26 Recipes That Are Even Better as Leftovers (2024)

These recipes are the perfect choice when you want a delicious meal every day, but don't want to cook every night. Make and enjoy these dinners one night and then the leftovers will taste even better the next day. These recipes feature proteins like beef and chicken, which will reheat easily in the microwave. Dinners like Easy Lasagna and Slow-Cooker Vegetable Stew are healthy, filling and enjoyable any day of the week.

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Broccoli, Cheese & Rice Casserole

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26 Recipes That Are Even Better as Leftovers (1)

Ditch the baking dish and make this easy skillet broccoli, cheese and rice casserole. Cooking the casserole in a skillet keeps the flavors and textures fresh--no mushy, sad broccoli! Serve this easy side with baked chicken for a family-pleasing healthy dinner that's ready in just 30 minutes. It would also be a great addition to your Thanksgiving spread or a party buffet. Source: Eatingwell.com, September 2019

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Basic Meatloaf

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26 Recipes That Are Even Better as Leftovers (2)

While meatloaf purists focus on the meat, we like to look at meatloaf as a way to pack extra veggies and whole grains into a meal, as we do in this healthy, classic meatloaf recipe. Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2013

03of 26

Cauliflower Tikka Masala with Chickpeas

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26 Recipes That Are Even Better as Leftovers (3)

In this vegetarian riff on a popular Indian dish, we swap in cauliflower and chickpeas for the chicken in tikka masala. The cauliflower's nooks and crannies are particularly good at soaking up all the intense flavors of the sauce. Serve over rice for an easy healthy dinner that's ready in just 20 minutes. Source: EatingWell Magazine, September 2019

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Mom's Chili

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26 Recipes That Are Even Better as Leftovers (4)

This healthy basic beef chili recipe is well worth doubling so you can throw a batch in the freezer. Serve topped with diced red onion, sliced scallions, shredded cheese and your favorite hot sauce. Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2016

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Chicken & Stuffing Casserole

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26 Recipes That Are Even Better as Leftovers (5)

Stuffing is not just for Thanksgiving with this easy chicken and stuffing casserole. And speaking of Thanksgiving, if you have leftover turkey, feel free to substitute it for the chicken in this comforting and healthy recipe. It's also a great use for extra carrots, celery, onions and day-old bread you might have on hand around the holidays. There's no boxed stuffing mix or canned soup in this lighter take on the comfort-food casserole, but it's still super-easy to make. Poultry seasoning helps humble bread to taste like stuffing, while thickened chicken broth takes the place of canned soup. There are plenty of veggies in this one, too, making this a healthy casserole you can feel good about serving year-round. Source: Eatingwell.com, September 2019

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Slow-Cooker Easy Jerk Pork Shoulder

The name of this recipe says it all: It's an easy, mostly hands-off jerk pork dish that comes together in a snap. The cayenne provides a little heat, but mostly the slow-cooker pork shoulder gets its flavor from the cinnamon and allspice. The bright salsa-pineapple topping cools the dish off and gives it a pretty, dinner-party-worthy appearance. Serve the meat alone, or pile it on buns for sandwiches or shredded atop nachos. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker

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Easy Lasagna

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This classic beef lasagna recipe is easy to make and will be ready to eat in just over an hour. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

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Chicken, Peppers & Pasta Casserole

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You can assemble this healthy chicken casserole before you leave for a party and pop it in the oven at the host's house. Or bake it at home and bring it along--it's delicious at room temperature too. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2017

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Slow-Cooker Vegetable Stew

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Potatoes and beans make this tomato-based crock-pot vegetable stew super-hearty. You could also add briefly sautéed chunks of zucchini or fresh corn kernels just before serving, or add another can of cannellini beans for more substance. A dollop of pesto on top is also super-delicious. Adding homemade garlic croutons is an easy way to elevate this healthy dinner. Source: EatingWell Magazine, September 2019

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Spinach & Mushroom Tortellini Bake

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26 Recipes That Are Even Better as Leftovers (9)

This cheesy tortellini bake is a dish the whole family will love--it's filled with sweet-tasting marinara, mushrooms and spinach and topped with melted cheese. Complete the meal, plus get in another vegetable serving, by adding a side of broccoli or a small green salad. Source: EatingWell.com, September 2019

11of 26

Green Chile Chicken Tortilla Casserole

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26 Recipes That Are Even Better as Leftovers (10)

Prepare this dish the night ahead of time so all you have to do is pop it in the oven for an easy and delicious dinner. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

12of 26

Slow-Cooker Vegetable & Tofu Thai Stew

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26 Recipes That Are Even Better as Leftovers (11)

Cauliflower and tofu are ideal ingredients for this soup. The cauliflower soaks up the cooking liquid, and the tofu keeps the dish light, allowing the bold flavors in the liquid--predominantly the curry paste and lemongrass--to take center stage in this slow-cooker tofu stew. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker

13of 26

Cheesy Meatball Bake

Use leftover Italian meatball soup along with beans, reduced-fat cheese, tortillas and an easy tomato sauce to make a family-pleasing casserole that's great for weeknights. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

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Easy Chicken Tikka Masala

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It's hard to believe you can get such a full-flavored, deeply spiced chicken tikka masala in just 30 minutes, but we did it! And, like the title says, this classic chicken tikka masala recipe really is as easy as it gets. Source: EatingWell.com, September 2019

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Japanese Shiitake & Vegetable Rice (Takikomi Gohan)

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Dashi gives this vegetable rice recipe its savory depth. Rinsing the rice may seem like an extraneous step but it removes some of the surface starch for fluffier rice. And soaking the rice in seasoned dashi before cooking infuses the dish with more flavor. Source: EatingWell Magazine, May 2020

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Slow-Cooker Beef Stew

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Load the crock pot and go with this stew recipe that's prepped in the morning and simmers all day so you'll come home to a Sunday-worthy dinner (and your house smelling downright heavenly). Tender beef, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes and carrots in a rich broth--this could be the best and easiest beef stew you've ever made. Source: EatingWell.com, November 2017

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Chicken-Noodle Casserole

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Flavorful Chicken-Noodle Casserole comes to life with this diabetic-friendly recipe. Select light sour cream to lower fat and calorie content. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

18of 26

Hungarian Beef Goulash

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This streamlined goulash skips the step of browning the beef, and instead coats it in a spice crust to give it a rich mahogany hue. This saucy dish is a natural served over whole-wheat egg noodles. Or, for something different, try prepared potato gnocchi or spaetzle. Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2008

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Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

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This cheesy eggplant casserole has a light custard with deliciously tender and flavorful summer vegetables and fresh herbs. The cheese makes this easy dish creamy and decadent. Enjoy it for brunch or dinner with a green salad on the side. Source: EatingWell.com, May 2020

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Chicken & Tomatillo Enchiladas

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Roasting tomatillos before pureeing them into a green enchilada sauce adds another dimension of flavor and a little sweetness. Put out plenty of toppings so everyone can add what they like. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2020

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Slow-Cooker Middle Eastern Meatballs with Raita

This meal features dense and tender lamb meatballs, creamy and refreshing cucumber raita--a traditional Indian sauce made with yogurt and vegetables--and whole-wheat couscous, a grain-like pasta that can be found at most supermarkets. Garnish these slow-cooker meatballs with fresh dill sprigs, and serve with lightly toasted pita, if desired. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker

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One-Pot Coconut Milk Curry with Chickpeas

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The assortment of vegetables in this vegan one-pot dish add varying textures and flavors to make each forkful exciting. The sweet potato balances the savory spices nicely. Serve this bright and flavorful curry with rice or rice noodles. Source: EatingWell.com, April 2020

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Crock-Pot Pineapple Chicken

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26 Recipes That Are Even Better as Leftovers (20)

This slow-cooker chicken with pineapple has a hint of ginger and sesame and is made with simple ingredients you may already have in your pantry! Look for fresh pineapple that's been peeled and cored already to make assembly even easier. Serve with brown rice to sop up the sweet and savory sauce. Source: EatingWell.com, January 2020

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Turkey & Sweet Potato Chili

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26 Recipes That Are Even Better as Leftovers (21)

This healthy turkey chili has a nice balance of flavors thanks to sweet potatoes and smoky chipotle chiles. We like to garnish it with creamy avocado, but melted cheese, chopped scallion and a dollop of sour cream will work well too. Source: EatingWell.com, July 2020

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One-Pot Cheesy Tex-Mex Pasta

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This comforting one-pot pasta dish has a Southwestern kick. Chili powder and pico de gallo flavor the dish, while melted Mexican cheese adds a creamy finish. Top it with your favorite fixings like scallions, cilantro and sour cream, and serve it alongside a crisp green salad for an easy weeknight meal the whole family will love. Source: EatingWell.com, May 2020

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Creamy Lemon Chicken Parmesan

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This riff on classic chicken Parmesan replaces the usual marinara with a luscious lemony cream sauce. We've lightened it up by using half-and-half instead of cream, with just-as-delicious results. Serve this lemony chicken dinner with whole-wheat pasta or brown rice. Source: EatingWell.com, January 2018

26 Recipes That Are Even Better as Leftovers (2024)

FAQs

26 Recipes That Are Even Better as Leftovers? ›

But let's focus on soups, stews and other saucy dishes. All are prime candidates for leftovers because they'll never dry out and the texture isn't likely to be compromised.

What meals are better as leftovers? ›

  • Meatloaf. Though meatloaf is often restricted to the weeknight dinner table, it is a powerhouse leftover. ...
  • Lasagna. Sure, there's nothing better than lasagna coming out of the oven hot with bubbling cheese. ...
  • Pulled Pork. ...
  • Beef Stew. ...
  • Chili. ...
  • Frittatas, Quiches and Tarts.

What foods taste good as leftovers? ›

But let's focus on soups, stews and other saucy dishes. All are prime candidates for leftovers because they'll never dry out and the texture isn't likely to be compromised.

What is the number one leftover food? ›

“Or, if you're in a hurry, reheat leftovers on an Induction cooktop for fast and precise reheating to ensure your leftovers don't have any cold spots, and for easy cleanup.” What foods are the best leftovers? Soups top the list at 79%, followed by pizza (63%), meat (62%), pasta (60%) and rice (55%).

What can I use everything but the leftovers? ›

7 Ways to Use Trader Joe's "Everything But The Leftovers" Seasoning Blend
  1. On popcorn. ...
  2. In turkey meatballs, burgers or meatloaf. ...
  3. On roast turkey or chicken. ...
  4. In mashed potatoes, on baked potatoes or sprinkled on hashbrowns. ...
  5. On roasted veggies. ...
  6. For stuffing muffins or casserole. ...
  7. On deviled eggs.
Sep 15, 2020

What to eat instead of dinner? ›

Healthy dinner options include:
  • Grilled Chicken: Lean protein source with minimal fat.
  • Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids for heart health.
  • Quinoa: Protein-packed and fiber-rich grain.
  • Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard for vitamins and minerals.
  • Sweet Potatoes: High in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Apr 20, 2023

What foods should not be eaten as leftovers? ›

Here are a few foods you should never reheat for safety reasons.
  • You should think twice before warming up leftover potatoes. ...
  • Reheating mushrooms can give you an upset stomach. ...
  • You probably shouldn't reheat your chicken. ...
  • Eggs can quickly become unsafe to reheat. ...
  • Reheating cooked rice can lead to bacterial poisoning.
Sep 21, 2018

What meat reheats well? ›

I like to make chili and stews also and refreeze them. Also pasta and sauces reheat well. I usually used any of the ground meats like beef, sausage, turkey and chicken. Cooked with sauces they really reheat nicely for a lunch at work.

What are the 10 creative ways to use leftovers? ›

10 Creative Ways To Repurpose Leftovers
  • Frittata. Combine leftover vegetables, meats or cheeses with beaten eggs, and cook them in a skillet to make a delicious frittata. ...
  • Stir-Fry. ...
  • Casserole. ...
  • Pizza. ...
  • Soup or Stew. ...
  • Quesadilla or Wrap. ...
  • Salad. ...
  • Stuffed Peppers.

What is the number 1 consumed food? ›

Rice is a food staple for more than 3.5 billion people around the world, particularly in Asia, Latin America, and parts of Africa. Rice has been cultivated in Asia for thousands of years. Scientists believe people first domesticated rice in India or Southeast Asia.

What is the first food ever cooked? ›

The detailed study of fish teeth unearthed at the Gesher Benot Ya'aqov site, situated on the edge of the ancient lake Hula, revealed that some of our early ancestors — most likely hom*o erectus — were able to cook fish, said study author Dr.

What takeout food reheats the best? ›

Soups and stewed/braised dishes are easy to reheat with little loss of quality; many fried dishes are not because you'll never get the coating to be as crisp as it originally was, unless you re-fry it. At Chinese restaurants, stir-fries reheat better than the more delicate steamed dishes.

What is the most refreshing food? ›

Chill Out: 10 Refreshing Foods to Beat the Summer Heat
  1. Watermelon - The Hydration Hero. ...
  2. Cucumber - Cooling and Crisp. ...
  3. Coconut Water - Nature's Electrolyte Drink. ...
  4. Mint - The Zesty Refresher. ...
  5. Berries - Bursting with Antioxidants. ...
  6. Citrus Fruits - Vitamin C Boosters. ...
  7. Yogurt - A Cool Creamy Delight. ...
  8. Cilantro - Flavorful and Fresh.
Jul 17, 2023

What is a good meal to make for 12 people? ›

19 Ideas For Easy Meals For Large Groups
  • Taco Bar. A taco bar is one of the best inexpensive meals for large groups. ...
  • Meatballs. ...
  • Butter Chicken. ...
  • Lasagna. ...
  • Chili. ...
  • Homemade Pizza. ...
  • Baked Pasta. ...
  • Skewers.
Apr 4, 2023

Why are some foods better as leftovers? ›

Food develops new flavour molecules, and for us, that means it tastes better. According to the study, proteins may further breakdown when the leftovers are reheated, producing new flavours which wouldn't have been there when the food was freshly cooked.

Why do I prefer leftovers? ›

Here's why, according to a Cook's Illustrated experiment on “better-tasting” leftovers: Soups and stews age particularly well because “many chemical reactions that produce flavor enhancers continue to take place during the cooling process.” Cold leftovers still accrue lip-smacking levels of amino acids like glutamate, ...

What are the best cold leftovers? ›

  • Cold egg fried rice makes for a delicious breakfast. ( ...
  • Stuffing is good cold alone or on a Thanksgiving sandwich. ( ...
  • Cold meatloaf with ketchup and fresh bread makes a mean sandwich. ( ...
  • Cold kernels of corn are little golden nuggets of crunchy refreshment. ( ...
  • Leftover pizza makes packing school lunches a cinch. (

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