How to Turn Leftovers Into New Meals (And Save Money)
Leftovers don’t have to be a repeat of last night’s dinner. Learning how to make leftovers feel like a whole new meal is a smart way to cut down on food waste and stretch your grocery budget.
With just a few simple tweaks, yesterday’s odds and ends can turn into something that feels totally fresh. These ideas will help you save money while keeping mealtime interesting.
Casseroles
Combine leftovers like meat, beans, grains, or vegetables with a simple sauce or condensed soup to create a comforting casserole. If you have any leftover pasta, combine it with ground meat and cheese for a yummy baked dish.
Burritos
Wrap leftover proteins and vegetables in tortillas for a quick, satisfying meal. Add rice, beans, cheese, or your favorite hot sauce to round things out. It’s an easy, family-friendly way to turn leftovers into a hearty handheld dinner.
Stir-Fries
Leftover meat and veggies can be transformed into a delicious stir-fry. Add a flavorful sauce like soy, teriyaki, or a splash of sesame oil. It makes a tasty lunch or dinner, and is ready quick.
Egg Muffins or Frittatas
Whisk eggs with a splash of milk or water, then add leftover veggies, meat, or even pasta from the day before.
You can make one large frittata or pour the mixture into muffin tins for easy grab-and-go portions. Now you have an easy breakfast prepped for the week using leftovers you already have.
Flatbread Pizzas
Top naan or pita bread with sauce, cheese, and leftover vegetables or meat you have in the fridge. Bake or broil until the flatbread is crispy and the cheese is melted. It makes a family-friendly dinner that’s much cheaper than ordering takeout.
You could also use sourdough bread or store-bought pizza dough to make the pizzas.
Soups or Stews
Use leftover roasted vegetables, meat, or grains to make a big batch of soup. Combine them with broth and seasonings, and simmer until ready to serve.
Stuffed Peppers or Zucchini Boats
Hollow out bell peppers or zucchini halves and fill them with a mix of leftovers like rice, ground meat, or veggies. Top with cheese and bake until golden.
Fried Rice
Turn leftover rice into a quick and flavorful meal by stir-frying it with chopped vegetables, scrambled eggs, and bits of leftover meat or tofu. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, or a splash of vinegar for extra depth.
It’s a fast, one-pan dinner that brings new life to plain rice.
Baked Potatoes
Split open a baked potato or sweet potato and fill it with leftover chili, ground meat, or other leftovers. Add some cheese or sour cream for extra flavor. Potatoes are pretty filling, and adding hearty toppings makes them a complete meal.
Grain Bowls
Layer leftover grains like rice or couscous with chopped vegetables, cooked proteins, and a drizzle of your favorite dressing or sauce. Mix and match with what you have on hand and aim for a balance of protein, grain, greens, and some healthy fat.
