25 Leftover Shredded Beef Recipes
If you have some leftover shredded beef, don’t let it go to waste!
These 25 leftover shredded beef recipes will give you some ideas on how to turn that leftover beef into a delicious meal.
From enchiladas and tacos to casseroles and soups, there’s something for everyone on this list.
And the best part is that these recipes are all easy to make, so you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen.
So what are you waiting for?
Get cooking!
See Also: What to Serve with Beef Stew? 25 Best Side Dishes
25 Leftover Shredded Beef Recipes
When following any recipe, it’s important to consider your own personal preferences and dietary restrictions.
The same is true for recipes that use leftover shredded beef.
- Some things to think about include the type of beef you have (ground beef, stew meat, etc.), the spices and flavors you want to include, and whether or not you want the dish to be saucy or dry.
- Another thing to consider is how long you want to cook the dish for. Some recipes only take a few minutes, while others may require an hour or more.
- Finally, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand before you start cooking. This will help you avoid any last-minute trips to the store.
With that being said, here are 25 recipes that you can make with leftover shredded beef:
Crockpot Mexican Shredded Beef
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/300756081377205616/I love Mexican food, and one of my favorite things to do with shredded beef is to make Crockpot Mexican Shredded Beef.
This dish is so easy to make and is absolutely delicious.
- To make crockpot mexican shredded beef, simply add your leftover shredded beef to a crockpot with some salsa, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and chili powder.
- Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve your Crockpot Mexican Shredded Beef with some tortillas, sour cream, and cheese, and enjoy!
Baked Shredded Beef Taquitos
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/935904366286987497/As you can see, I really love Mexican food.
I grew up eating it and now that I’m an adult, I still love it just as much.
One of my favorite things to do is to take leftovers and turn them into something new.
That’s exactly what I did with this recipe for Baked Shredded Beef Taquitos.
I took some leftover shredded beef, added in some onions, peppers, and cheese, rolled it up in a tortilla, and baked it until crispy.
These taquitos were so good! And, they’re perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
To make these taquitos, you’ll need:
- 1 pound of shredded beef
- 1/2 cup of chopped onion
- 1/2 cup of chopped peppers
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
- 10-12 small tortillas
- cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, mix together the shredded beef, onion, peppers, and cheese.
- Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of the mixture onto each tortilla, roll it up, and place it seam side down on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy.
Ropa Vieja
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/147000375329178404/Ropa Vieja is a delicious Cuban dish that is made with shredded beef.
Other ingredients that you will need for this recipe include: onions, red peppers, green peppers, garlic, crushed tomatoes, white wine, beef broth, and cumin.
- Simply sauté the onions and peppers in a large pot or Dutch oven until they are soft.
- Then add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, white wine, beef broth, and cumin.
- Add the shredded beef to the pot and simmer for about 30 minutes.
This dish is typically served over white rice with black beans on the side.
Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa (Paleo + Whole30)
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/475059460706599240/Make this healthy, mouth-watering shredded beef barbacoa in your slow cooker!
This dish is perfect for tacos, burritos, or even just on its own.
Just add some paleo-friendly tortillas and your favorite toppings, and you’re good to go!
Here are 5 of my best tips for making this recipe:
- Use a chuck roast for the best flavor and texture.
- Season the beef with a homemade spice blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Sear the beef in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
- Add some chicken broth or water to the slow cooker, just enough to cover the bottom of the pot.
- Cook the beef on low for 8 hours, or until it is fork-tender and shreds easily with a fork.
Baked Shredded Beef Chimichangas
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/38491771808157902/A chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito that is popular in Tex-Mex cuisine.
For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 pound shredded beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 10 flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- For the chimichangas, you will first need to sauté the onions and garlic in a tablespoon of olive oil until they are softened.
- Then, add in the shredded beef and all of the spices.
- Sauté until the beef is cooked through.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- To assemble the chimichangas, take a flour tortilla and fill it with a couple spoonfuls of the beef mixture and some shredded cheese.
- Roll it up tightly and place it seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole on the side.
Crock Pot Mexican Shredded Beef Tacos
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/356699232998089919/Who doesn’t love tacos?
And who doesn’t love it when someone else makes them for you?
This recipe for Crock Pot Mexican Shredded Beef Tacos is the perfect meal to make when you want something tasty and easy that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. boneless chuck roast
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (4 oz can diced green chilies, undrained)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or until beef is tender.
- Remove beef from slow cooker and shred with a fork.
- Return shredded beef to slow cooker and stir to combine with sauce.
- Serve on soft tortillas with shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa.
Shredded Beef Chili
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/136726538679015928/When it gets chilly outside, there is nothing better than a big bowl of chili.
This recipe for shredded beef chili is hearty, filling, and so easy to make.
Also, it is a great way to use up any leftover shredded beef you might have.
To make this dish your own, you can add in any additional vegetables or beans that you like.
You can also spice it up with some hot sauce or jalapeños if you want a little extra heat.
If you are looking for an even heartier meal, serve the chili over some rice or quinoa.
Top it off with some shredded cheese and sour cream, and you have a delicious meal that is sure to please everyone.
Instant Pot Venezuelan Shredded Beef
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/465770786472048592/This shredded beef is fantastic for tacos, burrito bowls, or nachos.
You can also just eat it straight up with some rice and beans.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs chuck roast
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
- Add the chuck roast to the Instant Pot.
- Top with onions, garlic, red pepper, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth.
- Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before doing a quick release of any remaining pressure.
- Remove the lid and shred the beef with two forks.
- Serve as is, or use for tacos, burrito bowls, or nachos.
Sweet BBQ Shredded Beef Sandwiches
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/157977899423065530/Sandwiches are great because you can bring them to work, to school, or on a picnic.
They are easy to make and there are endless possibilities for what you can put inside of them.
One great option for sandwiches is sweet BBQ shredded beef.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound shredded beef
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the shredded beef and onions until the beef is browned.
- Add in the BBQ sauce, honey, mustard, brown sugar, and garlic powder.
- Stir until everything is evenly mixed and heated through.
- Serve the mixture on buns or rolls. You can also add in some extra toppings like pickles, cheese, or coleslaw.
Slow Cooker Shredded Beef and Gravy
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/107945722310696533/Whether you use this in sandwiches or on Yorkshire puddings, this dish is a delicious way to use up your shredded beef.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups of left over shredded beef
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Add the beef and toss to coat.
- Pour the beef mixture into a slow cooker.
- Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste.
- Stir well to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the gravy is thickened and the beef is cooked through.
- Serve on sandwiches or with Yorkshire pudding.
The BEST Shredded Beef Enchiladas
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/21392166970240163/Smothered in red sauce, these enchiladas are hearty, filling, and so delicious!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound shredded beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (4 oz can diced green chiles)
- 8-10 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (I like a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onions in olive oil until translucent.
- Add garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Stir in the shredded beef and cook until browned.
- Pour half of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- To assemble the enchiladas, place approximately 1/2 cup of the beef mixture in the center of each tortilla.
- Roll up the tortillas and place them seam side down in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over top of the enchiladas and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Birria Quesadilla
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/738520038907389988/Seasoned with smoked dried peppers and cheese in a tortilla, this easy Birria Quesadilla recipe is a delicious way to use up leftover shredded beef.
To make this your own, you can add in any additional spices or herbs that you like.
You could also try using a different type of cheese, or even adding in some chopped veggies.
If you want a bit more of a kick, you could also try using spicy peppers instead of the smoked dried peppers.
This recipe is easily adaptable to whatever you have on hand, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Birria Tacos
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/50806302038700152/The beef in this recipe is slow-cooked with spices until it is tender and juicy, then it is wrapped in a soft tortilla and served with a flavorful broth.
To make this recipe your own, you can experiment with the spices used to cook the beef.
Try adding some cumin, smoked paprika, or chili powder for a deeper flavor.
You can also top your tacos with any of your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, diced onions, or sour cream.
Air Fryer Shredded Beef Chimichanga
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/312578030398178709/Grab your air fryer! It’s time to make some delicious shredded beef chimichangas.
This recipe is super easy and only takes a few minutes to make.
- Simply take your shredded beef, add some cheese, diced onions, and green chilies, then wrap it all up in a flour tortilla.
- Once you’ve got your chimichanga all rolled up, give it a quick spray with cooking oil and pop it in the air fryer.
In just a few minutes, you’ll have a crispy and satisfying snack that’s packed with flavor.
If you want to give your chimichanga an extra boost of flavor, try adding some cumin or chili powder to the beef before wrapping it up.
You can also top it with sour cream or salsa for an extra-tasty treat.
Crock Pot Barbacoa
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1055599904284326/Try this in everything from tacos to salads to soups!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. boneless chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is very tender.
- Remove the lid and shred the beef with two forks.
- Serve as is or use in tacos, salads, soups, or any other recipe you like!
Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Chili
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/492722015484963222/The shredded beef in this recipe is slow cooked in a rich, heavily spiced sauce until it is fall-apart tender.
The beef is then simmered with beans, tomatoes, and more spices to create a thick and hearty chili.
This dish is best served with some shredded cheese and sour cream on top, and a side of cornbread or tortilla chips.
You can also add in some chopped green onions or jalapeños if you want to give it a little bit of a kick.
Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Ragu
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/341781059231598307/If you like vegetables and tomato sauce with your beef, then this is the recipe for you!
This slow cooker shredded beef ragu is healthy and hearty, and can easily be tailored to your liking.
The best part about this recipe is that it’s so versatile – if you don’t like one of the vegetables listed, simply swap it out for something else.
You could also add in some extra spices to give the ragu more flavor.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of shredded beef
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- ½ a teaspoon of salt
- ¼ a teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions:
- Simply combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Once finished, feel free to garnish with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve over some pasta or polenta.
Instant Pot Shredded Beef Tamales
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/57772807710707392/This traditional Spanish dish is a great way to use up any leftovers you may have.
Tamales are typically made with cornmeal dough and then filled with various meats, vegetables, and spices before being wrapped in corn husks and steamed.
For this recipe, the shredded beef is cooked with onions, garlic, chili powder, and cumin before being used as the filling for the tamales.
You can make your own tamale dough or use store-bought dough to save time.
If you want to add your own personal touch to this dish, consider adding some chopped green onions or cilantro to the beef mixture.
Venezuelan Shredded Beef (Carne Mechada)
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/244601823502143171/This dish is typically made with flank steak, but you can use any type of beef that you have on hand.
The key to this dish is in the marinade, which infuses the beef with a delicious blend of spices.
Once the beef has been cooked, it is shredded and served with rice, beans, avocado, and plantains.
You can also add some salsa or hot sauce to really give it a kick.
This dish is hearty and filling, and it’s a great way to use up your leftovers.
Slow Cooker Au Jus Beef Sandwiches
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/396809417180737197/I love using delicious herbs & spices to turn my leftovers into something new and exciting!
The au jus gravy is full of flavor and really makes the sandwich special.
I like to add a little bit of horseradish to mine for an extra zing.
You could also add some sautéed onions or mushrooms, or top it with cheese.
There are endless possibilities for how you can make this your own.
Get creative and enjoy!
Salsa Verde Shredded Beef Enchiladas
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/171981279514768162/Bursting with authentic flavor, these Salsa Verde Shredded Beef Enchiladas are the perfect weeknight meal.
Tender shredded beef is simmered in a flavorful salsa verde sauce, then rolled up in soft tortillas and baked until golden and bubbly.
This dish is packed with flavor, and the shredded beef is incredibly tender.
The salsa verde sauce is made with fresh herbs, spices, and ingredients, and it really brings out the flavor of the beef.
The enchiladas are also easy to make ahead of time, so they’re perfect for busy weeknights.
Simply assemble the enchiladas and bake them when you’re ready to eat.
Italian Shredded Beef Sandwiches
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/67272588176180983/When you want something simple but tasty, these Italian Shredded Beef Sandwiches are the perfect meal.
The beef is cooked with garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning, then shredded and placed on a toasted bun.
The beef can also be cooked in a slow cooker, which makes it even easier.
If you want to add some extra flavor, you can top the sandwiches with cheese or sautéed peppers.
This recipe is versatile and can be tailored to your liking.
If you don’t like beef, you could try using chicken or turkey.
And if you’re not a fan of Italian seasoning, you can use any other herbs or spices that you prefer.
Slow Cooker Honey Balsamic Shredded Beef Sandwiches
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/558376053812297774/This dish contains so many different flavors that all work together perfectly.
The beef is cooked in a slow cooker with honey, balsamic vinegar, and a variety of spices.
The result is a tender and flavorful shredded beef that is perfect for sandwiches.
I think this recipe would be great for a party because it can be made ahead of time and served on a buffet.
The flavors of the beef are also perfect for fall and winter weather.
Slow Cooker Korean Barbecue Beef
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/273453008615727963/Cook your shredded beef in a savory, sweet and slightly spicy sauce for the perfect Korean barbecue flavor without having to fire up the grill.
This easy recipe is made in the slow cooker so you can come home to tender, juicy beef that is ready to be served over rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves.
I think shredded beef goes well with a variety of herbs and spices, but for this recipe I recommend using ginger, garlic, green onions, and sesame seeds.
These ingredients will give the beef a nice flavor without overwhelming it.
The sauce for this recipe is made with soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, gochujang (Korean chili paste), and sesame oil.
These ingredients create a balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors that complement the beef nicely.
Shredded Beef Enchiladas with Ancho Chile Sauce
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/519462138270203828/This Mexican-inspired dish is a great way to use up leftover beef.
The enchiladas are filled with a flavorful mixture of beef, onions, and garlic, and they are covered in a delicious ancho chile sauce.
I think that this dish would be even better if you added some cumin to the beef mixture, and I also think that it would be good with a little bit of chopped cilantro.
If you want to add some heat, you could also add a diced jalapeño pepper to the mixture.
The ancho chile sauce is already pretty spicy, but you could always add more chili peppers to it if you want.
I also think that a little bit of sour cream would be a good addition to the sauce.
Overall, this is a really hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a winter night.
I hope you enjoy it!
25 Leftover Shredded Beef Recipes
Ingredients
- Crockpot Mexican Shredded Beef
- Baked Shredded Beef Taquitos
- Ropa Vieja
- Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa (Paleo + Whole30)
- Baked Shredded Beef Chimichangas
- Crock Pot Mexican Shredded Beef Tacos
- Shredded Beef Chili
- Instant Pot Venezuelan Shredded Beef
- Sweet BBQ Shredded Beef Sandwiches
- Slow Cooker Shredded Beef and Gravy
- The BEST Shredded Beef Enchiladas
- Birria Quesadilla
- Birria Tacos
- Air Fryer Shredded Beef Chimichanga
- Crock Pot Barbacoa
- Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Chili
- Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Ragu
- Instant Pot Shredded Beef Tamales
- Venezuelan Shredded Beef (Carne Mechada)
- Slow Cooker Au Jus Beef Sandwiches
- Salsa Verde Shredded Beef Enchiladas
- Italian Shredded Beef Sandwiches
- Slow Cooker Honey Balsamic Shredded Beef Sandwiches
- Slow Cooker Korean Barbecue Beef
- Shredded Beef Enchiladas with Ancho Chile Sauce
Instructions
- Pick any of the recipes listed in this article to use up your leftovers.
- Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
- Serve in no time!
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.