At Burt’s Catering Butchers, we know that no matter how much care and attention goes into selecting and preparing your meat, leftovers are inevitable from time to time. But that’s not a problem – in fact, it’s an opportunity! Leftover meat can be turned into delicious new meals, saving time, reducing food waste, and stretching your budget. This blog will show you how to use leftover meat creatively.

Transform into a Hearty Pie

Nothing says comfort like a hearty pie. Leftover roast chicken, beef, pork, or lamb can easily become the filling for a delicious pie. Simply shred or chop your meat, and add it to a rich gravy, along with some vegetables such as carrots, onions, and peas. Top with a shortcrust or puff pastry and bake until golden and bubbling.

Make a Quick and Tasty Stir-Fry

Stir-frying is one of the quickest and most versatile ways to use leftover meat. Whether you’ve got roast beef, chicken, or even pork, slice it thinly and throw it into a hot wok with your favourite vegetables. Add a splash of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a dash of chilli for some heat. Serve with rice or noodles for an easy and healthy dinner. Stir-fries are also a great way to use up any vegetables you have lying around in the fridge!

Whip Up Some Tacos or Wraps

Turn your leftover meat into a fiesta by using it in tacos or wraps. Shred leftover chicken or pork, warm it up with some spices like cumin and paprika, and load it into soft tortillas. Top with salsa, avocado, lettuce, and a squeeze of lime. For something a bit different, use leftover lamb in a Middle Eastern-style wrap. Add some hummus, cucumber, and mint yoghurt for a fresh, flavour-packed meal.

Create a Warming Soup or Stew

Leftover meat is perfect for soups and stews, especially now we’re entering the colder months. Simply chop or shred your leftover meat and add it to a broth base with vegetables, beans, or grains. Leftover beef or lamb can make a rich stew, while chicken or turkey can create a fantastic broth with noodles or dumplings.

Turn It into a Tasty Salad

For a lighter option, use leftover meat to add protein to a salad. Thin slices of roast beef or lamb work beautifully in a salad with rocket, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and a balsamic dressing. Or try leftover chicken with avocado, bacon, and a creamy Caesar dressing. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavours! Leftover meat can also be great in Asian-inspired salads with a soy and sesame dressing.

Craft Savoury Sandwiches

Sandwiches might seem like the most obvious option for leftover meat, but with a little creativity, they can be so much more than just a basic lunch. Take your leftover meat and turn it into a gourmet sandwich by pairing it with chutneys, cheeses, and fresh herbs.

For example, leftover roast beef with horseradish cream and watercress makes a mouth-watering sandwich, while leftover chicken paired with pesto, mozzarella, and sundried tomatoes creates an Italian-style panini.

Get in Touch!

At Burt’s Catering Butchers, we believe that great meat deserves to be savoured, even the leftovers! With these ideas, you can turn yesterday’s roast into tomorrow’s feast, keeping your meals varied, exciting, and sustainable.

Next time you’ve got some leftover meat, give one of these recipes a try and make the most of every delicious bite. Feel free to place an order from our home delivery service if you are in our delivery area. If you’d like to talk to us about an order, to discuss your needs, or just to ask us a question about our processes, please either call 01424 730417 or fill in a few details on our enquiry form.