Crispy Prime Rib Tacos

Here’s my favorite way to use leftover prime rib – turning it into fresh, home-style Mexican tacos with warm tortillas and all the fixings. These prime rib tacos combine tender, juicy slices of beef with simple toppings that let the meat’s flavor shine through.

These tacos have become our go-to meal after holiday dinners or special occasions when we have prime rib on hand. I usually make a big batch because everyone in the family comes back for seconds. And let’s be honest – tacos for lunch the next day are always a good idea, right?

What Kind of Prime Rib Should I Use?

Prime rib comes in different grades, with USDA Prime being the top choice thanks to its superior marbling, followed by Choice and Select grades. For tacos, Choice grade works perfectly well and is more budget-friendly than Prime – you’ll still get great flavor and tenderness. Look for a piece that has good marbling (those white streaks of fat running through the meat) since this adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy. If you have leftover prime rib from a previous meal, that’s actually perfect for tacos since the meat will already be cooked to the right temperature. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain when you’re ready to build your tacos.

Options for Substitutions

While these tacos are designed to use leftover prime rib, there are several ways you can mix things up:

• Prime rib: Any leftover roast beef works great here – try ribeye, sirloin, or even tender pot roast. Just make sure it’s warmed up but not overcooked to keep the meat juicy.
• Tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas both work well – pick your favorite! You can even use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
• Queso fresco: If you can’t find queso fresco, try using crumbled feta cheese, cotija, or even shredded monterey jack.
• Avocado: No ripe avocados? You can use prepared guacamole or skip it altogether and add a dollop of sour cream for creaminess.
• Cilantro: If you’re not a cilantro fan (or dealing with the cilantro-soap gene), try using fresh parsley or just leave it out.
• Lime: Lemon works in a pinch, or you can add a splash of any citrus juice you have on hand.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when assembling prime rib tacos is using cold leftover meat, which can make the entire taco experience less enjoyable – instead, gently warm your prime rib slices in a pan with a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture and enhance flavor. A common error is overloading your tortillas with too many toppings, which leads to broken shells and messy eating – stick to a balanced ratio of meat to toppings, allowing each ingredient to shine. To prevent soggy tortillas, warm them properly on a dry skillet or griddle until they’re pliable but not crispy, and serve immediately while they maintain their perfect texture. For the best experience, avoid preparing these tacos too far in advance, as the warm meat can make the tortillas soft and the fresh ingredients will lose their crisp appeal – assemble just before serving and let your guests add their own lime wedges for that final burst of freshness.

What to Serve With Prime Rib Tacos?

These fancy-meets-casual prime rib tacos pair wonderfully with classic Mexican side dishes that complement the rich meat without overshadowing it. A simple serving of Mexican rice and refried beans makes the perfect base for a complete meal. I love setting out bowls of extra toppings like diced onions, more fresh cilantro, and different salsas so everyone can customize their plate. For a fresh element, try a quick cabbage slaw with lime juice and a pinch of salt – it adds a nice crunch and helps cut through the richness of the prime rib.

Storage Instructions

Keep Components Separate: For the best taco experience, store each component separately. Keep the leftover prime rib in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store cut avocado with a squeeze of lime juice to prevent browning, and keep fresh toppings like cilantro and queso fresco in their own containers.

Prep Ahead: You can slice the prime rib and prep the toppings a few hours before serving – just keep everything in the fridge. Tortillas can stay fresh at room temperature in a sealed bag, or pop them in the fridge if you’re planning to use them beyond a day or two.

Assemble Fresh: These tacos are best when assembled right before eating. Warm up your prime rib in a pan or microwave, heat the tortillas quickly on a skillet, then add your cold toppings. This way, you’ll get that perfect mix of warm meat and tortillas with cool, fresh garnishes!

Preparation Time	5-10 minutes
Cooking Time	2-5 minutes
Total Time	7-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 600-700
• Protein: 30-35 g
• Fat: 35-40 g
• Carbohydrates: 50-55 g

Ingredients

• 2 tortillas
• 1 slice warm prime rib roast
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• 2 tablespoons salsa
• 3 tablespoons queso fresco
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/2 lime, cut into wedges

Step 1: Reheat and Prepare the Prime Rib

Take your leftover prime rib and place it in the microwave.

Heat it gently until it is warmed through.

Once it’s heated, dice the prime rib into small, manageable pieces that will be easy to incorporate into your tortilla wrap.

Step 2: Assemble the Tortilla

Lay a tortilla flat on a plate as the base for your wrap.

Start by piling on the diced prime rib, spreading it evenly across the tortilla.

Add slices of fresh avocado for creaminess, then layer on some salsa for a burst of flavor.

Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco over the top for a touch of cheesiness.

Step 3: Add Finishing Touches

To finish, sprinkle a handful of fresh cilantro leaves over your assembled tortilla for a pop of color and flavor.

Squeeze a bit of lime juice over everything for an added zest.

Step 4: Enjoy Your Creation

Fold the tortilla to enclose the ingredients, ensuring you have a firm grip, and take a bite!

Enjoy the blend of flavors in this delightful, simple meal.