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"We're having that again?"
If you're accustomed to hearing a chorus of complaints every time you attempt to reheat leftovers, maybe it's time to think outside the microwave. Eating leftovers isn't just convenient and cost-effective; it can also be delicious – especially when there's a little creativity involved.
If you're ready to save some money and reduce your food waste, it's time to embrace some new ideas on how to transform last night's dinner.
Make it right the first time
When you didn't enjoy the meal the first time you ate it, chances are good that you won't finish it the next day or the day after. If your cooking skills are subpar and you're sick of making something only to hate it or throw it away, make it right the first time!
By ordering food that just needs a crockpot to cook, the process is foolproof. With Beehive Meals kits, you have everything you need—peeled, chopped and combined—to make dinner a smashing success. By the time you look in the fridge for your leftovers, you'll be ready for round two.
Make a soup or stew
If your Sunday night pot roast is looking less than appetizing by Tuesday afternoon, don't throw in the towel – throw it in the pot! Many leftovers that include protein, veggies and even pasta or rice can be easily transformed into a hearty soup or stew. Simmer your ingredients over the stove with some beef, chicken or vegetable broth and some seasonings of your choice and voila! You've got a recycled dinner with zero waste.
Make a sandwich or wrap
If the same dinner two nights in a row feels like too much to bear, turn your leftovers into a quick lunch sandwich or wrap. For example, leftover roasted chicken can be sliced and used as a filling for a sandwich. Add some lettuce, tomato, and cheese to make it even more flavorful. Alternatively, you can wrap the ingredients in a tortilla or pita bread for a quick and easy lunch.
Stir-fry them
Leftover vegetables and meats can be easily used to make a stir-fry, particularly if they're mild in flavor (making it easy to layer on different seasonings and spices). Simply sauté the vegetables and meat in a wok or large frying pan and add some soy sauce or other seasonings for flavor. Masterclass suggests using teriyaki as a base sauce since it's easy to make (or buy) and is universally loved. Serve over rice for a complete meal.
Create a casserole
There's a reason casseroles are a classic favorite; they're not just hearty and delicious, they're also simple and convenient. Kate Bandurski writing for Taste of Home compiled a list of casserole recipes entirely made of leftover ingredients.
For example, this hearty chicken spaghetti casserole uses spaghetti noodles, cooked chicken, cheese, cream of chicken soup and other things you're sure to have in your fridge. The savory and cheesy dish is a great way to use the extra cheese you've got and the grilled chicken from the other day.
Make a breakfast hash
Dinner for breakfast? You bet! Last night's dinner can make a delicious breakfast hash. If you want a structured recipe, check out Ree Drummond's Breakfast Hash on FoodNetwork.com. Rated as easy, this recipe calls for sweet potatoes, cheese, Brussels sprouts, onion, eggs and bacon and a few other kitchen essentials.
If you're feeling adventurous (or don't have those particular ingredients on hand, you can go rogue and make your own hash. Simply sauté your leftover vegetables and meat in a frying pan with some diced potatoes and onions. Serve with a fried egg on top, or scramble them together with beaten eggs for a filling and nutritious breakfast.
Create a bowl
There's a reason bowl meals tend to be crowd-pleasers; they're fully customizable, so everyone gets what they want – even your pickiest eaters. Use leftover rice, pasta or salad as a base, then layer on cooked proteins and veggies. Top with olive oil, salad dressing, bbq or buffalo sauce, along with whatever toppings you have on hand (think nuts, crumbled bacon, croutons, seeds or dried fruit). Let each family member make his or her own bowl to keep the prep work to a minimum.
Use leftovers as a dip
Thinking out of the box is one of the best ways to use up your leftovers in a seemingly new way. Your dinner discards can be transformed into a crowd-pleasing dip—and it's easier than you think!
Leftover chili can easily be layered with sour cream and cheese that's perfect for dipping tortilla chips. Shred roasted chicken and use in a buffalo chicken dip, or chop roasted veggies and combine with sour cream and onion soup mix for a chunky spread you might just eat by the spoonful.
There's no need to toss those leftovers when you can save time, money and reduce waste by completely transforming them! With Beehive Meals, you receive fresh, nutritious freezer meals that are delicious as is— and just as good leftover or remade into fresh new entrees and sides. To order your next home-cooked meal, visit Beehive Meals.
