Turning leftovers into something new and exciting can often feel like a chore, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little creativity, what was once a simple repeat meal can become a culinary highlight. These 15 leftover recipes are so clever and easy to make, they’ll have you rethinking what you can do with last night’s dinner. You might even kick yourself for not coming up with these ideas sooner.
Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ever find yourself staring at smoked chicken leftovers and wondering what to do? Enter Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup, your new go-to for turning yesterday’s chicken into today’s fiesta in a bowl. It’s basically a party on your palate, and guess what—you’re the host. Leftovers have never had it this good, and you’ll pat yourself on the back for being so resourceful. Just try not to gloat too much at your next dinner party.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup
Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding
If you thought roast beef had only one act, think again. Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding is here to rock your world and prove that yesterday’s roast can be today’s wow. It’s about time that Yorkshire pudding got a beefy upgrade. Who knew leftovers could lead to such a crowd-pleaser? Suddenly, making too much roast beef feels like the right decision.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Leftover rotisserie chicken in the fridge can be your ticket to a quick and easy meal hero status. Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad flips the script on mundane meals and turns them into something you can’t wait to dig into. No more sad chicken just sitting there. You’ll end up making extra chicken just to have leftovers for this recipe. Heck, it’s so good, you might forget it’s made from leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Split Pea, Ham & Sausage Soup
When you’ve got ham and sausage leftovers, it’s like the universe is telling you it’s time for Split Pea, Ham & Sausage Soup. This dish is a comfort in a bowl and a high-five to your taste buds for being smart enough to use what you’ve got. You’ll wonder why you ever considered not making soup with leftovers. Plus, it’s a testament to the fact that peas are more exciting than they get credit for. Go ahead, make your grandma proud.
Get the Recipe: Split Pea, Ham & Sausage Soup
Salmon Pasta Salad
Got some salmon sitting in the fridge? Boom, that’s the start of your next culinary adventure with Salmon Pasta Salad. This dish is proof you don’t need a fancy occasion to whip up something that screams gourmet. It’s the perfect excuse to invite friends over and pretend you planned it all along. Because who says you can’t be fancy on a Tuesday night?
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Had enough of the same old chicken dishes? Transform your meal routine with a Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, turning last night’s chicken into tonight’s main event. It takes the familiar flavors you love and wraps them up in a cozy, casserole blanket. You’ll be volunteering to cook more chicken just for the leftovers. Leftover lovers – let’s casserole!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties
Wondering what to do with all that turkey and mashed potatoes? Let’s talk about Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties, a genius way to repurpose your feast. It’s the hero dish you didn’t see coming, turning leftovers into something you’ll look forward to. The simplicity of it might just blow your mind. Brace yourself for the moment you become the person who gets excited about leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
If you’re a fan of Carrabba’s, you’re in luck, because with Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup, your leftover chicken is about to get an Italian makeover. It’s like bringing the restaurant home, without the fancy dress code. The secret’s out, and it’s in your kitchen. So next time there’s chicken languishing in the fridge, think soup. Your spoon is waiting.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup
Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Whoever said leftovers couldn’t lead to excitement clearly never made a Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Flip the script on that leftover steak and watch your typical meal do a tasty somersault. Now, your fridge is your treasure chest, and that steak is pure gold. Get ready for your kitchen to become the hottest quesadilla joint in town. Oh, and it’s a sneaky way to make sure no steak ever goes to waste.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Ground Beef Fried Rice
Leftover ground beef just got a passport to flavor country with some Ground Beef Fried Rice. It’s the dish that’ll make you say, “Takeout, who?” every single time. Rally the troops, because dinner’s about to be served faster than you can say ‘fried rice’. You’re not just reheating leftovers, you’re creating a whole new meal. Leftovers, it’s your time to shine.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Picture it: last night’s salmon getting a second wind in an Easy Salmon Pasta Salon. It’s like a mini kitchen magic trick, turning leftovers into a dish that’s ready in a snap. Lunches just got a serious upgrade, and yes, you’re the genius behind it. Who knew simplicity could taste so fancy? Well, you did, of course.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Cold day? Need comfort? Look no further than your Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. It’s a warm hug in a bowl, especially when it’s made from yesterday’s chicken. Forget what you knew about chicken noodle soup, because this one’s creamy twist is a game changer. Your future self will thank you for leftover chicken. Spoiler: there won’t be leftovers of the soup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos
Taco Tuesday just got an upgrade with your Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. That leftover steak from your weekend BBQ is now a weekday winner. It’s simple: your fridge leftovers meet a tortilla, and magic happens. Get the gang together, because tacos make everything more fun. Plus, you’ll save a few bucks not hitting the taco truck—win-win!
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto
Who said leftovers had to be boring? With Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto, you’re entering a world where yesterday’s turkey becomes today’s Italian masterpiece. It’s like giving your leftovers a passport to Italy, no visa required. Seriously, you’ll wonder why you’ve been settling for plain sandwiches when you could have had this. And when your friends ask for the recipe, just wink and say it’s an old family secret.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto
Leftover Roast Beef Shepherd’s Pie
Hey, don’t let that roast beef from yesterday sit lonely in your fridge. Leftover Roast Beef Shepherd’s Pie is your ticket to turning that beef into a dish that’ll have folks thinking you slaved over the stove all day. It’s like giving your beef a second chance to shine. The neighbors might just invite themselves over once they catch a whiff. And you’ll be sitting there, basking in your culinary genius, leftovers and all.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Roast Beef Shepherd’s Pie