9 Ways I Turn Leftovers into Entirely New Meals

Leftovers often get a bad reputation, but they can be the start of something completely new. Instead of reheating the same plate twice, you can reimagine yesterday’s meal into a dish that feels intentional and exciting. With a little creativity and a few simple techniques, what was once extra can turn into something you actually look forward to. Here are nine of my favorite ways to breathe new life into leftovers.

Transforming Leftover Chicken into Chicken Salad

First on the list is one of my favorites – turning leftover chicken into a refreshing chicken salad. Start by shredding the leftover chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can do this by hand or use two forks to pull the meat apart. Next, choose your preferred veggies. I usually go for a mix of celery, red onions, and a little bit of apple for a sweet crunch.

When it comes to dressing, I prefer a light mix of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, a drizzle of honey, and a dash of salt and pepper. Mix everything together and let it chill in the fridge for a bit. This simple yet delicious chicken salad can be served on a bed of lettuce or as a sandwich filling.

Creating Soup from Leftover Vegetables

If you have a variety of leftover vegetables, turning them into a soup is a great option. Start by simmering the vegetables in water with some herbs like bay leaves, thyme, and garlic. Once simmered, strain the liquid and save it – you’ve just made your vegetable stock!

Now, chop up some fresh vegetables or use more leftovers. I tend to use a combination of onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them in a little olive oil, then add your vegetable stock and let everything simmer until the vegetables are soft. You can keep it chunky or blend it into a smooth soup. Don’t forget to season to taste!

Repurposing Pasta into a Frittata

A pasta frittata is a delightful way to repurpose leftover pasta. Begin by whisking together a few eggs, some cheese (Parmesan works great), and a bit of milk. Add some herbs or spices to taste – I like a bit of basil and red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick.

Stir in your leftover pasta, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the egg mixture. Cook the mixture in a skillet over medium heat until the bottom and sides are set, then transfer to an oven to broil until the top is golden. This pasta frittata is a hearty and satisfying dish that you can serve for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Making Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

Leftover rice can be easily turned into a tasty fried rice dish. Start by sautéing some diced onions, garlic, and any vegetables you have on hand in a bit of oil. I usually use a mix of peas, carrots, and bell peppers.

Add the rice and stir until it’s coated in the oil and heated through. Push the rice to one side of the pan and scramble some eggs on the other side. Once the eggs are cooked, mix everything together. Add some soy sauce and sesame oil for flavor, toss in some cooked protein if you like, and your fried rice is ready to be served.

Turning Leftover Mashed Potatoes into Potato Pancakes

Leftover mashed potatoes can be converted into delicious potato pancakes. Simply mix the mashed potatoes with an egg, some flour, and a bit of cheese if you like. Shape the mixture into patties and fry them in a bit of oil until they’re crispy and golden on both sides.

These potato pancakes make a great side dish and can be served with sour cream or applesauce. I also like to top them with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast.

Reimagining Roast Beef into Beef Tacos

Leftover roast beef can be shredded and repurposed into tasty beef tacos. Simply shred the beef and heat it up with some taco seasoning. If you like, you can also add some sautéed onions and peppers for extra flavor.

Load up your taco shells with the beef mixture, add your favorite fillings like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and avocado, and top with a dollop of sour cream or salsa. These beef tacos are a hit with both kids and adults and make for a quick and satisfying meal.

Using Leftover Bread to Make Bread Pudding

Don’t let that stale bread go to waste – turn it into a sweet and comforting bread pudding. Cut the bread into cubes and soak them in a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. You can also add some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.

Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake until the pudding is set and the top is golden. This bread pudding can be served warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of ice cream.

Converting Leftover Fish into Fish Cakes

Leftover cooked fish can be easily converted into delicious fish cakes. Start by flaking the fish into small pieces. Mix the fish with some mashed potatoes, an egg, finely chopped herbs, and seasoning.

Shape the mixture into patties and coat them in breadcrumbs. Fry the patties in a bit of oil until they’re golden and crispy. These fish cakes can be served with a side of tartar sauce or a fresh salad.

Revamping Leftover Pizza into Pizza Casserole

And finally, leftover pizza slices can be transformed into a cheesy and satisfying pizza casserole. Cut the pizza slices into small pieces and layer them in a baking dish. Add some extra cheese, vegetables, or cooked meat if you like.

Pour over a mixture of eggs, milk, and seasoning, and bake until the casserole is set and the top is golden. This pizza casserole is a fun and different way to enjoy leftover pizza and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.