10+ Leftover Steak Recipes to Transform Your Dinner Tonight

Leftover steak really can save the day when you want a quick meal but don’t want to start from scratch. Maybe you’re staring at that container in the fridge, wondering how to make it exciting again.

Using leftover steak in new recipes saves time and keeps food from going to waste. Plus, you get another delicious meal out of it.

There’s actually a bunch of easy, creative ways to turn leftover steak into something new. Some are quick, some a bit more hearty, but all of them give those leftovers a second life.

With just a little effort, your steak can feel fresh and exciting again.

1) Steak and Eggs Scramble

Got some leftover steak? Try a steak and eggs scramble—it’s fast, filling, and honestly just hits the spot.

Just slice your steak thin, then toss it in a pan with a little butter or oil.

Once it’s warmed through, pour in your beaten eggs right over the steak. Stir gently until the eggs are cooked how you like them.

This’ll take maybe 10-15 minutes, tops.

Great for breakfast, but honestly good any time you want a protein boost. Add onions or any veggies you’ve got for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• Leftover steak, thinly sliced
• 3-5 eggs
• 1 tablespoon butter or oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: sliced onions

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter or oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add sliced steak and cook for 1-2 minutes until warmed.
3. Pour in beaten eggs and stir gently.
4. Cook until eggs are set, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.

For more ideas, check out this steak and egg scramble recipe.

2) Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry is a solid way to use up steak leftovers. Slice the steak into thin strips—it’ll heat up quickly and stay tender.

Toss the steak and broccoli in a hot pan with garlic and ginger. The sauce is usually a mix of soy sauce, a pinch of sugar, and cornstarch for a little thickness.

Serve it over rice, and you’ve got a dinner that feels like takeout but comes together in about 30 minutes. Not bad for fridge odds and ends.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked steak, thinly sliced
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a bowl. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
3. Stir-fry garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
4. Add broccoli and cook 3-4 minutes until bright green.
5. Add steak strips, stir-fry 2 minutes to warm.
6. Pour sauce into pan and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes.
7. Serve hot over rice.

3) Steak Fried Rice with Veggies

Steak fried rice is a go-to when you want something fast and full of flavor. It’s got that takeout vibe but is way healthier.

Use whatever veggies you’ve got—mushrooms, zucchini, onions, whatever’s hanging around.

Start with cooked rice (leftover rice is perfect). Sauté garlic and veggies in oil, throw in diced steak and rice, then scramble in a couple eggs.

Season it with soy sauce or any stir-fry sauce you like. It comes together in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 4 oz leftover steak, diced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (mushrooms, zucchini, onions)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F/175°C).
2. Add garlic and veggies, cook until tender.
3. Stir in diced steak and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Push ingredients to the side and scramble eggs in the pan.
5. Mix scrambled eggs with the rest, then add rice.
6. Pour soy sauce over and stir everything together.
7. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, then serve warm.

4) Classic Beef Stroganoff

Classic beef stroganoff is one of those comfort foods that’s surprisingly easy with leftover steak. Slice the steak thin and let it soak up a creamy mushroom sauce.

The sauce usually has onions, garlic, mushrooms, beef broth, and sour cream. Cook it until thick, then stir in the steak just long enough to warm it up.

Serve over egg noodles or rice—whatever you’ve got. The whole thing takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

For a step-by-step, check out this leftover steak beef stroganoff recipe.

Ingredients

• 8 oz leftover steak, thinly sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Egg noodles or rice, cooked

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic; cook until soft.
3. Stir in mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir well.
5. Slowly add beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
6. Let the sauce simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
7. Stir in sour cream and heat through. Do not boil.
8. Add sliced steak and cook just until warmed, about 2 minutes.
9. Season with salt and pepper.
10. Serve over cooked egg noodles or rice.

5) Hearty Steak and Potato Stew

Steak and potato stew is the kind of meal you want when it’s cold or you just want something cozy. You get tender steak, soft potatoes, and a broth that’s full of flavor.

Carrots and onions make it even heartier. The trick is to let it simmer so everything melds together.

If you want a richer broth, use beef stock and a little steak seasoning. Garlic and fresh herbs never hurt either.

Ingredients

• Leftover steak, cubed
• Potatoes, peeled and chopped
• Carrots, sliced
• Onion, chopped
• Beef broth
• Minced garlic
• Steak seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic; cook until soft.
3. Add steak cubes and potatoes.
4. Pour in beef broth to cover ingredients.
5. Stir in steak seasoning.
6. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to simmer.
7. Cook for 45 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
8. Add carrots in last 15 minutes.
9. Serve warm.

For more details, check this recipe from Eating on a Dime.

6) Steak Quesadillas with Cheese

Steak quesadillas are always a win. You get crispy tortillas, melty cheese, and steak all in one bite.

Add onions, peppers, or whatever veggies you have for extra flavor. Just heat the steak and cheese inside the tortilla until the cheese is gooey and the outside is golden brown.

This one’s super quick—perfect for lunch or a lazy dinner. Try cheddar or a Tex-Mex blend for the cheese; both work great.

Ingredients

• 2 medium flour tortillas
• 1 to 1½ cups leftover steak, thinly sliced
• 1 to 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Tex-Mex blend)
• ½ cup sliced onions (optional)
• ½ cup sliced bell peppers (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Place one tortilla in the pan.
3. Spread half the cheese on the tortilla evenly.
4. Add the sliced steak and optional vegetables on top.
5. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the steak.
6. Cover with the second tortilla.
7. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
8. Carefully flip and cook another 3-4 minutes.
9. Remove from heat, slice, and serve.

For details, see this Leftover Steak Quesadilla recipe.

7) Steak Sandwich with Horseradish Aioli

Leftover steak makes an awesome sandwich, especially with a sharp horseradish aioli. The sauce adds a little kick to those juicy steak slices.

Go for fresh bread—ciabatta or a crusty roll works well. Add sliced tomatoes and red onions for crunch and a bit of freshness.

Sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions? Totally up to you. This sandwich comes together fast and makes a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• Leftover steak, sliced
• Ciabatta or crusty bread
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons horseradish
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced red onions
• Optional: sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions

Cooking Instructions:

1. Mix mayonnaise and horseradish to make the aioli.
2. Toast the bread lightly.
3. Spread horseradish aioli on the bread.
4. Layer steak slices, tomatoes, onions, and optional mushrooms.
5. Close the sandwich and serve.

For more ideas, check this steak sandwich recipe with homemade horseradish aioli.

8) Leftover Steak Salad with Balsamic Dressing

Leftover steak works surprisingly well in a fresh salad. Start with greens—romaine, arugula, whatever you like.

Toss in cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and some avocado for extra texture. The balsamic dressing is creamy, tangy, and balances the steak’s richness.

Usually, it’s olive oil, balsamic vinegar, a dab of mayo, Dijon, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything with the dressing right before eating.

Layer thin slices of steak on top, and you’re set. It’s light but still satisfying.

Ingredients

• Leftover steak, sliced
• Romaine lettuce or arugula
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Cucumber, sliced
• Avocado, sliced
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• ½ lemon, juiced
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ½ tbsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and salt together until you get a smooth dressing.
2. Toss the greens, tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado into a large bowl.
3. Lay the sliced leftover steak right on top of the salad.
4. Drizzle the dressing over everything.
5. Give it a gentle toss to coat, then serve right away.

9) Steak Tacos with Fresh Salsa

Leftover steak? Tacos are calling your name. Slice up your skirt or flank steak pretty thin.

Warm some tortillas while you chop tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for a quick salsa. Squeeze in some lime juice and toss in a pinch of salt.

That fresh salsa brings a bright, punchy flavor to the smoky steak. If you’re feeling it, add some avocado or a swirl of crema.

These tacos come together fast. They’re a great way to use up leftovers and still feel like you’re eating something totally new.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs leftover skirt or flank steak, sliced
• 8 small tortillas
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• ½ onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt to taste
• Optional: sliced avocado or crema

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side.
2. Mix tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt to make the salsa.
3. Toss the sliced steak in the skillet and warm it for 2–3 minutes over medium heat (around 350°F/175°C).
4. Fill each tortilla with steak and a scoop of fresh salsa.
5. Top with avocado or crema if you want.

10) Philly-Style Steak and Cheese Sandwich

Got leftover steak? Philly-style steak and cheese sandwiches might just be the best answer.

Slice your steak nice and thin. Toss it in a pan with onions and peppers and cook until everything’s soft.

Lay cheese slices over the hot steak and veggies. Let them melt right in—don’t rush it.

Grab some crusty sandwich rolls or hoagie buns. Toast them if you like a little crunch.

Pile the cheesy steak and onions into the bun. That’s it. Sometimes leftovers really do taste better the next day.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb leftover steak, thinly sliced
• 1/2 green pepper, sliced
• 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
• 3 teaspoons oil
• 4-6 slices of cheese (like provolone or American)
• 2 sandwich rolls

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Toss in onions and peppers. Sauté them until they get soft—usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add steak slices. Let them cook just until they’re warmed through.

4. Lay cheese slices right on top of the steak mixture.

5. Cover the pan. Wait for the cheese to melt—no need to rush it.

6. If you like, toast the sandwich rolls.

7. Spoon the steak and cheese mixture into the rolls. That’s it, you’re ready to eat.