10 Delicious Recipes You Can Make with Leftovers

Posted on by Morgan

Leftovers are a great way to save time and reduce food waste. With a little creativity, you can turn them into new, exciting meals. Here are ten delicious recipes you can make with common leftovers:

1. Leftover Roast Chicken Quesadillas

Ingredients:

  • Leftover roast chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 4 flour tortillas
  • Salsa and sour cream, for serving

Instructions:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half with cheese, chicken, peppers, and onions.
  2. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until golden and crispy on both sides.
  3. Slice into wedges and serve with salsa and sour cream.

2. Beef Stew Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

  • Leftover beef stew
  • 2 cups mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spread leftover beef stew in the bottom of a baking dish.
  3. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with cheese if desired.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is hot.

3. Pasta Frittata

Ingredients:

  • Leftover pasta (any kind)
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cheese, salt, and pepper.
  3. Stir in leftover pasta.
  4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet. Pour the mixture into the skillet and cook over medium heat until the edges set.
  5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the center is set.

4. Vegetable Fried Rice

Ingredients:

  • Leftover rice
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok. Sauté garlic and mixed vegetables until tender.
  2. Add leftover rice and soy sauce, stirring to combine.
  3. Push the rice to one side of the pan and scramble the eggs in the empty space. Mix everything together and cook for a few more minutes.

5. Turkey and Cranberry Panini

Ingredients:

  • Leftover turkey slices
  • 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
  • 4 slices of bread (such as ciabatta or sourdough)
  • 4 slices of cheese (Swiss, provolone, or your choice)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat a panini press or skillet.
  2. Spread cranberry sauce on one side of each slice of bread.
  3. Layer with turkey slices and cheese.
  4. Close the sandwich and grill in the panini press or skillet until golden and the cheese is melted.

6. Leftover Chili Nachos

Ingredients:

  • Leftover chili
  • Tortilla chips
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
  • Sour cream and salsa, for serving

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Top with leftover chili and shredded cheese.
  3. Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  4. Top with onions and jalapeños. Serve with sour cream and salsa.

7. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • Leftover chicken, diced
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup chopped red grapes or apples
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add diced chicken, celery, and grapes or apples. Stir to combine.
  3. Serve on a bed of greens or in a sandwich.

8. Leftover Meatloaf Sandwiches

Ingredients:

  • Leftover meatloaf, sliced
  • 4 slices of bread or rolls
  • 1/4 cup ketchup or barbecue sauce
  • 1/4 cup mustard (optional)
  • Lettuce, tomato, and pickles, for topping

Instructions:

  1. Reheat meatloaf slices in a skillet or microwave.
  2. Spread ketchup and mustard on the bread.
  3. Layer with meatloaf and your choice of toppings.

9. Veggie-Stuffed Omelet

Ingredients:

  • Leftover roasted vegetables
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp butter or oil

Instructions:

  1. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper together.
  2. Heat butter or oil in a skillet. Pour in the egg mixture and cook until the edges start to set.
  3. Add leftover vegetables and cheese to one side of the omelet.
  4. Fold the omelet and cook until fully set.

10. Leftover Pizza Frittata

Ingredients:

  • Leftover pizza slices
  • 6 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut leftover pizza into small pieces and place in an oven-safe skillet.
  3. In a bowl, whisk eggs and milk together. Pour over the pizza pieces.
  4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes until the eggs are set.

These recipes make great use of leftovers, turning them into fresh and flavorful meals that you’ll look forward to eating!