!

BBQ Pork Sandwich


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Indulge in the unapologetic comfort of a mouthwatering barbecue rib sandwich. The tender, fall-off-the-bone pork is smothered in sweet, caramelized onions and melted cheese, all nestled between two soft, white buns. This satisfying treat not only hits all your fast-food cravings but also cleverly repurposes leftover pork ribs into a scrumptious meal. Plus, if you have other leftover barbecue meats lying around, feel free to get creative and swap them in for an equally tasty twist on this beloved sandwich.

Cheesy Smoked Rib Quesadillas


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This recipe is designed to utilize leftover shredded rib meat, combining it with a rich blend of cheese, refried beans, jalapenos, and caramelized onions. The resulting flavor profile is bold, spicy, cheesy, and indulgently meaty. When served alongside a dollop of cooling sour cream or yogurt, this comforting dish becomes truly irresistible.

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