Making use of leftovers is a great way to save time and reduce food waste. Instead of letting extra food sit in the fridge, you can turn it into something new and exciting. From soups to sandwiches, there are countless ways to give leftovers a second life. The key is to get creative with what you have on hand. This article will explore simple and delicious ways to repurpose your leftovers into tasty new meals. With just a few ingredients, you can easily whip up something fresh and satisfying.
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Roasted Vegetables in a Frittata
Roasted vegetables, whether carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers, can easily be transformed into a savory frittata. Simply whisk eggs, season with your favorite herbs, and pour them over the veggies in a hot skillet. The eggs will hold everything together, creating a rich, hearty meal that is perfect for breakfast or dinner.
To make the frittata even more delicious, add a sprinkle of cheese or a handful of fresh greens. This simple dish takes minimal effort and makes for a filling meal, while also reducing food waste.
Chicken and Rice Soup from Roast Chicken
Turn roast chicken and rice into a comforting soup. Start by simmering chicken stock or broth with the roast chicken, adding in the rice and any vegetables you have on hand. For added flavor, season with garlic, thyme, and bay leaves.
Once the soup has simmered for a while, you can garnish it with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness. It’s an easy way to make a whole new meal from ingredients that would have otherwise been thrown out.
Mashed Potatoes as a Shepherd’s Pie Filling
Mashed potatoes can easily be turned into a comforting shepherd’s pie. Layer them over a mixture of cooked ground meat (beef, lamb, or even turkey) and vegetables like peas and carrots. Bake until the top is golden and crispy.
This dish not only makes use of your mashed potatoes but also gives you a filling, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any season. The mashed potatoes add a creamy texture that complements the savory filling.
Veggie Stir-Fry with Cooked Vegetables
Transform cooked vegetables into a quick and flavorful stir-fry. Start by heating oil in a wok or large skillet and adding any cooked veggies along with some fresh garlic and ginger. Toss everything in soy sauce and sesame oil for a savory base.
This stir-fry can be served over rice or noodles, depending on what you have on hand. It’s a great way to bring new life to your vegetables, and you can customize it with your favorite sauces or proteins.
Pasta in a Cold Salad
Pasta makes a refreshing cold pasta salad. Toss the pasta with olive oil, vinegar, fresh herbs, and any veggies or proteins. This is a great way to make a light, satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch or a picnic.
You can add cheese, olives, or even some nuts to enhance the flavor. The cold salad is also a good way to clear out your fridge, as you can mix in almost anything you have left.
Stew as a Pie Filling
Use stew as a savory filling for a pie. Simply reheat the stew and transfer it into a pie crust. Cover with a second layer of pastry or mashed potatoes for a simple but comforting dish.
Baking the pie until golden and crispy will give the filling a wonderful flavor, making it a new dish that feels like a treat. This is an easy way to transform your stew into a completely different meal.
Rice in a Rice Pudding
Turn rice into a sweet treat by making rice pudding. Combine the rice with milk, sugar, and a dash of cinnamon. Let it cook slowly until it thickens into a creamy dessert.
Rice pudding is a comforting dish that can be served warm or cold. It’s a great way to use up rice, and you can top it with fruit or a sprinkle of nuts for extra texture.
Grilled Chicken in a Quesadilla
Take grilled chicken and use it as a filling for a quesadilla. Layer the chicken with cheese, beans, and any other cooked vegetables like sautéed peppers or onions. Grill the quesadilla until crispy and golden on the outside.
This meal is quick to prepare and allows you to enjoy your chicken in a new way. The melted cheese and crispy tortilla elevate the flavors, making it a perfect lunch or dinner option.
Roast Beef in a Stir-Fried Rice
Roast beef makes an excellent addition to stir-fried rice. Simply cut the roast beef into small pieces and stir-fry it with day-old rice, peas, and scrambled eggs. Season with soy sauce and sesame oil for a savory finish.
This dish is a perfect way to use up your roast beef and turn it into a completely different meal. It’s a satisfying and hearty option for lunch or dinner.
Veggie Tacos with a New Filling
Cooked vegetables from a stir-fry or roast can be turned into a filling for tacos. Warm up the vegetables and place them in a soft or hard taco shell. Top with fresh salsa, guacamole, and shredded cheese for a tasty meal.
This is a quick and easy way to use up vegetables and make a satisfying meal that is full of flavor. The toppings will add extra texture and freshness to each bite.
Soup in a Gravy or Sauce
Repurpose soup into a rich gravy or sauce for meat dishes. Simply reduce the soup over low heat until it thickens into a sauce-like consistency. This can then be poured over roasted meats or vegetables for added flavor.
Not only does this method help reduce waste, but it also brings new life to your soup. The flavors from the soup will infuse into the meat, creating a tasty dish that feels completely fresh.
Salmon in a Salad
Salmon can be repurposed into a fresh and healthy salad. Flake the salmon and add it to a mix of leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado. Dress the salad with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
This meal is light yet filling and a great way to enjoy salmon in a new form. The fresh vegetables and healthy fats from the avocado complement the richness of the salmon perfectly.
Roast Chicken in a Wrap
Wrap roast chicken with some fresh veggies, cheese, and sauce for an easy-to-make wrap. Use a whole wheat tortilla or a lettuce wrap for a healthier option. It’s a quick and nutritious lunch that makes great use of your chicken.
You can add any extra veggies or condiments you have on hand to make the wrap even more flavorful. This is a great on-the-go meal that can be packed for lunch or enjoyed right away.
Pita Bread as a Flatbread Pizza
Use pita bread as the base for a quick flatbread pizza. Spread tomato sauce or pesto on the pita, add cheese, and top with any vegetables or meats. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This quick recipe makes a delicious, customizable meal that is ready in no time. It’s a fun way to reinvent your food into a new dish everyone will enjoy.
Chili in a Casserole
Take chili and turn it into a casserole. Layer the chili with cornbread batter or mashed potatoes, then bake until golden and bubbly. This makes for a hearty meal that combines two favorites into one.
The chili provides rich flavor, while the cornbread or mashed potatoes add a comforting texture. This is a great way to get creative with your food and turn it into something special.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.
