Have Leftover Steak? Here's 9 Delicious Ways to Use It Before It Goes Bad

Imagine this scenario: You've just finished a fantastic dinner with your loved ones, where the centerpiece was a perfectly-cooked steak. Now, you're left with a chunk of leftover

meat sitting on your kitchen counter. Rather than throwing it away or leaving it to spoil, wouldn't it be more satisfying to transform it into another mouth-watering dish? This is where leftover steak recipes come into play. 

Steak, while delicious, is one of the most resource-intensive meats to produce. Beef production contributes to

41% of livestock greenhouse gas emissions, and uses up

28 times more land compared to pork or chicken. In addition, producing one pound of steak requires

1,800 gallons of water. (In comparison, the same amount of chicken requires 520 gallons, and corn requires 148 gallons.) As such, reducing steak wastage isn't just about culinary creativity, but also an act of environmental responsibility.

When you make the conscious choice to utilize your leftover steak, you're making a significant contribution to the reduction of

food waste, and in turn, your

carbon footprint. It's an act that's not only beneficial to your palate and wallet, but also to our planet. Here's everything you should know before your next meal, from how long leftover steak lasts to leftover steak recipes that are just as good the second time around.

Understanding how long your leftover steak lasts is crucial to ensure the meal's safety and quality. After all, we don't just want to reduce food waste—we want to do so without compromising on taste or, more importantly, health.

According to the

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), cooked steak can last up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Experts say the best way to keep cooked steak fresh is to store it in an

airtight container, which reduces the risk of bacteria and mold (and prevents the steak from absorbing any odors from the refrigerator).

Not going to be able to finish all your steak within four days? No problem: You can also freeze cooked steak for

2 to 3 months. Once you're ready to use it in a recipe, simply dethaw it.

Just remember—these are guidelines and not hard and fast rules. If your steak has an off smell, color, or texture, it's better to err on the side of caution and discard it.

Eating tacos is a great way to start the day. This recipe combines steak with eggs, cheese, pico de gallo, and other flavorful ingredients.

These quesadillas are filled with tender steak, melted cheese, and sautéed onions. They're easy to make when you're looking for a

quick and easy lunch or dinner.

Hello, delicious breakfast. This hearty dish is a great way to use up leftover steak. Combined with potatoes, sautéed red pepper and onions, and a fried egg, it makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Craving nachos? Leftover steak—along with sautéed peppers, guacamole, cheese, and sour cream— make for some truly melt-in-your-mouth toppings.

Utilize your leftover steak in this stroganoff recipe. It gets its flavor from mushrooms, shallots, and creamy sour cream.

This healthy and filling stir fry is loaded with colorful vegetables, tender steak, and a savory sauce. Plus, it can be whipped up in just 30 minutes.

This flatbread is topped with tender steak, creamy gorgonzola cheese, and plenty of veggies. What more could you want in a pizza?

The key to steak tacos that are bursting with flavor? Chimichurri sauce. Add in some red onion, avocado, cilantro, and queso fresco, and you have yourself the perfect weeknight dinner.

These skewers are loaded with tender steak, veggies, and a tangy marinade, making them perfect for a fun and easy

summer barbecue. Pro tip: If you have any veggies in your fridge that are about to go bad, it's a great way to use them up.