What To Do With Leftover BBQ Meat

Barbecues and al fresco entertainment are always a highlight of the summer season, with smoky grilled meat and fresh salads taking centre stage. Rather than letting any BBQ leftovers go to waste, you can transform your delicious BBQ meats into an even better roll-over meal. Here is what to do with leftover BBQ meat, including some of our favourite ways to make the most of leftovers and a few tips to enjoy the dishes again safely.
bbq food close up

DukesHill's Ideas & Recipes For BBQ Leftover Meat

With a little creativity, there are loads of ways that you can enjoy your leftover BBQ meat once the initial occasion has passed. We have compiled some of our favourite ideas and recipes for leftover BBQ meat, perfect for grazing, lunch, or dinner the next day!

Butter chicken curry pie

For a fantastic dinner the day after your summer BBQ, try our Gymkhana butter chicken sauce and make a simple leftover chicken pie. Gymkhana’s Butter Masala Sauce is made to the recipe of the eponymous Michelin-starred kitchen and has been jarred to bring the true flavours of North India to home kitchens. This quintessentially mild sauce is wildly popular for good reason and is slowly cooked by Gymkhana to make it quick and easy for you. Simply add the sauce to leftover BBQ chicken, bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Allow to chill before placing in a tin and tucking a layer of premade puff pastry over the top, then cook for 30 minutes until golden. A real leftovers treat!

Leftover BBQ ham potatoes

If you’re thinking ahead, you could put some jacket potatoes into your barbecue to make the most of the residual heat. You can let them slowly cook for a few hours as the heat slowly falls in your grill. Then, when they’re cooked, wrap them up and pop in the fridge. The following day, chop up your leftover BBQ ham and mix it into some sour cream and chopped, cooked kale. Reheat your baked potatoes and fill them with your creamy ham filling. Sprinkle a little cheese on top and bake again for a creamy, decadent dinner.

Ham and cheese croissants

Another great way to use up leftover ham from the BBQ is to create indulgent ham and cheese croissants! Simply fill croissants with the leftover BBQ meat and gruyere cheese before lining a heatproof dish with the croissants. Make a bechamel sauce and pour over the top. Allow to soak up for 20 minutes before cooking until golden and the cheese has melted. For more leftover ham inspiration, read our guide to leftover ham.

Leftover burger and sausage lasagne

Sausages and leftover cooked red meat like burgers can be finely chopped and made into the most delicious ragu to form the basis of a tasty lasagne. Sweat down finely chopped onions, garlic, celery, onions and a star anise (try adding a shot of coffee when you sweat them down, it adds incredible depth of flavour), before adding the leftover BBQ meat. Cook it down for 10 minutes, then add some tomato puree, a glass of red wine and 200ml beef stock. Allow to simmer away quietly for as long as you’ve got. Taste after an hour - it will need seasoning generously. Add a little mustard, marmite and red wine vinegar for extra oomph. Use this ragu to create delicious layers in your unique but incredible lasagne.

Sausage and bean stew

You could also use your leftover sausages from the BBQ to create the heartiest stew! This leftover BBQ meat recipe is incredibly simple, just slice the sausages and add them to a pot with cooked beans, diced tomatoes, onions, and spices like paprika and cumin. Simmer until the flavours meld together, creating a hearty and warming stew. This recipe is certainly different to the hot dogs you might’ve enjoyed al-fresco but is a great way to reinvent your leftover sausages!

Leftover lamb rissoles or meatballs

If you’ve got lamb leftover from the BBQ, why not make rissoles or meatballs? Simply place the leftover lamb meat, some breadcrumbs, 1 egg, a grated garlic clove along with some warming spices like cumin and cinnamon in a food processor and blitz until smooth. Form meatballs and brown in a pan with a little oil before transferring to an oven until cooked through. Serve with couscous, chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and fresh herbs like mint and parsley. Dress with a lemony vinaigrette for a refreshing and light meal.

Cooking Leftovers Safely

Whichever leftover BBQ meat recipe or idea you choose, remember that you need to store and cook the meat correctly. Leftover BBQ meat is perfectly safe to reheat and eat the next day, provided you handle it properly after the main event. Follow these tips to cook your leftovers safely.

Proper Storage

  1. Cool leftovers quickly: After your BBQ, cool any leftover food as quickly as possible. Ideally, this should be done within two hours to prevent bacterial growth. Divide large portions into smaller containers to speed up the cooling process.
  2. Store leftovers in airtight containers and place them in the refrigerator. Cooked food should be kept at or below 4°c to inhibit bacterial growth. Leftovers can generally be stored safely for up to four days.
  3. Freeze if needs be: if you don’t plan to use the leftovers within a few days, consider freezing them. Properly stored in freezer-safe containers or bags, leftovers can last for up to three months. Label containers with dates to keep track of their freshness.

Reheating Leftovers

  1. When reheating leftover BBQ meats, ensure they reach an internal temperature of 74°c to kill any potential bacteria. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature.
  2. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat to minimise the risk of bacterial growth from repeated temperature changes. If you have a large quantity of leftovers, reheat them in smaller batches as needed.

Enjoy a delicious BBQ with DukesHill's range of exquisite BBQ meats and meat boxes!

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