Feeling uninspired by last night’s dinner sitting in the fridge? Leftovers don’t have to mean repeat meals or boredom. They can be the starting point for easy dishes that save time and stretch what you’ve already prepared. Check out these tips for making leftovers feel fresh again. 

Rice
Leftover rice is a blank slate ready to soak up sweet or savory flavors.

• Sauté cold rice with oil, scrambled eggs, and veggies to make fried rice. 
• Use as a filling for stuffed peppers or cabbage rolls.  
• Simmer with milk, butter, and a sprinkle of sugar for creamy rice pudding. 
• Top with beans, salsa, and cheese for easy burrito bowls.

Cooked Veggies
Leftover veggies are a cheat code for meals that feel fresh, not recycled. 

• Sauté with soy sauce or teriyaki for a quick stir-fry. 
• Use as toppings on frozen or homemade pizza. 
• Roll in a tortilla with hummus for a veggie wrap. 
• Add to an omelet or breakfast scramble. 

Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a tasty head start for another meal.

• Form into patties with egg, flour, and ham and air fry into croquettes. 
• Layer with leftover meat, veggies, and gravy in a muffin tin for mini shepherd’s pies. 
• Stir into soups or stews to thicken and add flavor. 
• Mix with cheese and black beans for a hearty quesadilla. 

Meat
Leftover meat gives you a flexible base for quick meals without starting from scratch.

• Reheat chicken or steak strips with sautéed onions and peppers for fajitas.
• Slice roasted turkey, beef, or ham and layer with cheese and veggies for a sandwich or wrap. 
• Add ground or chopped chicken, beef, or pork to baked potatoes with veggies and a spoon of sour cream. 
• Mix chopped chicken, beef, or pork into scrambled eggs or a breakfast hash with diced (or sweet) potatoes.