What To Do with Leftover Brisket? Try These 5 Meal Ideas (Plus, Our Test Kitchen’s Sandwich Recipe)

Beef brisket, whether braised for a Jewish holiday meal or smoked for a BBQ feast , is hard to beat since each bite offers a taste or it’s meaty, juicy and flavorful goodness. That said, any leftover brisket is a treat because you can turn into a whole new meal. Learning how to store cooked brisket to then use in dishes is simple thanks to a few tips and ideas. Keep reading for pointers on what to do with leftover brisket, plus a bonus recipe that transforms the meat into a hearty sandwich!

How long is leftover brisket good for?

Cooked brisket is fine to consume within three to four days , as long as it’s stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s also a good idea to save the meat drippings so you can add them to your dish for more flavor and moisture. But, beef stock or broth also work in a pinch.

5 leftover brisket ideas that ensure the meat doesn’t go to waste

Giving brisket a new life is easier than you think. Start with these five suggestions, which are perfect for giving everyday dishes a protein boost.

1. Use it for tacos and sandwiches.

This leftover meat can be reheated and then added to a sandwich or warm tortillas to make tacos. Include your favorite toppings, such as pickled onions, fresh lettuce and/or sour cream, for a flavor and texture boost!

2. Top it over rice or grain bowls.

If you’re looking to make a rice or other grain bowl even heatier, top it with the brisket. Be sure to shred or slice it into small cubes beforehand so it’s easy to pick up with a fork.

3. Stir it into homemade chili.

This meat adds a rich beefiness to any chili base. Use your go-to chili recipe and stir in chunks or shreds of the meat towards the end so it warms up gently without overcooking.

4. Sprinkle it onto nachos.

Nachos are an instant crowd-pleaser, especially when you load it up with ingredients like brisket. Sprinkle the meat onto the tortilla chips and cheese before baking, which allows the meat to crisp up nicely.

5. Add it to pasta dishes.

You can stir the chopped or shredded meat into a cream or tomato-based pasta sauce to turn it into a meat sauce. It’s the ultimate hack that produces a delicious dish for your next pasta night meal.

Our test kitchen’s favorite leftover brisket recipe

In addition to the options listed above, our test kitchen’s Mac ‘n’ Cheese Brisket Sandwiches recipe is another dish that’s sure to entice your taste buds!

Mac ‘n’ Cheese Brisket Sandwiches

Slow-cooker mac ’n’ cheese meets brisket in this hearty meal.

Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups (2%) reduced-fat milk
• 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated low-fat milk
• 1 Tbs. spicy brown mustard
• 1 tsp. salt
• ⅛ tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 lb. elbow macaroni
• 1 lb. shredded reduced-fat (2% milk) extra-sharp white cheddar cheese
• 8 oz. Queso Blanco Velveeta, cut into ½-inch thick chunks
• 16 oz. cooked sliced brisket or pulled beef
• 6 sandwich rolls, split

Directions:

• Active: 20 mins
• Total time: 2 hrs, 20 mins
• Yield: 6 servings

1. Coat 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Add milk, evaporated milk, mus- tard, salt and cayenne. Stir in macaroni, Cheddar cheese and Velveeta. Cover; cook on low 2 hrs., or until macaroni is tender. Stir until blended.
2. Heat sliced brisket or pulled beef according to package directions; divide meat evenly among roll bottoms. Top each with 3⁄4 cup macaroni and cheese, then roll tops.
3. Transfer remaining macaroni and cheese to bowl. Cover; chill and reserve for another use.

Continue scrolling for more ways to use leftover ingredients:

3 Leftover Buttermilk Recipes To Use up the Tangy Fridge Staple

Don’t Throw That Leftover Rice Out: Fry It Up Into a Delicious, Unusually Healthy Side Dish

5 Fun Leftover Turkey Ideas (That Aren’t Sandwiches)