20 Quick and Easy Recipes for Your Leftovers (2024)

It’s such a treat to prepare a delicious meal like roast chicken, spaghetti or tacos at home — from scratch! The only possible downside is you can end up eating the same leftovers for the next three days. Well, it’s time to switch things up! Here are 20 delicious makeovers for your favorite leftovers.

1. Leftover Spaghetti Casserole: Your spaghetti might actually taste better the next day once it’s covered in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. (via Brooklyn Farm Girl)

2. Pot Roast Hand Pies: Give your pot roast a new lease on life with these dainty hand pies. All it takes is some pre-made pie dough, cheddar cheese and eggs. (via The Chic Site)

3. Fromage Fort Recipe: One of the best parts of hosting a party is having the opportunity to lay out a great selection of cheeses. The next day, take all the bits of leftover cheese and mix in a food processor with garlic, basil, wine and mustard to create this delicious dip. (via Confectionalism)

4. Grilled Salmon + Vegetable Orzo Salad: After a BBQ, use your remaining grilled salmon and veggies and make a delightful pasta salad. It’s an excellent idea for your lunchbox. (via This Gal Cooks)

6. Lasagna Grilled Cheese: Okay, this is genius. Last night’s lasagna is transformed into a delicious grilled cheese when layered with bread, garlic butter and mozzarella. (via The Chic Site)

7. Express Taco Soup With Pork Carnitas: All you need to create a yummy soup is pulled pork, black beans and corn. This soup becomes extra fun when you top it with sour cream, corn chips and shredded cheese. (via Recipe Tin Eats)

8. Panzanella Salad: A bright and colorful salad made with yesterday’s French bread, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, mozzarella and basil is what you’ll be eating for lunch today. (via Pick Fresh Foods)

9. Banana Oat Pancakes: If you’re looking to use up a bunch of browning bananas, make these yummy pancakes with oats and coconut milk. (via Busy in Brooklyn)

10. Fried Spaghetti: Here’s a quick and easy dish that comes together with leftover spaghetti, pesto, mushrooms and fresh herbs. (via Domestically Blissful)

12. Sloppy Joe Nachos: This recipe couldn’t be simpler. All you need to do is take your leftover sloppy joe filling, pour over Doritos, cover with shredded cheese and bake. (via Eat Cake for Dinner)

13. BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches: These delicious sandwiches are made with leftover rotisserie chicken, barbecue sauce and slices of avocado. (via Joy of Kosher)

14. Cheesy Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes: Mashed potatoes mixed with cheddar cheese and scallions become crispy and mouthwatering pancakes when fried and served with sour cream. (via Just a Taste)

15. Ham + Cheese Calzones: Create this ooey-gooey calzone with leftover ham and white cheese such as swiss or mozzarella. The best part about this recipe? It’s gluten free! (via All I Dream About is Food)

16. Spiced Chicken Tacos With Creamy Lime Aioli: This particular recipe uses avocado and red cabbage but you can use any assortment of vegetables when putting these tacos together. In addition to the veggies, add roasted chicken and pair with a fresh lime aioli. (via Cored + Diced)

17. Spaghetti Boats: It’s another quick post-spaghetti night meal! These spaghetti boats are made by placing leftover spaghetti on top of garlic bread, covering with cheese and baking. (via I Heart Naptime)

18. Easy Fried Rice: No longer content to stay on the sidelines, rice becomes the main attraction in this dish once fried with your favorite veggies. (via Five Heart Home)

19. Creamy Mexican Dip: This zesty dip is easily made with leftover taco meat, cream cheese, salsa and shredded cheese. It’s totally decadent and totally delicious. (via The Weary Chef)

20. Easily Turn Leftover Frosting into Cookies: Are you ready for something sweet? Try making cookies out of frosting. All you need is to add a bit of flour, egg, baking soda and salt. (via Cupcake Project)

What are you favorite recipes to use up leftovers? Let us know in the comments below.

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Lesley Lewis

Lesley is an event planner in Winnipeg, Canada. A complete Anglophile, she also loves travel, coffee and any craft involving yarn.

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