Stir-Fry Your Leftover Meat for a Quick Rice Bowl
Got some leftover steak, chicken, or pork chops? Instead of letting them sit in the fridge, dice them up and toss them into a stir-fry. All you need is your favorite teriyaki sauce and some leftover or freshly cooked rice, and you’ve got a quick and easy meal that’s ready in minutes.
Start by heating up a bit of oil in a pan or wok. Add the diced meat and stir-fry it until it’s heated through. Then, pour in your teriyaki sauce, letting it coat the meat evenly. Serve the savory mixture over a bowl of rice, and top with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha if you like a bit of heat. It’s a super quick and simple way to enjoy your leftovers without feeling like you’re eating the same meal twice.
Make Tacos with Leftover Meat
Another easy way to use up leftover steak, chicken, or pork is by turning it into tacos. Tacos are incredibly versatile and a total crowd-pleaser, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Simply slice up the leftover meat, reheat on the stove or in the microwave, and then serve it with your favorite taco fixings. Think shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. Don’t be afraid to try different types of tortillas—corn, flour, or even lettuce wraps if you’re cutting down on carbs. Taco night is a fun, easy way to repurpose leftovers into a meal that feels completely fresh.
Turn Veggies and Rice into Takeout-Worthy Fried Rice
Fried rice is the ultimate go-to for using up leftover rice and veggies. The great thing about fried rice is that it’s incredibly adaptable—you can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand, along with any leftover protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Start by heating a bit of oil in a large pan or wok. Add diced onions, garlic, and any harder veggies like carrots or bell peppers first, allowing them to soften. Then, toss in your leftover rice, breaking up any clumps. Add in softer veggies like peas, corn, or spinach, and stir everything together. Season with soy sauce, a bit of sesame oil, and a dash of rice vinegar. For an extra touch, scramble an egg in the pan and mix it into the rice. In just a few minutes, you’ve got a delicious, one-pan meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner.
Add Eggs to Leftover Veggies and Meat
Leftover veggies and meat don’t need to go to waste when you can easily incorporate them into your breakfast (or breakfast for dinner, for that matter). Scrambled eggs are a simple and quick way to use up those leftovers. Just chop up your leftover veggies and meat, and sauté them in a pan with a bit of oil or butter. Once they’re heated through, pour in beaten eggs and scramble everything together. Add some cheese if you like, and breakfast is served!
If you have a bit more time, consider making an egg bake or frittata. This is a great option for using up larger quantities of leftovers and can be made ahead of time for easy breakfasts throughout the week. Just mix your leftover veggies and meat with beaten eggs, pour into a greased baking dish, and bake at 350°F until the eggs are set. It’s a hearty, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for any time of day.
Top Salads with Leftover Herbs, Fruit, and Cheese
If you’ve got leftover herbs, fruit, or cheese that are on the verge of going bad, don’t throw them out! Instead, chop them up and use them to top a salad. Leftover herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil can add a fresh, vibrant flavor to your greens.
Fruit like berries, apples, or oranges add a sweet contrast, while leftover cheese like feta, blue cheese, or cheddar adds a creamy, savory element. Throw in some nuts or seeds for crunch, and you’ve got a delicious, satisfying salad that truly makes the most of your leftovers.
Freeze Leftover Fruits for Smoothies
Got some leftover fruit that you can’t finish before it goes bad? We’ve all been there! Don’t let it go to waste—freeze it for smoothies instead. Bananas, berries, mangoes, and even greens like spinach can be frozen and then blended into smoothies for a super quick and healthy breakfast.
To freeze fruit, simply chop it into small pieces, spread it out on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer the frozen fruit to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready for a smoothie, just grab a handful of frozen fruit, toss it in a blender with some yogurt, milk, or juice, and blend until smooth. It’s a great way to use up fruit and to make sure you always have a nutritious breakfast on hand when you need one.
Make Overnight Oats or Yogurt Parfaits in Your Leftover Peanut Butter Jar
Don’t toss that nearly empty peanut butter jar! Instead, use it to make overnight oats or a yogurt parfait. The leftover peanut butter in the jar adds a delicious nutty flavor to your breakfast.
For overnight oats, simply add rolled oats, milk or yogurt, and any mix-ins like chia seeds, honey, or fruit to the jar. Give it a good stir, pop the lid on, and let it sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning, you’ll have a creamy, delicious breakfast ready to go.
For a yogurt parfait, layer yogurt, granola, and fruit directly in the jar. The peanut butter remnants will mix in with the yogurt, giving your parfait an extra flavor boost. It’s a fun, no-waste way to use up every last bit of peanut butter.
Add Leftover Meat for a Heartier Grilled Cheese
If you’re trying to get your kids to eat more protein, or just want a more filling meal, leftover meat can be transformed into a delicious hot sandwich. Think of it like a protein-packed grilled cheese or a Philly cheesesteak.
Take your leftover steak, fajitas, or chicken, and slice it thinly. Layer it on bread with your favorite cheese—cheddar, provolone, or Swiss are great options. You can add some sautéed onions or peppers for extra flavor. Butter the outside of the bread and cook it in a pan until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. It’s a warm, comforting meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Top Ice Cream or Yogurt with Leftover Cookies
If you have leftover cookies, don’t let them go stale—crumble them up and add them to an ice cream or yogurt bowl. The cookies add a crunchy, sweet element that pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the ice cream or yogurt.
You can also grind the cookies into a powder and use them as a substitute for graham cracker crumbs in recipes like pie crusts or for cheesecake bases. Or, if you’re feeling indulgent, use the cookies to make ice cream sandwiches. Just sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies and enjoy!
Don’t Throw Away That Pickle Juice!
Pickle juice might not seem like something you’d want to keep, but it’s actually incredibly versatile! You can use it as a marinade for chicken or pork—it adds a tangy flavor and helps to tenderize the meat.
It’s also great for adding a punch of flavor to potato salads, coleslaw, or even as a secret ingredient in your homemade salad dressings. If you’re a fan of briny flavors, you can even drink pickle juice straight for a quick, refreshing pick-me-up.
Transform Leftover Meat into a Hearty Chili
Leftover meat, whether it’s steak, chicken, or pork, can easily be transformed into a hearty chili. Just chop up the meat into bite-sized pieces and add it to your favorite chili recipe. The meat will soak up all the flavors of the spices and tomatoes, making it tender and delicious.
If you don’t have a go-to chili recipe, here’s a simple one: sauté onions, garlic, and peppers in a pot until softened. Add in a can of diced tomatoes, a can of beans (kidney, black, or pinto work well), and your leftover meat. Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt. Let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, and you’ll have a hearty, warming meal that’s perfect for using up leftovers.
Don’t Leave Those Leftovers Behind
Leftovers don’t have to be boring or feel like a repeat of last night’s dinner. With a little creativity, you can turn them into exciting new meals that save you time, money, and reduce food waste. Whether you’re transforming leftover meat into tacos or a savory stir fry, using up leftover veggies in an egg bake, or even getting creative with leftover cookies, there are endless possibilities for repurposing your food. On busy weeknights when you don’t have a minute to spare, leftovers can be a lifesaver! So, next time you open your fridge and see those leftovers staring back at you, take some of our homemade inspiration from our handy Leftovers Hub, or try one of these easy tips.