Are you tired of the same old leftovers after a BBQ party or a big family gathering? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with these 18 mouth-watering and creative recipe ideas that use up leftover BBQ pork. From classic comfort food to international twists, we’ll show you how to transform last night’s dinner into a brand new meal for tonight.
From fried rice to quesadillas, tacos to pizza, and even breakfast burritos and salads, there’s something for everyone on this list. And the best part? These recipes are all easy to make and require minimal ingredients – perfect for busy weeknights when you’re short on time but want to impress your family or friends.
In this article, we’ll dive into each of these 18 delicious leftover BBQ pork recipes, providing step-by-step instructions and mouth-watering photos to inspire your next meal. So go ahead, get creative with those leftovers, and make every night feel like a special occasion!
BBQ Pork Fried Rice
This BBQ Pork Fried Rice recipe combines the flavors of savory pork, sweet BBQ sauce, and crunchy vegetables with a bed of fluffy rice. It’s an easy and delicious twist on traditional fried rice.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup diced cooked pork (such as leftover roast or BBQ pork)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g. peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, mixed vegetables, and cooked pork. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in the BBQ sauce and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the cooked rice to the skillet or wok, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
6. Stir-fry everything together until the rice is well coated with the pork and vegetable mixture.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pulled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Transform classic pulled pork into a tropical fiesta with these addictive tacos, topped with a sweet and tangy pineapple salsa.
Ingredients:
For the Pulled Pork:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
For the Pineapple Salsa:
– 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, and BBQ sauce.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder and place it in a large Dutch oven or slow cooker.
4. Cook for 8-10 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Meanwhile, combine pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, and lime juice in a bowl. Season to taste.
6. Shred the cooked pork with two forks and warm tortillas according to package instructions.
7. Assemble tacos by spooning pulled pork onto tortillas and topping with pineapple salsa.
Cook Time: 8-10 hours
BBQ Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Elevate your snack game with this flavorful recipe that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the tangy goodness of BBQ pork. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 4 large sweet potatoes
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, slow-cooked in BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake sweet potatoes for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. Cut sweet potatoes in half lengthwise and fluff with a fork.
4. Divide BBQ pork among the sweet potato halves.
5. Top each with shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 1 hour (including baking time)
Leftover Pork BBQ Pizza
Transform leftover pork BBQ into a delicious pizza that’s perfect for a quick meal or snack. This recipe is a great way to repurpose leftover BBQ and add some excitement to your usual pizza routine.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup leftover pork BBQ
– 1 pre-made pizza crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the pizza crust to desired thickness.
3. Spread the leftover pork BBQ evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the pork.
5. Top with chopped red onion and sliced bell peppers.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pork and Cheddar Quesadillas
A twist on the classic quesadilla, this recipe combines tender pork with melted cheddar cheese for a flavorful and satisfying snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked pork shoulder, shredded
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 large tortillas
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together the shredded pork, cheddar cheese, and chopped cilantro.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle about 1/4 cup of the pork-cheddar mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted, flipping occasionally.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
BBQ Pork Sliders with Coleslaw
Get ready to serve up a crowd-pleasing snack or meal with these irresistible BBQ pork sliders, topped with a refreshing coleslaw.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 8 hamburger buns
– 1/2 cup shredded cabbage
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper. Slather mixture on pork shoulder, making sure to coat evenly.
3. Grill pork for 5-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
4. Let pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
5. Assemble sliders by placing pork on hamburger buns and topping with coleslaw (see below).
6. Refrigerate coleslaw for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Coleslaw:
1. In a medium bowl, combine cabbage, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until well combined and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pork and Egg Breakfast Burritos
Start your day with a delicious and satisfying breakfast burrito packed with juicy pork, scrambled eggs, and creamy cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked pork (such as carnitas or pulled pork)
– 6 large eggs
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced onions, chopped cilantro, salsa
Instructions:
1. Scramble the eggs in a bowl and set aside.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cooked pork and cook until heated through.
3. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
4. Assemble the burritos by filling each tortilla with scrambled eggs, pork, and shredded cheese.
5. Serve immediately and customize with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
BBQ Pork Mac and Cheese
A comforting twist on a classic macaroni and cheese recipe, this dish combines tender BBQ pork with a rich, creamy pasta bake. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend brunch!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup BBQ pork (store-bought or homemade)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, combine cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Add heavy cream and butter; stir until smooth.
4. Add paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Stir in cooked macaroni and BBQ pork.
6. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with additional shredded cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pork Fried Noodles with Vegetables
A classic Chinese-inspired dish that combines tender pork, crunchy vegetables, and savory noodles. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork loin, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms)
– 1 cup cooked noodles (rice noodles or egg noodles work well)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, garlic, and mixed vegetables. Cook until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add cooked noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using) to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for about 2 minutes.
5. Return pork to the pan and stir-fry until combined with noodles and vegetables.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
BBQ Pork Stuffed Bell Peppers
Transform tender bell peppers into a flavorful and filling meal with this simple recipe. Slow-cooked pork, BBQ sauce, and creamy cheese come together to create a deliciously comforting dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound ground pork
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup cooked rice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers, remove seeds and membranes, and place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground pork, onion, and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Add BBQ sauce and stir until combined. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the pork mixture, then top with shredded cheese and cooked rice.
6. Spray or drizzle with cooking oil. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pork and Bean Chili
A hearty and comforting chili recipe that combines tender pork, creamy beans, and rich flavors. This classic dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a tailgating party.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground pork
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cups cooked kidney beans (canned or cooked from scratch)
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 1 can crushed tomatoes (8 oz)
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground pork over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the cooked kidney beans, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and water. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let the chili cook for 20-30 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 25-35 minutes
BBQ Pork Loaded Nachos
Elevate your snack game with this mouthwatering recipe that combines the rich flavors of BBQ pork, melted cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips. Perfect for a party or a cozy night in!
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tortilla chips
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup diced BBQ pork (see note)
– 1/4 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sour cream, salsa, cilantro for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chips.
4. Top with diced BBQ pork, black beans, red bell pepper, and jalapeño.
5. Drizzle barbecue sauce over the top.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from oven and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pork and Cornbread Casserole
A hearty, comforting casserole that combines the flavors of slow-cooked pork with crispy cornbread croutons. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cornbread mix
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the pork shoulder over medium-high heat until browned on all sides. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; continue cooking until the onion is translucent.
3. Transfer the pork mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Prepare cornbread mix according to package instructions. Mix in melted butter, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the pork mixture.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and the cornbread is crispy.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
BBQ Pork Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Satisfy your cravings with this sweet and savory twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, featuring tender BBQ pork and melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of white bread
– 1/4 cup BBQ pork (shredded or thinly sliced)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, butter-side down, on the grill.
4. Top with BBQ pork, shredded cheese, and another bread slice (butter-side up).
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip the sandwich and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes
Pork and Potato Hash
This recipe combines crispy pork, tender potatoes, and onions with a hint of smokiness, perfect for a satisfying morning meal. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a delicious and filling dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground pork
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground pork, potatoes, onion, and garlic. Mix well.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork mixture and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up any large clumps with a spatula.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the pork is crispy.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
BBQ Pork Spring Rolls
Get ready to elevate your snack game with these crispy BBQ pork spring rolls! Tender pork, crunchy veggies, and a sweet BBQ sauce all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of spring roll wrappers (about 20-24 sheets)
– 1 pound cooked BBQ pork, shredded
– 1 cup mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, etc.)
– 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together shredded BBQ pork, mixed greens, red bell pepper, and cilantro.
3. Lay a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 1/4 cup of the pork mixture in the center of the wrapper.
4. Brush edges with soy sauce and fold the wrapper into a triangle or cylinder shape. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pork and Avocado Salad Wraps
A refreshing twist on traditional wraps, this recipe combines the flavors of grilled pork, creamy avocado, and crunchy greens for a delicious and healthy snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, sliced into thin strips
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 large tortilla wraps
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook pork strips for 3-4 minutes per side, until cooked through.
2. In a large bowl, combine diced avocado, chopped cilantro, mixed greens, and crumbled cheese.
3. Slice grilled pork into thin strips and add to the bowl.
4. Squeeze lime juice over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Warm tortilla wraps by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble wraps by spooning the salad mixture onto each wrap.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
BBQ Pork Shepherd’s Pie
Elevate your comfort food game with this creative spin on the classic shepherd’s pie. Sweet and tangy BBQ pork pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, creating a delightful flavor combination.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked BBQ pork
– 2 cups mixed veggies (peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 cup mashed potatoes
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, combine BBQ pork, mixed veggies, and olive oil. Heat until warm.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Top with mashed potatoes and sprinkle shredded cheese.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Transforming leftover BBQ pork into new and exciting meals has never been easier. This article presents 18 mouthwatering recipe ideas that will breathe new life into your leftover pork. From classic comfort foods like mac and cheese and loaded nachos to international-inspired dishes such as tacos with pineapple salsa and spring rolls, there’s something for everyone. Get creative with pulled pork stuffed sweet potatoes or use it in a breakfast burrito. These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious meal solution.