Finding ways to make the most of your groceries creates less waste and becomes essential when you are on a budget. One of the best ways to stretch a dollar is to creatively use leftovers. Using half-eaten meals or extra ingredients, it is possible to turn them into delicious new dishes. Here are tips to help you revive last night’s meal into something new the next day.
Incorporate proteins
Leftover chicken, beef, pork or tofu can be added to another meal such as:
Chicken tacos or quesadillas. Shred leftover meats and mix it with salsa, cheese and spices.
Stir-fry dishes. Thinly slice leftover protein and toss it with fresh or frozen veggies and soy sauce.
Fried rice. Dice leftover protein and add to day-old rice, fresh or frozen vegetables and soy sauce.
Soup and stews
Combining leftover vegetables, meats and grains with broth can create a hearty soup. Simmer and season to taste some of the following:
Vegetable soup. Combine leftover roasted or steamed vegetables with broth. Blend the ingredients for a creamy vegetable soup.
Chicken and rice soup. Use leftover chicken and rice as the base for a comforting dish.
Chili. Add leftover ground meat to beans with tomatoes, chili powder and spices to create a batch of chili.
Beef stew. Combine left over beef with vegetables, tomato paste, broth and spices to create a hearty meal.
Casserole
Casseroles are a classic way to repurpose leftovers. Layering different ingredients and adding a creamy sauce or cheese creates a satisfying one-dish meal. Consider these combinations:
Shepherd’s pie. Use leftover mashed potatoes, vegetables and ground or diced leftover chicken or beef.
Pasta bake. Combine leftover pasta, sauce and any extra vegetables or protein and then top with cheese and bake until bubbly.
Rice casserole. Mix leftover rice with protein, vegetables and a creamy sauce.
Breakfast
Leftover dinner can be used for breakfast dishes. Consider:
Frittatas and omelets. Take leftover vegetables or meat and mix with eggs.
Breakfast burritos. Roll up warm leftover meats with beans, rice and veggies and put into tortillas.
Hash. Sauté leftover potatoes with any remaining meats and vegetables for a hearty breakfast hash.
Salads
Leftover vegetables, proteins and other ingredients can become salads the following day. Try these options:
Grain bowls. Use leftover grains like quinoa, rice or farro as the base for a nutritious grain bowl. Top with vegetables, protein and a tasty dressing or yogurt.
Hearty salads. Toss leftover meats or roasted veggies into greens.
Pasta salad: Mix leftover pasta with vegetables, cheese and a vinaigrette.
Pizzas
Pizzas are a great canvas for leftovers; simply use extra vegetables, meats or sauces to create:
Veggie pizza. Add leftover vegetables to a frozen cheese pizza.
BBQ chicken pizza. Spread BBQ sauce over a crust and top with leftover chicken, thinly sliced onions and cheese.
Breakfast pizza: Use leftover proteins and add eggs for a savory breakfast pizza.
Reuse bread
Don’t let bread go to waste. Instead of tossing bread ends or stale but edible pieces, consider the following options:
Croutons. Cube leftover bread, toss with olive oil and seasonings and bake to create croutons you can add to any salad.
French toast. Add stale bread with eggs, milk and cinnamon.
Bread pudding. Dice leftover bread and mix with eggs, milk and spices to create a hearty pudding.
Stay creative
Leftovers don’t have to be boring or repetitive. With a little creativity, you can come up with new dishes that are budget-friendly and delicious. When you make the most of the food you already have on hand, you can save money, reduce waste and enjoy a variety of meals throughout the week.