The next few weeks are going to be CRAZY busy for me. I’ll be busy traveling quite a bit for my business, finishing up house projects, preparing for the upcoming arrival of our two international students, and trying to juggle everything else I do on a weekly basis — oh, and I’m 23 weeks pregnant!
And since Dave isn’t huge on cooking {he does the dishes} we’ll be eating lots and LOTS of leftovers!
I know some people hate leftovers, but here in our house — we love them and eat them regularly throughout the week as delicious lunches and quick, easy dinners.
Here are some of our favorite leftover foods:
Any Type of Meat
Whenever I make a roast, chicken, or really any other type of meat; we chop up the leftovers and use them for sandwiches {think pulled pork, ham, roast beef}, soups, stews, casseroles, or even just to put on a salad. There is always some way to use up even the smallest amount of leftover meat.
Pasta
Obviously lasagna or ravioli just need to be reheated for a few minutes in the microwave.
However, when I make any other type of noodle and sauce, I often mix the leftover noodles with a little milk and one egg to “glue” it all together. Then I mix in the extra sauce, pour it into a baking dish and top with cheese. It’s a delicious meal for later in the week — and hardly even tastes like leftovers.
Casseroles
Casseroles are some of our favorite ways to use up leftover meats, potatoes, veggies, beans, etc. — and sometimes I think they even taste better warmed up the next day! {so is that like eating leftovers for leftovers?}
Pancakes and Bacon
I often make some type of pancakes, bacon, and eggs for breakfast or dinner at least once a week — and I always make plenty of extra pancakes and bacon to eat as leftover later on. While leftover eggs don’t make the cut in our house, the pancakes and bacon taste perfectly delicious warmed up in the microwave and paired with a side of fresh fruit.
Tacos, Quesadillas, and Enchiladas
I’ve professed my love for “Americanized Mexican” food many times already, and as long as it’s not too spicy, I’ll pretty much eat anything with a Mexican taste.
I’ll often cook up just a little extra ground beef or turkey and then use it to make taco meat. Or we’ll use extra chicken to make chicken quesadillas. I always keep plenty of beans, rice, chips, cheese, and salsa in the house so I can whip up a tacos, quesadillas, and enchiladas in a snap.
Eating leftovers for a couple of meals each week is not only a HUGE time saver, it’s also a great way to lower our food budget — win, win!
Do you eat leftovers? What are some of your favorites?
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Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says
You would laugh if you saw one of our leftover meals last week. Blake and the girls came to the table and, with confused expressions, asked what we were having for supper. We were leaving the following day on a road trip to visit family for a few days, so I cleaned out every last little bowl of perfectly good food in the fridge. And that was supper. And it was good. I love leftovers. 🙂
Andrea says
Yes Brenda, we have had many “pre-vacation” meals like the one you described. It just feels so great to empty out the entire fridge and not waste any food!
Rivki Locker (Ordinary Blogger) says
I love leftover meats too, and pastas. Roasted or steamed veggies are also great. I mix them with lettuce, add some canned beans or eggs, dress it, and call it a salad.
Erin K. says
If we don’t have enough for the whole family ours go to waste a lot of the time. My hubby is a meat, potato, bread guy…any ideas for leftovers without adding dressings, lettuce, or other veggies??? I know it is weird, but he will NOT change! lol Sandwiches get old for him and not always access to microwave.
Jenny C. says
Andrea, is the picture you used under the casserole section one of your own recipes? If so, I’d love to have it – looks so yummy! Thanks, Jenny C.
Andrea says
Thanks Jenny,
the picture in the casserole section is my super easy vegetable bake. However, you can easily add chicken to make it a full meal.
And yes, it IS yummy!!
Donna says
We never have leftovers. We only have Planned Meals. If we grill chicken breasts or other meat we always do more than 2 and with cassaroles we always make 2. Planned meals sounds better.
Andrea says
haha — love it Donna! Yes, “Planned Meals” does sound better than “leftovers”!
JoDi says
Leftovers are awesome! We use ours in mostly the same ways you use yours. I like to make wraps with leftover chicken. Everyone can have their favorite kind by just varying the type of cheese and salad dressing you add to the chicken and greens. So easy, quick, and tasty, especially for a no-cook, refreshing, light meal in the summer!
Malisa says
I love using leftovers to make other meals. In fact, I just did it last night with leftover beans & rice to make enchiladas! I think cooking is so much easier this way. Plus, like you so wonderfully mentioned, it helps save money! Also, cuts back on waste. Cook once, eat at least twice, hopefully even more :-). Thanks Andrea for this great reminder & post.
Andrea says
We actually had leftovers last night AND tonight! it’s been in the upper 90’s here with 70% humidity so even with the AC turned on, I still haven’t felt like cooking. Leftovers totally saved me this week 🙂
Cassie says
We loveee leftovers around here too. Some of our favorite leftover’s are: Chili, meatloaf, any leftover meats we have and pasta and lasagna. When you have a house of four or more (you will know soon. =D ) Leftovers are perfect on those days that you are just too darn tired to cook. 🙂