10+ Recipes Good for Leftovers: Delicious Ways to Use Up What’s in Your Fridge

10+ Recipes Good for Leftovers: Delicious Ways to Use Up What’s in Your Fridge

ByCook Fanatic Team Reading Time: 8 minutes

Leftovers can be a lifesaver for busy days when you don’t have time to cook. Finding recipes that not only taste great the first time but are also even better as leftovers means you can enjoy delicious meals throughout the week.

A colorful array of various containers filled with leftover food, such as pasta, vegetables, and meat, neatly organized on a kitchen counter

With the right dishes, you can extend your culinary creations and reduce waste in your kitchen. From casseroles to soups, there are many options that can be enjoyed again, making mealtime easy and satisfying.

1) Broccoli Cheese & Rice Casserole

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

Broccoli Cheese & Rice Casserole is a great way to use up leftover broccoli and rice. It’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting. This dish works well as a side for weeknight dinners or holiday meals.

To make this casserole, you’ll need frozen broccoli, instant rice, and a mix of cheese. The creamy mushroom soup adds delicious flavor. You can customize it by adding your favorite seasonings.

This recipe is simple to prepare and bake in just about 35 minutes. You’ll love how quickly it comes together.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 2 cups frozen broccoli
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup cheese sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (your choice)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the cooked rice, broccoli, mushroom soup, and cheese sauce.
  3. Pour the mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
  4. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
  5. Bake for 35 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

2) World’s Best Lasagna

A steaming pan of lasagna, surrounded by colorful ingredients and a stack of Tupperware containers for storing leftovers

Lasagna is a comforting dish that makes great leftovers. Using a combination of meats, cheeses, and sauces gives it rich flavors that get better after a day in the fridge.

For this recipe, you’ll need layers of pasta, a tasty meat sauce, and creamy cheese. It’s easy to reheat and still tastes delicious.

To make this lasagna, you can use traditional ingredients like ricotta and mozzarella. These add a creamy texture and rich taste to each bite.

Ingredients

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

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the noodles according to package instructions.
  3. Brown the ground beef and sausage in a skillet.
  4. Mix ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  5. Spread some marinara sauce in a baking dish.
  6. Layer noodles, the meat mixture, ricotta, mozzarella, and sauce.
  7. Repeat layers, finishing with mozzarella on top.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  9. Remove foil and bake for another 25 minutes until bubbly.

3) Baked Ziti

A steaming dish of baked ziti sits on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by scattered basil leaves and a half-empty bottle of red wine

Baked ziti is a perfect dish for using up leftover pasta. It’s a warm and comforting meal that’s easy to make. You can add your favorite sauces and cheeses for extra flavor.

To start, cook your ziti pasta until it’s al dente. Then, mix it with ricotta, mozzarella, and your preferred sauce. Layer this mixture in a baking dish for a tasty dinner.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is bubbly and golden. You will love the way it warms up any leftovers!

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces ziti pasta
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: cooked ground beef or vegetables

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente; drain.
  3. In a bowl, mix the cooked pasta, ricotta, marinara sauce, and half the mozzarella.
  4. Layer the mixture in a baking dish.
  5. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
  7. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

4) Easy Chicken Enchiladas

A table set with a colorful array of chicken enchiladas, surrounded by various leftover containers and ingredients

Easy chicken enchiladas are a perfect dish for using up leftover chicken. They are simple to make and packed with flavor, making them a family favorite.

You can use corn or flour tortillas to wrap your shredded chicken, along with cheese and your favorite enchilada sauce. This dish is usually ready in about 30 minutes.

To prepare, mix your chicken with black beans or veggies if you like. Fill each tortilla, roll them up, and place them in a baking dish. Top with more sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup black beans (optional)
  • 8 corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix chicken and black beans in a bowl.
  3. Place a small amount of the mixture in each tortilla.
  4. Roll the tortillas and place them in a baking dish.
  5. Pour enchilada sauce on top and sprinkle with cheese.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese melts.

5) Beef Stew

A pot of beef stew sits on a rustic wooden table, steam rising from the hearty meal. Leftover containers are stacked nearby, ready to be filled with the savory dish

Beef stew is a great way to use up leftover meat and create a hearty meal. You can transform your leftover beef into something delicious and comforting.

Simply combine your leftover stew with pasta or serve it in a pie for a fun twist. You can also add rice to make a filling dish.

Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 cups leftover beef stew
  • 1/2 cup leftover red wine
  • 1 pound macaroni or orecchiette pasta
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • 1 cup brined dark olives

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat your leftover beef stew in a pot over medium heat.
  2. In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
  3. Drain the pasta and add it to the stew.
  4. Stir in the red wine and olives.
  5. Season with salt to taste. Enjoy!

6) Baked Spaghetti

A bubbling tray of baked spaghetti sits on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by scattered basil leaves and a vintage fork

Baked spaghetti is a great way to use your leftover pasta. It’s simple and delicious, making it a perfect meal for the family. Just mix the leftover spaghetti with sauce, cheese, and a few eggs.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine your leftover spaghetti noodles with tomato sauce. Then, add some beaten eggs and mix well.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top it with plenty of cheese for a cheesy crust. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until it bubbles and the cheese is golden.

Ingredients

  • Leftover spaghetti noodles
  • Tomato sauce
  • Eggs
  • Shredded cheese

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix leftover spaghetti, tomato sauce, and beaten eggs.
  3. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
  4. Top with shredded cheese.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

7) Thai Chicken Curry

A steaming pot of Thai chicken curry surrounded by colorful vegetables and herbs, with a bowl of rice on the side

Thai chicken curry is a delicious option for using leftovers, especially if you have cooked chicken. It combines vibrant flavors and is simple to make.

You can make this dish with leftover chicken, veggies, and a few spices. Just chop up your ingredients and get ready to cook.

Start by heating coconut milk in a pan. Add green curry paste and mix until it’s well combined. Then, toss in your leftover chicken and any vegetables you have.

Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes. Serve it hot over rice for a comforting meal. It’s tasty and a great way to clear out your fridge.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons green curry paste
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, carrots, or peas)
  • Cooked rice, for serving

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat coconut milk in a saucepan over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
  2. Stir in green curry paste until mixed well.
  3. Add shredded chicken and mixed vegetables.
  4. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Serve over cooked rice. Enjoy!

8) Taco Fixin’s

A colorful spread of taco ingredients arranged on a wooden cutting board, including chopped vegetables, shredded cheese, and leftover cooked meat

Making tasty meals with leftover taco fixin’s is fun and easy. You can create delicious new dishes with just a few ingredients.

Try a taco salad. Just chop some lettuce and mix in your leftover meat and toppings. Add salsa and cheese for extra flavor.

Another idea is taco soup. Combine the remaining ingredients in a pot. Add some broth and heat until warm.

You can also make stuffed peppers. Fill halved peppers with your taco mix and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes.

Using leftover taco fixin’s means less waste, and each dish will bring new flavors to your table.

Ingredients

  • Leftover taco meat
  • Tortillas
  • Cheese
  • Lettuce
  • Taco sauce
  • Broth
  • Bell peppers

Cooking Instructions

  1. For a salad, chop lettuce and mix with meat.
  2. For soup, add ingredients to a pot with broth and heat.
  3. For stuffed peppers, fill and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.

9) Posole Verde with Chicken

A steaming pot of posole verde with chicken sits on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by colorful bowls and spoons. Leftover containers are stacked nearby

Posole Verde with Chicken is a warm and comforting dish perfect for using leftovers. This Mexican soup is known for its vibrant green color and rich flavors. It’s simple to prepare and can be modified based on what you have on hand.

The main ingredients include shredded chicken, hominy, and a mix of green chiles. You can make it on the stove or in a slow cooker. Just heat it up, and you’re ready to enjoy a hearty meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded chicken
  • 1 can hominy
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup salsa verde
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook until soft.
  3. Stir in shredded chicken, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and salsa verde.
  5. Add hominy and simmer for 20 minutes.
  6. Serve hot and enjoy!

10) Tofu and Kimchi Stew

A steaming pot of tofu and kimchi stew sits on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by empty bowls and chopsticks. A warm, inviting atmosphere emanates from the scene

Tofu and kimchi stew is a comforting dish that makes great use of leftover ingredients. The kimchi gives the stew its spicy and tangy flavors, while the tofu adds a nice texture.

This recipe is easy to make and can be ready in about 30 minutes. You can also add leftover veggies for more taste and nutrition.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup kimchi
  • 1 block firm tofu, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
  • Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the kimchi and gochugaru. Cook for another 2 minutes.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
  5. Add the cubed tofu and simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Season with salt and garnish with green onions before serving.
  7. Enjoy!

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