15+ Recipes Good for Leftovers: Delicious Ways to Make the Most of Your Extras

15+ Recipes Good for Leftovers: Delicious Ways to Make the Most of Your Extras

ByCook Maniac Team Reading Time: 12 minutes

Cooking often leaves you with extra food. Finding ways to enjoy those leftovers can be a game-changer. When you choose recipes that taste great the next day, you save time and reduce waste. Leftover-friendly meals can make your weekdays easier and more delicious.

A colorful array of assorted leftover ingredients arranged on a kitchen counter, including vegetables, meats, and grains, with various cooking utensils nearby

These recipes not only help you make the most of your cooking but also provide tasty options for lunches and dinners. From casseroles to soups, there are many dishes that get even better after a day in the fridge. Get ready to discover some delightful recipes that are perfect for enjoying later!

1) Broccoli, Cheese & Rice Casserole

A bubbling casserole dish filled with broccoli, cheese, and rice, surrounded by scattered ingredients and a serving spoon

Broccoli, cheese, and rice casserole is a delightful way to use leftovers. This dish is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect side or main meal. You can easily prepare it with leftover rice and fresh or frozen broccoli.

You’ll need a few simple ingredients like cheese, rice, and a creamy soup to bind everything together. It is a comforting dish that your family will enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 2 cups broccoli (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, broccoli, soup, milk, cheese, and seasonings.
  3. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

2) Basic Meatloaf

A slice of meatloaf on a plate next to a pile of mashed potatoes and a side of green beans

Basic meatloaf is a classic dish that is simple to prepare and perfect for using up leftover ingredients. It combines ground meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings to create a tasty meal.

You can use beef, turkey, or a mix of meats. Just remember to season it well to enhance the flavors.

After baking, the meatloaf can be sliced and served with sides like mashed potatoes or vegetables. It’s great for sandwiches the next day, too!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450g) ground meat (beef or turkey)
  • 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) ketchup (for topping)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients except ketchup.
  3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
  4. Spread ketchup on top.
  5. Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature is 160°F (70°C).
  6. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

3) Cauliflower Tikka Masala with Chickpeas

A steaming pot of cauliflower tikka masala with chickpeas sits on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by scattered spices and herbs

Cauliflower Tikka Masala with Chickpeas is a tasty choice for using up leftovers. It combines tender cauliflower and hearty chickpeas in a flavorful sauce. This dish is both comforting and satisfying.

You can easily customize the spices to suit your taste. It’s creamy, mildly spiced, and packed with nutrition. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a filling meal without much effort.

This recipe works well with leftover vegetables too. Just toss them in for extra flavor and texture.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 4 cups cauliflower florets
  • 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat the coconut oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the cauliflower and cook until slightly tender.
  3. Stir in the chickpeas, tomato sauce, garam masala, and salt.
  4. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Serve warm with rice or naan.

4) BBQ Sandwiches

A table set with BBQ sandwiches, pickles, and coleslaw, with a container of leftover sandwiches in the background

BBQ sandwiches are a tasty way to use up leftover meat. You can use beef, pork, or even chicken. The savory flavor of BBQ sauce makes every bite enjoyable.

Start by warming your leftover meat. Then, pile it onto a bun. You can add toppings like coleslaw or pickles for extra crunch.

To make these sandwiches even better, try a homemade BBQ sauce. A mix of sweet and spicy flavors will bring out the taste of the meat.

Ingredients

  • Leftover cooked meat (beef, pork, or chicken)
  • BBQ sauce
  • Buns
  • Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, cheese

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat the leftover meat in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C) until warmed through.
  2. Spread BBQ sauce over the meat.
  3. Place the meat on a bun.
  4. Add any optional toppings you like. Enjoy your sandwich!

5) Mashed Potato Bowls

A steaming bowl of mashed potatoes topped with gravy, peas, and shredded turkey, surrounded by colorful leftover containers

Mashed potato bowls are a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. You can mix and match toppings to create a meal that feels fresh and new.

Start with your creamy mashed potatoes as the base. Then, add whatever leftovers you have on hand. Some tasty options include crispy bacon, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.

You can also top your bowl with cheese and a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. A sprinkle of green onions adds a nice crunch and color.

Mashed potato bowls make for a comforting meal that’s quick to prepare.

Ingredients

  • Leftover mashed potatoes
  • Toppings (bacon, chicken, vegetables)
  • Cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Green onions

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat your leftover mashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stove until warm.
  2. Prepare your chosen toppings by heating or cooking as needed.
  3. Assemble your bowl by layering mashed potatoes and toppings.
  4. Finish with cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

6) World’s Best Lasagna

A steaming hot lasagna sits on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by scattered basil leaves and a vintage serving spoon. A half-empty casserole dish and a stack of Tupperware containers hint at the delicious leftovers to come

World’s Best Lasagna is a delicious dish that you can enjoy multiple times. It combines layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese. This lasagna is perfect for leftovers as it reheats well.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will find that lasagna actually tastes better the next day, with flavors developing overnight.

When storing, cover it tightly and keep it in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to three months.

Ingredients

  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
  3. Brown the ground beef and sausage in a skillet.
  4. Mix marinara sauce with the meat.
  5. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
  6. Layer noodles, meat sauce, and cheese mixture in a baking dish.
  7. Repeat layers and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Enjoy!

7) Easy Chicken Enchiladas

A colorful plate of chicken enchiladas with melted cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro and sliced avocado

Easy chicken enchiladas are a great way to use up leftover chicken. They are tasty and can be ready in just 30 minutes. You can customize them with your favorite ingredients.

You will need corn or flour tortillas. Fill them with shredded chicken, cheese, and black beans if you like. Top it all with enchilada sauce for extra flavor.

Baking them in the oven makes the cheese melt and adds a nice golden color. This dish is perfect for a quick dinner or a fun family meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded leftover chicken
  • 8 tortillas (corn or flour)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 1 cup black beans (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread some enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
  3. Fill each tortilla with chicken, beans, and cheese.
  4. Roll up the tortillas and place them in the dish.
  5. Pour remaining sauce over the enchiladas.
  6. Sprinkle extra cheese on top.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.

8) Beef Stew

A steaming pot of beef stew sits on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by empty bowls and spoons. The rich aroma fills the cozy kitchen

Beef stew is a comforting dish perfect for using up leftovers. With its rich flavors, it’s easy to transform leftover beef stew into new meals. You can make Mini Beef Stew Pies or a Beef Stew Ragu.

If you choose to create Mini Beef Stew Pies, use pastry to encase the stew. Bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown.

Another option is Beef Stew Ragu. This dish combines leftover stew with pasta. Cook it with some olives and your favorite vegetables for added taste.

Ingredients

  • Leftover beef stew
  • Pastry dough (for pies)
  • Pasta (like macaroni or orecchiette)
  • Olives
  • Optional veggies (like bell peppers or carrots)

Cooking Instructions

  1. For Mini Beef Stew Pies, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Roll out pastry and fill with beef stew.
  3. Bake until golden brown.
  4. For Ragu, heat leftover stew.
  5. Cook pasta as per package instructions, then mix with stew.

9) Baked Ziti

A tray of baked ziti sits on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by scattered ingredients and an open cookbook. Leftovers are portioned into Tupperware containers nearby

Baked ziti is a perfect dish for using up leftover pasta. It’s warm, cheesy, and very satisfying. This recipe is fun and easy to make, and you can enjoy it for days.

To start, you will need ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. If you have extra veggies or meat, feel free to add them for more flavor.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked ziti pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti, marinara sauce, and ricotta cheese.
  3. Spread half of the mixture in a baking dish.
  4. Top with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  5. Add the remaining ziti mixture and top with the rest of the cheese.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Enjoy!

10) Best Damn Chili

A steaming pot of chili sits on a stove, surrounded by empty bowls and spoons. A stack of Tupperware containers waits nearby for leftovers

Best Damn Chili is perfect for leftovers. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make for any occasion. This chili is packed with vegetables and spices, making it a comforting choice.

You can enjoy it on chilly nights or during game day. It’s great for feeding a crowd and freezes well too.

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 Anaheim chile pepper, chopped
  • 2 red jalapeno peppers, chopped
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
  2. Add onion, red bell pepper, Anaheim pepper, and jalapenos. Cook until softened.
  3. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned.
  4. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, and kidney beans.
  5. Season with chili powder. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

11) Thai Chicken Curry

A bowl of Thai chicken curry with rice, vegetables, and herbs, sitting on a wooden table with a spoon beside it

If you have leftover chicken, making Thai chicken curry is a great idea. It’s a flavorful dish that combines spices and creamy coconut milk. You can use any veggies you have on hand too, making it easy to personalize.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need:

  • Leftover chicken, shredded
  • Coconut milk
  • Thai curry paste
  • Your choice of vegetables (like bell peppers or carrots)
  • Fresh basil
  • Lime juice
  • Fish sauce (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the Thai curry paste and cook until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Stir in the shredded chicken and any vegetables.
  5. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
  6. Add lime juice and fish sauce for flavor.
  7. Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your meal!

12) Posole Verde with Chicken

A steaming pot of posole verde filled with chunks of tender chicken, surrounded by colorful bowls and garnishes, ready for serving

Posole Verde with Chicken is a bright and hearty dish, perfect for using up leftovers. This comforting Mexican soup features tender chicken and hominy in a tasty green broth. It is not only delicious but also easy to prepare.

You can make this meal in around 20 minutes on the stove for a quick weeknight dinner. If you prefer, let it simmer for hours in a slow cooker for more flavor.

Serve it with your favorite toppings like diced avocado, lime, and radishes for added freshness.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can hominy, drained
  • 1 cup green salsa
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt to taste
  • Garnishes: avocado, lime, radishes

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, green salsa, and cumin.
  2. Add shredded chicken and hominy.
  3. Heat over medium until warmed through.
  4. Serve hot with your choice of garnishes.

13) Saag Paneer, But With Feta

A table set with a steaming pot of saag paneer alongside a bowl of crumbled feta, with leftovers packed in Tupperware containers

This version of Saag Paneer uses feta instead of the traditional paneer. The feta gives the dish a tangy twist that pairs nicely with the spices and spinach.

To make it a bit lighter, you can enjoy this dish with less guilt. It is also simple to prepare, making it a great option for using up leftovers.

You can serve it over rice or with naan, which soaks up the delicious flavors well. Each bite offers a blend of creamy feta and healthy spinach.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450 g) fresh spinach
  • 8 ounces (225 g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden.
  3. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute.
  4. Add spices, cooking for another minute.
  5. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
  6. Stir in crumbled feta and mix well.
  7. Season with salt and serve hot.

14) Tofu and Kimchi Stew

A steaming pot of tofu and kimchi stew sits on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by colorful ceramic bowls and chopsticks

Tofu and kimchi stew is a quick and tasty way to use up leftovers. This hearty dish is full of flavor, warmth, and comfort. You can whip it up in just a short time.

You’ll need some basic ingredients like tofu, kimchi, and broth. It’s perfect for cold days when you want something cozy. The spice from the kimchi adds a nice kick.

Feel free to add vegetables or noodles for extra texture. This stew is not only delicious but also healthy.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup kimchi
  • 1 block firm tofu, cubed
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • Optional: vegetables (like mushrooms or spinach)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat the broth in a pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the kimchi and bring to a simmer.
  3. Stir in the tofu and soy sauce.
  4. Cook for about 5-10 minutes until heated.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with green onion. Enjoy!

15) Spaghetti Bolognese

A plate of spaghetti Bolognese with a fork, surrounded by leftover containers in a cozy kitchen setting

Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic dish that many love. It’s filling, rich, and perfect for using up leftovers. You can easily add more ingredients to make it exciting.

If you have leftover Bolognese sauce, toss it with fresh pasta. You can also use it as a topping for baked potatoes or try it in a lasagna.

Another great idea is to turn it into a hearty soup. Just add some broth and vegetables for a delicious meal. Don’t forget to sprinkle some cheese on top!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450g) spaghetti
  • 2 cups (500ml) leftover Bolognese sauce
  • Parmesan cheese (for serving)
  • Fresh basil (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt.
  2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain pasta and return it to the pot.
  4. Stir in the leftover Bolognese sauce until heated through.
  5. Serve with grated Parmesan and fresh basil on top.

Similar Posts