19 Leftover Tri Tip Recipes

Don’t let your delicious steak from last night go to waste. Instead, choose one of these leftover tri tip recipes to get the most out of your leftovers.  

ground beef is great. But there is something about biting into a thin slice of juicy steak. That’s why leftovers from a good tri tip recipe should never go to waste. So don’t let your leftover tips go to waste! Instead, choose one of these delicious leftover tri tip recipes below. 

But first…

What is Tri-Tip Steak?

Tri-tip steak is a flavorful and relatively tender cut of beef that comes from the bottom sirloin of the cow. It’s called “tri-tip” because of its triangular shape. (That tracks.) This specific cut of meat is also known as the “triangle roast” or “Santa Maria steak” (after the California city famous for its tri-tip barbecue tradition).

Tri-tip steak is leaner than some other beef cuts but it still offers a good amount of marbling. This marbling helps with juiciness and flavor.

Leftover Tri Tip Recipes

Reheated Steak in the Air Fryer

Leftover steak recipes have taken on a whole new meaning thanks to air fryers. This recipe tells you exactly how to reheat any kind of steak for the best next-day leftovers. You can easily use this method to help cook any of the other recipes in this post.

Steak Salad with Goat Cheese and Clamato Dressing

This nutritious spin on a classic: a Vibrant Grilled Steak Salad, sprinkled with creamy feta and drizzled with tangy Clamato dressing. This lighter, Weight Watchers-inspired alternative to Moxie’s beloved Steak Salad will satisfy you.

Steak, Cheese, and Mushroom Omelet

Savor the combination of tender steak, velvety cheese, and earthy mushrooms, all tucked into a fluffy, golden omelet. This gourmet-inspired breakfast dish will elevate your morning routine and kick-start your day with a burst of scrumptious flavor.

Muffin Tin Steak Fajita Cups

This dish is a fusion of Tex-Mex flavors with these innovative, easy-to-make Muffin Tin Steak Fajita Cups, perfect for parties or a fun family dinner. These mouthwatering morsels pack all the sizzle of traditional fajitas in a convenient, handheld form.

Leftover Steak and Quinoa Bowl

Revamp your remaining steak into a scrumptious masterpiece: the Leftover Steak and Quinoa Power Bowl, featuring tender sautéed chard and zesty lemon-tahini drizzle. This lightning-fast, nutritious creation is perfect for a satisfying lunch or a delightful light dinner! Not a fan of quinoa? You can easily swap out rice (or even noodles!) in this dish.

Tri-Tip Roast Salad Wrap

Lighten up your lunch routine with this delectable Tri-Tip Roast Salad Wrap, featuring thin slices of tri-tip in a crisp, veggie-packed salad, wrapped in a fluffy tortilla. It’s a fresh, portable, and satisfying meal option.

Steak and Asparagus Stir-Fry

Steak and asparagus are an under-utilized pairing flavor, in my humble opinion. So slow down and savor the flavor! This succulent steak and asparagus stir-fry has vibrant red bell pepper and earthy mushrooms. It’s going to be your new go-to—mouthwatering healthy meal, ready to rock your taste buds in just 15 minutes!

Tamales Casserole

This easy-to-prepare dish boasts layers of bold flavors and textures, making it the perfect centerpiece for a cozy family dinner or festive gathering. Experience the comforting warmth of traditional tamales with a modern twist in this Tamales Casserole.

Egg and Tri Tip Tacos

Start your day with a hearty, protein-packed punch by whipping up these scrumptious Egg and Tri Tip Tacos. This savory breakfast delight marries tender tri-tip with fluffy scrambled eggs, all nestled in a warm tortilla and customizable with your favorite toppings.

Loaded Fajita Steak Nachos

Sheet pan-loaded steak fajita nachos are the perfect way to use up leftover steak. Made with simple, healthy ingredients that will make you feel as good as they taste. Plus, they’re effortless to make! Melty cheese always helps, too 😉

Tri-Tip Sandwich

This tri-tip sandwich recipe might not sound exciting, but trust me, it’s delicious! Served on a ciabatta roll, it can’t be beat. To really up your game, drizzle with horseradish sauce.

Steak and Egg Breakfast Calzones

Wake up to the irresistible aroma of these Steak and Egg Breakfast Calzones, where flaky pastry encases a tasty filling of savory steak and perfectly cooked eggs. This delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite makes for a mouthwatering morning treat.

Steak Beef Enchiladas

Indulge in the rich, bold flavors of these Steak Beef Enchiladas, where tender steak mingles with zesty spices and gooey cheese, all wrapped in a soft tortilla and smothered in a luscious sauce. This comforting, crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for any occasion.

Carne Asada Nachos

Elevate your game day snack game with these epic Carne Asada Nachos, loaded with juicy grilled steak, gooey cheese, and fresh toppings. Every crunchy bite delivers a fiesta of flavors that’ll keep you coming back for more.

Chipotle Tri Tip Sandwich

Spice up your lunchtime with the smoky, mouthwatering Chipotle Tri Tip Sandwich, featuring succulent, perfectly seasoned tri-tip, pepper and onion, layered between slices of your favorite bread. This flavor-packed sandwich delivers a delectable balance of heat and heartiness that’ll leave you craving more.

Steak Nachos

Take your nacho game to the next level by adding elk steak, homemade pickled onions and jalapeños, quesadilla cheese (Havarti, cheddar, and provolone cheese are all great options), and avocado crema. All the ingredients come together for the perfect steak nachos of your dreams.

Tri-Tip Chili

This list wouldn’t be complete without a chili recipe—all your favorite flavors: from garlic to salt to chili powder. Simmer on your stovetop in a large pot to meld flavors. Add steak at the end to ensure it doesn’t become overcooked.

Crispy Corn Tortilla Quesadilla

This crispy Corn Tortilla Quesadilla (or taco quesadilla) is a great way to use up leftover tri-tip steak. It only takes about 15 minutes to make and is super versatile. Serve quesadillas as an easy appetizer, weeknight dinner, or snack—one of the best ways to leverage tri tip leftovers. 

Chipotle Tri Tip Sandwich

This robust sandwich is stacked generously with succulent tri-tip steak, chargrilled onions and peppers, rich Gouda cheese, and fiery chipotle aioli to kick things up a notch. Add additional red onion for an added kick.

Leftover Tri Tip Recipes FAQs

How do you reheat leftover tri-tip?

To reheat leftover tri-tip while retaining its tenderness and flavor, follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Place the tri-tip in a shallow oven-safe dish or pan, and add a small amount (about 1-2 tablespoons) of beef broth or water to create some moisture. This will help prevent the meat from drying out during the reheating process.
3. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in and ensure even heating.
4. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and reheat the tri-tip for 20-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat. To check if the tri-tip is heated through, use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach at least 140°F (60°C) for medium-rare doneness.
5. Remove the dish from the oven and let the tri-tip rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the meat retain its juices and stay tender.

Alternatively, you can reheat tri-tip using a sous-vide method, which involves sealing the meat in a plastic bag and submerging it in a water bath set to a specific temperature. This technique heats the meat evenly and gently, preserving its tenderness and juiciness.

What can I do with overcooked tri-tip?

If you’ve accidentally overcooked your tri-tip, don’t worry. There are several ways to repurpose the meat and create delicious dishes. Here are some ideas:

1. Shred and sauce it: Shred the overcooked tri-tip and mix it with your favorite barbecue sauce or gravy. Use it as a filling for sandwiches, tacos, or sliders.
2. Make a stir-fry: Dice the tri-tip and add it to a stir-fry along with your favorite vegetables and seasonings. The sauce and veggies will help add moisture and flavor back into the meat.
3. Create a hearty soup or stew: Chop the overcooked tri-tip into small pieces and add it to a soup, chili, or stew. The liquid in the dish will help rehydrate the meat and make it more tender.
4. Prepare a casserole: Mix the chopped tri-tip with cooked pasta, rice, or potatoes, and add vegetables, cheese, and sauce. Bake the casserole in the oven, and the moisture from the sauce will help to soften the meat.
5. Turn it into a salad: Slice the overcooked tri-tip thinly and toss it into a salad with mixed greens, veggies, nuts, and a flavorful dressing. The other ingredients and dressing will help to mask any dryness in the meat.
6. Make a filling for quesadillas, empanadas, or burritos: Shred the overcooked tri-tip and combine it with cheese, beans, and/or sautéed veggies. Use the mixture as a filling for quesadillas, empanadas, or burritos, and serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream on the side.

Remember, when repurposing overcooked tri-tip, the key is to add moisture and flavor back into the meat with sauces, liquids, or other ingredients.

Does tri-tip get tender the longer you cook it?

Tri-tip is a relatively lean beef cut, meaning it can become tough if cooked for too long. However, if cooked with the right method, it can become tender and flavorful. 

Cooking low and slow tri-tip, such as braising or slow roasting, can help break down the connective tissues and make it more tender. But be cautious, as overcooking can still lead to a dry and tough result.

For the most tender and juicy tri-tip, it is best to cook it using a combination of high heat searing (to develop a flavorful crust) followed by a lower heat roasting until it reaches the desired internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 130-135°F (54-57°C) and for medium, around 135-140°F (57-60°C). Allow the tri-tip to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to help retain its juices and maximize tenderness.

Can you cut up tri-tip and cook it?

Yes! You can definitely cut up tri-tip and cook it a ton of different ways. Here are just a few ideas:

1. Stir-fry: Slice the tri-tip into thin strips or bite-sized pieces and stir-fry them with your choice of vegetables, seasonings, and sauces. Cook the meat quickly over high heat to maintain tenderness.
2. Skewers or kebabs: Cube the tri-tip and thread it onto skewers along with your favorite vegetables or fruits. Marinate the skewers for added flavor, then grill or broil them until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
3. Tacos or fajitas: Slice the tri-tip into thin strips and cook them with onions, bell peppers, and your preferred seasoning blend. Use the cooked meat and vegetables as a filling for tacos or fajitas, and serve with your favorite toppings.
4. Stews or soups: Cut the tri-tip into small cubes and brown them in a hot pan before adding them to your favorite soup or stew recipe. The slow cooking process will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with the flavors of the other ingredients.
5. Braising: Cube the tri-tip and sear it in a hot pan to develop a flavorful crust. Then, add some liquid (such as broth, wine, or a combination of both) and cook the meat over low heat with a lid on, allowing the tri-tip to become tender and absorb the flavors of the braising liquid.

Remember to cut the tri-tip against the grain to maximize tenderness, regardless of the cooking method you choose.

How do you know if your steak is bad?

There are a few ways to tell if your raw steak has gone bad. Pay attention to the following:

1. Odor: Fresh steak has a mild, slightly iron-like smell. If the steak emits a sour, fishy, or moldy odor, it has definitely gone bad.
2. Texture: Fresh steak should be firm to the touch. If your steak feels slimy, sticky, or excessively soft, (gross!) it’s probably gone bad.
3. Expiration date: Always check the expiration or “best by” date on the packaging. Remember, this date is not a guarantee of freshness. But, with that said, it can help you gauge whether the steak is still safe to consume.
4. Mold: If you see any mold growth on the surface of the steak, throw it out!

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Have questions or suggestions about these leftover tri tip recipes? Leave them in the comments below.