Leftover Tri-Tip: 3 Tasty Ways to Create Amazing Meals

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Don’t let that amazing smoked tri-tip go to waste! Whether you’re looking to repurpose your leftovers into something hearty and filling or lighter and refreshing, there’s no shortage of tasty ways to use leftover tri tip. Here are three incredible meals that might even be better than the first: a cheesy tri-tip cheesesteak, a classic tri-tip sandwich, and a vibrant tri-tip salad.

Recipe 1: Quick & Cheesy Tri-Tip Cheesesteak

Tri-tip cheesesteak with melted cheese and sautéed vegetables, a perfect leftover tri-tip recipe

If you’re craving a satisfying weeknight meal, this tri-tip cheesesteak is the answer. It’s quick, cheesy, and full of flavor, perfect for transforming your leftover steak into a hearty, mouthwatering sandwich.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup leftover tri tip, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 slices provolone or American cheese
  • 1 sub roll or hoagie bun
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the Tri-Tip: Add the leftover tri tip to the skillet, stirring with the veggies until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Melt the Cheese: Once everything is well-combined, place the cheese on top of the steak and veggie mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until the cheese is melted.
  4. Assemble the Sandwich: Toast your hoagie bun if desired, then spoon the cheesy tri-tip mixture onto the roll. Serve hot, and enjoy!

This tri-tip cheesesteak is perfect for a busy weekday dinner and is guaranteed to satisfy any sandwich lover. For a vegetarian twist, try replacing the tri-tip with leftover grilled vegetables for a lighter option.

Recipe 2: The Famous Cold Springs Tavern-Style Tri-Tip Sandwich

Cold Springs Tavern-style tri-tip sandwich with apple-horseradish sauce, a classic leftover tri-tip recipe

Inspired by the legendary Cold Springs Tavern in Santa Barbara County, this tri-tip sandwich is a true California classic. Featuring tender tri-tip slices, a tangy apple-horseradish sauce, and a soft roll, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves a savory, flavor-packed sandwich.

A Little History:

Cold Springs Tavern, nestled in the hills of Santa Barbara, has been serving up delicious tri-tip sandwiches for decades. Their signature sandwich features tri-tip that’s cooked to perfection and served with a homemade apple-horseradish sauce that balances smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors. Let’s recreate this iconic sandwich at home!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup leftover tri tip, thinly sliced
  • 1 sandwich roll or soft bun
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons grated horseradish
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Apple-Horseradish Sauce: In a bowl, mix the apple cider vinegar, horseradish, Dijon mustard, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This tangy sauce is what makes this sandwich so unique.
  2. Reheat the Tri-Tip: Heat the leftover tri-tip in a skillet until warm.
  3. Assemble the Sandwich: Spread the apple-horseradish sauce on the sandwich roll. Layer the warm tri-tip slices on top and finish with additional sauce for extra flavor.
  4. Serve: Enjoy this classic sandwich with a side of crispy fries or a light salad.

This Cold Springs Tavern-inspired tri-tip sandwich is the perfect way to elevate your leftovers. It’s a deliciously satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for more!

Recipe 3: Healthy Tri-Tip Salad with Gorgonzola & Balsamic Vinaigrette

Healthy tri-tip salad with gorgonzola, balsamic vinaigrette, and walnuts, perfect for leftover tri-tip

For those looking for a lighter, more refreshing way to use leftover tri tip, this healthy tri-tip salad with gorgonzola and balsamic vinaigrette is a fantastic option. It’s a delicious balance of smoky meat, tangy cheese, and sweet dressing, making it a perfect meal for any time of year.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup leftover tri tip, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and toasted walnuts.
  2. Add the Tri-Tip: Layer the thinly sliced leftover tri tip on top of the salad.
  3. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine. Top with crumbled gorgonzola cheese for an extra creamy touch.
  4. Serve: Enjoy this flavorful and healthy tri-tip salad as a light lunch or a satisfying dinner.

This tri-tip salad is perfect for those who want a nutritious yet indulgent meal. It’s a great way to turn your leftovers into something light and full of vibrant flavors.

How to Reheat Tri-Tip Without Drying It Out

How to reheat leftover tri-tip wrapped in foil with broth, ensuring it stays juicy and tender

One of the biggest challenges with leftover tri-tip is keeping it juicy when reheating. The key to reheating tri-tip without losing its tenderness is to use a low heat and add moisture. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
  2. Wrap the Tri-Tip: Place your leftover tri tip in aluminum foil. Add a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist.
  3. Reheat: Place the wrapped tri-tip in the oven for 20-30 minutes or until it’s heated through.
  4. Sear for Crispy Edges (Optional): For a bit of crispy texture on the outside, you can quickly sear the reheated tri-tip in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side.

By following these steps, your leftover tri tip will be just as juicy and flavorful as when it was first cooked.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do with leftover tri-tip?

If you’re wondering what to do with leftover tri tip, try making a quick tri-tip cheesesteak, a Cold Springs Tavern-inspired sandwich, or a fresh tri-tip salad. These are just a few ideas to elevate your leftovers.

How to heat up leftover tri-tip?

To heat up leftover tri tip without drying it out, wrap it in foil with a bit of broth or water and reheat it in a low oven (250°F) for 20-30 minutes.

What to make with leftover tri-tip?

You can make a variety of dishes with leftover tri-tip, such as sandwiches, tacos, or even a hearty pasta dish. The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

Leftover tri-tip doesn’t have to be boring. Whether you’re craving a comforting cheesesteak, a unique sandwich, or a healthy salad, there’s something for everyone. Try out these recipes next time you have leftover tri-tip and let us know your favorite way to use it in the comments below!

Tri-tip cheesesteak with melted cheese and sautéed vegetables, a perfect leftover tri-tip recipe

Tri-Tip Cheesesteak

A quick and cheesy tri-tip cheesesteak made with leftover tri-tip, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and melted cheese on a hoagie roll.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Hoagie Bun

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup leftover tri-tip thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion sliced
  • 1 bell pepper sliced
  • 2 sliced
  • 1 sub roll or hoagie bun
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add the leftover tri-tip to the skillet, stirring with the veggies until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Place the cheese on top of the steak and veggie mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until the cheese is melted.
  • Toast the hoagie bun if desired, then spoon the cheesy tri-tip mixture onto the roll. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Notes

  • This recipe is perfect for a busy weekday dinner, using up leftover tri-tip for a hearty, satisfying meal.
 
Keyword leftover steak and pasta, leftover tri tip, quick tri-tip recipe, tri tip sandwich recipes,

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