Got a fridge full of leftover ribs and not sure what to do with them? You’re in luck. Transform last night’s barbecue into today’s culinary masterpiece with our roundup of 15 mouthwatering leftover ribs recipes.
From savory soups to hearty casseroles, these dishes will breathe new life into your leftover ribs. Get ready to surprise your taste buds with flavors that’ll make you wish you had leftovers more often. Keep reading to find out how to turn those succulent rib remnants into delicious new meals.
BBQ Ribs Pizza Recipes
Revolutionizing your leftover ribs doesn’t have to be a challenging job. Infuse a little creativity and those flavors can take on a new life in the form of a delectable pizza. Here, discover how to turn last night’s meal into today’s comfort food masterpiece with these BBQ ribs pizza recipes.
1. BBQ Ribs and Pineapple Pizza
This pizza recipe combines the smokiness of BBQ rib meat with the sweet tanginess of pineapple on a fresh pizza dough. The pizza is layered with the rib meat, pineapple slices, smoky BBQ sauce, and topped with a blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese, which adds creaminess.
A touch of smoked paprika or chili flakes provides a subtle heat, and the dish is finished with fresh cilantro leaves for an aromatic flourish.
2. BBQ Ribs and Jalapeno Pizza
The BBQ Ribs and Jalapeno Pizza offers a spicy and flavorful experience for those who enjoy an exciting twist on pizza. Start with your favorite base and spread a thick layer of BBQ sauce before adding shredded leftover ribs.
Pickled jalapenos bring the heat, while ranch dressing or cream cheese can cool things down. The pizza is topped with a combination of Monterey Jack and pepper jack cheeses, melted into a gooey topping. For added freshness, finish with chopped green onions. This recipe is a perfect way to transform leftovers into an extraordinary meal.
BBQ Ribs Tacos and Wraps
Taking your leftover ribs to the next level means getting creative with tried and true favorites. Consider transforming that tender, flavorful meat into something even more casual and fun with tacos and wraps. They’re easy to assemble and can bring a fresh perspective to your rib meat that might just become a new go-to in your leftover repertoire.
3. BBQ Ribs Soft Tacos with Coleslaw
Enjoy a soft taco shell filled with succulent BBQ-coated rib meat, balanced by the crunchy tanginess of a fresh coleslaw. The BBQ ribs soft tacos are sure to be a crowd-pleaser with their mix of textures and tastes.
A coleslaw dressed with apple cider vinegar and a touch of honey will provide brightness to contrast the rich meat, while fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor that pairs well with the smoky ribs.
4. BBQ Ribs Lettuce Wraps with Asian Slaw
BBQ ribs lettuce wraps present a flavorful yet lighter option, where tender rib meat is wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, complemented by an Asian slaw enriched with ginger, sesame oil, and soy sauce, offering a tangy and slightly sweet note that harmonizes with the BBQ sauce.
This dish is adjustable for heat lovers with additions like sriracha, and it’s also a suitable gluten-free alternative to bread-based dishes. These wraps highlight the versatility of leftover ribs in creating diverse and tasty meals that cater to different palates.
BBQ Ribs Pasta Dishes
When your craving for comfort food strikes, your leftover ribs can be the star ingredient in some hearty pasta dishes. Combining the rich flavors of BBQ with the classic Italian staple, pasta, you’re in for an irresistible meal. You’ll discover that the tenderness of rib meat meshes flawlessly with the textures and tastes of pasta, taking these dishes to a whole new level.
5. BBQ Ribs Mac and Cheese
BBQ Ribs Mac and Cheese is a dish that marries the creamy texture of mac and cheese with the smoky essence of BBQ ribs. To make it, combine cooked elbow macaroni with a rich mixture of sharp cheddar and smoked gouda cheese, enhanced with heavy cream and tender chopped leftover ribs.
The dish is seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and smoked paprika, creating a harmonious blend of smooth cheese and robust meat flavors, offering a satisfying comfort food experience with a variety of textures and irresistible taste.
6. BBQ Ribs Spaghetti Carbonara
Transform your leftover ribs into an extraordinary pasta dish by incorporating them into a deluxe Spaghetti Carbonara. Use traditional carbonara ingredients like spaghetti, eggs, Parmesan, and black pepper, but swap out the usual bacon or pancetta with chunks of smoky BBQ rib meat to add a unique BBQ twist to the dish.
This alternative not only satisfies comfort food cravings but also adds a new depth to your pasta experience. Remember to mix the ingredients over low heat for a creamy sauce. Whether you choose this BBQ Ribs Spaghetti Carbonara or a creamy mac and cheese, these recipes turn ordinary leftovers into an exciting meal that reinvents classic dishes.
BBQ Ribs Sandwiches
When you’ve got leftover ribs, sandwiches are a no-brainer choice for a quick and satisfying meal. They’re easy to assemble, packed with flavor, and perfect for lunch or dinner. Let’s jump into some delicious ways to turn those succulent rib leftovers into sandwiches that’ll keep you coming back for more.
7. BBQ Ribs with Tangy BBQ Sauce on a Roll
Picture this: you take a freshly baked roll, slightly toasted to golden perfection, and you stuff it with tender, pulled rib meat that’s been drenched in a tangy BBQ sauce that packs a zesty punch.
The sauce’s blend of sweetness and vinegar complements the rich flavors of the meat, ensuring every bite is as satisfying as the last. The roll’s softness is an ideal contrast to the chew of the meat, providing a delightful textural experience.
8. BBQ Ribs with Pickles and Onions on Brioche
The text describes a BBQ rib sandwich on a toasted brioche bun, enhanced by crisp pickles and sharp raw onions, which add complexity and balance to the rich meat. The combination of the brioche’s sweetness and the savory, tender BBQ rib meat creates a satisfying eating experience.
Emphasizing the importance of using fresh, high-quality buns, the paragraph suggests that this sandwich is a perfect way to enjoy leftover ribs, turning them into a delicious and memorable meal perfect for lunch or a casual dinner.
BBQ Ribs Salads
Transform your leftover ribs into vibrant salads that are loaded with flavors and textures. These recipes will give those ribs new life and offer you a refreshing way to enjoy a heartier salad.
9. BBQ Ribs and Summer Vegetable Salad
Enjoy the combination of smoky BBQ ribs and crisp summer vegetables in this salad that blends succulent meat with ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sweet corn.
Drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette, this colorful and flavorful dish strikes a perfect balance between rich and light, making it suitable as both a standalone meal and an impressive side.
10. BBQ Ribs Caesar Salad
Upgrade your Caesar salad by mixing in tender chunks of leftover ribs. The ribs’ bold BBQ taste pairs well with the creamy Caesar dressing and sharp Parmesan, while crisp romaine and homemade croutons provide crunch and texture.
This addition transforms the salad from a side dish to a substantial main course, striking a balance between indulgence and lightness. This innovative use of leftovers creates a distinctive salad that melds a variety of flavors and textures, resulting in a satisfying yet refreshing meal.
BBG Spaghetti | Leftover Ribs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb of rib meat off bone and in small chunks
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 medium bell peppers any color/mix
- 2 x 16 oz bottles Competition BBQ Sauce Single Bottle
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 lb of spaghetti noodles
- Olive oil
- Butter
- optional Garlic Parm Wing Dust
- Shredded cheese
Instructions
- Dice onion and bell peppers into 1/4 inch cubes. Smash and chop garlic.
- In a skillet warm up some butter and olive oil and let butter melt.
- Next add your crushed garlic, onion and bell peppers. Cook till soft and onion is translucent.
- Add diced rib meat and cook till warm throughout.
- Add your bbq sauce and let simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally.
- While sauce is coming together, bring water to a boil and cook spaghetti noodles.
- When pasta is done, strain and save some of the pasta water to add to the sauce.
- Mix noodles and sauce together and bring off the heat. Hit with some garlic parm wing dust, and serve.
Final Thoughts on Leftover Ribs Recipes
You’ve just explored a world of flavor possibilities that turn your leftover ribs into culinary delights. From the creamy, smoky BBQ Ribs Mac and Cheese to the luxurious BBQ Ribs Spaghetti Carbonara, you’re equipped to give your pasta dishes an irresistible twist.
Don’t forget the sandwiches that make every bite a tangy, savory treat, especially when you choose the right buns. And for those craving something lighter, the BBQ Ribs and Summer Vegetable Salad and the BBQ Ribs Caesar Salad offer a perfect balance of richness and freshness.
With these recipes, your leftovers are transformed into something truly special, ensuring that not a single rib goes to waste. Get ready to impress your taste buds and perhaps even surprise yourself with your culinary creativity.