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Tasty Leftover Dinner Ideas - Simple Ways to Turn Extras Into a New Meal

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Base leftovers: Cooked rice, quinoa, or farro; cooked pasta or noodles; roasted or grilled chicken; cooked steak or pork; baked salmon; sautéed or roasted vegetables; beans or lentils; cooked potatoes or sweet potatoes.
  • Pantry helpers: Olive oil or neutral oil, butter, soy sauce or tamari, vinegar (rice, red wine, or apple cider), canned tomatoes, broth or stock, tomato paste, coconut milk, tortillas, bread, panko or breadcrumbs.
  • Flavor boosters: Garlic, onion, scallions, ginger, chili flakes, curry powder or paste, Italian seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, sesame oil, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, salsa, pesto.
  • Fresh accents: Lemon or lime, fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, basil), baby spinach or arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers.
  • Dairy and eggs: Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, feta, Parmesan), plain yogurt or sour cream, eggs, cream.
  • Toppers: Nuts or seeds (peanuts, cashews, sunflower seeds), crushed tortilla chips, pickled onions, olives.

Method
 

  1. Crispy Fried Rice Heat 1–2 tablespoons oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chopped onion, garlic, and any leftover veggies; cook 2–3 minutes.
  3. Push to the side, scramble 1–2 eggs, then fold together.
  4. Add cold leftover rice; press into the pan. Let it sit to crisp, then stir.
  5. Season with soy sauce, a splash of vinegar, and sesame oil. Finish with scallions.
  6. Loaded Quesadillas Warm a tortilla in a skillet over medium heat with a light brush of oil or butter.
  7. Top half with shredded chicken or beans, sautéed peppers or corn, and cheese.
  8. Fold, cook until golden, flip, and cook until cheese melts.
  9. Serve with salsa, yogurt or sour cream, and a squeeze of lime.
  10. 15-Minute Veggie Soup Sauté onion and garlic in oil until soft.
  11. Add chopped leftover veggies, a can of tomatoes, and 3–4 cups broth.
  12. Simmer 10 minutes. Stir in beans or shredded chicken for protein.
  13. Finish with herbs and a splash of lemon. Serve with crusty bread.
  14. Pasta Skillet With Creamy Tomato Sauté garlic and chili flakes in olive oil.
  15. Add tomato paste; cook 1 minute. Stir in a splash of cream or milk and pasta water.
  16. Toss in leftover pasta and any cooked veggies or sausage.
  17. Season well and finish with Parmesan and basil.
  18. Sheet-Pan Nachos Spread tortilla chips on a sheet pan. Top with shredded chicken, beans, corn, and cheese.
  19. Bake at 400°F/200°C for 8–10 minutes until melty.
  20. Top with salsa, jalapeños, avocado, and cilantro.
  21. Stuffed Baked Potatoes Halve baked potatoes and scoop out most of the insides.
  22. Mix potato with chopped leftovers (broccoli, chicken, bacon), a bit of butter, and cheese.
  23. Refill skins and bake at 400°F/200°C for 10–12 minutes until golden.
  24. Top with yogurt or sour cream and chives.
  25. Quick Curry Sauté onion and garlic in oil. Stir in curry paste or powder and cook 30 seconds.
  26. Add coconut milk and simmer 5 minutes.
  27. Fold in leftover veggies, chickpeas, or chicken to warm through.
  28. Finish with lime and cilantro; serve over rice.
  29. Big Chopped Salad Chop leftover proteins and veggies into small pieces.
  30. Toss with greens, olives, nuts, and croutons.
  31. Dress with olive oil, lemon, Dijon, salt, and pepper.