What to Make With Leftover Leftover Steak and Peppers
Transform yesterday's dinner into something entirely new with these flexible approaches.
Leftover steak and peppers are a gift—already cooked, flavorful, and ready to pivot into something different. Whether you're looking to stretch them into a quick weeknight meal or reimagine them with new seasonings and textures, these ingredients have real range. The key is treating them not as remnants, but as a starting point.
Steak and Potato Skillet with Peppers
A quick, hearty one-pan meal featuring sliced leftover steak, crispy potatoes, and sautéed peppers seasoned with garlic and herbs.
Ingredients
- Leftover steak, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced small
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced potatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender.
- Add sliced peppers and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced steak and 1/4 cup water.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes until the steak is warmed through and peppers are tender. Adjust seasonings and serve hot.
This is just one option. Want to create your own recipe?
Customize the ingredients or generate a recipe built entirely from what you already have.
Build My RecipeQuick Variations
Lighter Option
Toss your steak and peppers with fresh greens, a sharp vinaigrette, and crispy potatoes for a composed salad that feels fresh and intentional rather than like leftovers.
Hearty Option
Layer everything into a skillet with cheese and herbs for a hash-style dish, or pile it into a sandwich with caramelized onions and a rich sauce for maximum comfort.
Vegetarian or Flexible Option
Skip the steak and build a vegetable-forward potato and pepper dish by adding beans, greens, or an egg on top for protein without relying on meat.
Simple Substitutions
Protein Substitutes
- Chicken or turkey
- Ground beef or lamb
- Beans or lentils
- Eggs
- Salmon or other fish
- Tofu or tempeh
Carb Substitutes
- Rice or grain bowls
- Pasta or noodles
- Bread or rolls
- Polenta
- Sweet potatoes
- Cauliflower rice
Flavor Boosters
- Worcestershire or soy sauce
- Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley
- Garlic and onion
- Hot sauce or chili flakes
- Smoked paprika or cumin
- Lemon juice or vinegar
Common Questions
How do I keep leftover steak from getting tough when I reheat it?
Slice it thin and add it toward the end of cooking, or serve it at room temperature in a salad or sandwich. Low and slow heat is your friend if you must rewarm it.
Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Yes—you can chop and combine most components the night before, but wait to reheat or dress until just before eating to maintain texture and freshness.
What if my peppers and potatoes have been sitting for several days?
They're still perfectly usable in most preparations. Just make sure they don't smell off, and consider using them in something warm and well-seasoned where texture changes won't matter as much.