These Beef Wraps are the Best Way to Use Leftover Meat. Ready in 15 Minutes!

Do you have some leftover beef sitting in the fridge? It could be grilled meat, chunks from a stew, or a pot roast. Don’t let it go to waste! Switch it up to something even yummier – full of crunch and new flavor with just a few additions. These easy and delicious beef wraps are the perfect way to transform last night’s dinner into a fresh and flavorful meal. It does not matter how the meat was initially cooked. A quick sauté with onions and bell peppers, combined with gooey melted cheese, will make it taste like a brand-new dish. Wrapped in a warm tortilla, this meal is perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a snack on the go.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Wraps Recipe

• Great for using leftovers: Sometimes we get bored of eating the same dish again because, well, we just want something new. Repurposing beef from a previous meal as shown in this recipe gives you exactly that – a new meal.
• Quick and easy: This meal is ready in under 20 minutes, thus perfect for busy schedules (or for someone who just doesn’t wanna be in the kitchen for too long).
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or seasonings to make it your own. You can also do a dipping sauce if you’re into sauces.
• Satisfying and filling: This meal is packed with protein and delicious flavors, and it will keep you full for long.
• Great for packed meals: Wrap it up and bring it to work or school for lunch. Easy to warm and easy to eat. No cutlery is needed.

Ingredients for Beef Wraps

• Cooked beef (pulled, shredded, or finely chopped) – about 1 pound
• Vegetable oil – 1 tbsp
• Garlic – 1 tbsp
• Yellow onion – 1 medium size
• Red and green bell peppers – 1/2 a head each, chopped
• Cilantro – 1/4 cup, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)

Steps for Beef Wraps

1. Prepare the Beef and other Ingredients

If your beef isn’t already shredded or chopped, do this first. Aim for small pieces to ensure even distribution in your wraps. Also, chop the peppers and cilantro, crush the garlic, and measure out any seasonings before you start cooking because this is a short and quick recipe.

2. Sauté the Beef and Vegetables

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and fry for a few seconds until fragrant. Then, add the shredded beef and sauté until it is heated through and slightly crispy. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. Season as needed, but keep salt on the low especially if the meat was already salted. The cheese will provide additional salt too. Stir in some cilantro and take the skillet off the heat.

3. Warm the Tortillas and Assemble the Wraps

Warm up one tortilla at a time on a wide pan over medium-low heat. Do this for just about 20-30 seconds per side until soft and pliable. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese all over it. Then, spoon the warm beef mixture evenly over the cheese. Optionally top it with more cheese, then roll up the tortilla tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. The tortilla should be crispy and slightly brown at this point. You can let the roll sit on the pan for a few more seconds for the cheese to melt further, or you could take it off right away.

5. Slice and Serve

Cut the wraps in half for easy serving. Serve them warm. I often enjoy them as they are, but you could also serve them with your favorite dips like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole. Another great option is a fresh salad on the side like kachumbari, an equivalent of pico de gallo.

Tips and Adjustments You Could Make

• Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or drizzle with hot sauce.
• Add more veggies: Finely chopped mushrooms, spinach, or roasted corn make great additions.
• Use different cheeses: Try pepper jack for a little heat or Swiss for a milder taste.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Storing: Wrap leftover beef wraps tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you want to store them for longer, wrap each wrap individually in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months.
• Reheating:
  • Microwave: Unwrap and place the wrap on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 30-45 seconds if refrigerated or about 1-2 minutes if frozen. Flip halfway through.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350F. Wrap the wrap in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
  • Skillet: Heat a pan over medium-low heat and warm the wrap for 2-3 minutes per side until heated through and slightly crispy. This method may be less effective though as the wrap is thick and the middle of it may not heat up.

Print the Recipe

Conclusion

These beef wraps are a fantastic way to reinvent leftovers into something exciting and delicious. They’re quick to make, versatile, and packed with flavor and crunch, making them a go-to meal for any time of the day. Please note that you can make this recipe with any other type of meat besides beef, and vegetarian options like seitan would work greatly too. Give this simple recipe a try and enjoy a delicious, satisfying homemade meal with minimal effort.

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