15 Leftover Makeovers You’ll Actually Look Forward To

Isn’t it a drag to face the same old leftovers day after day? Say goodbye to food that just sits there and discover fresh ways to revamp yesterday’s meal into something appealing. There’s no need to let good food go to waste when these inventive solutions can bring new excitement to your plate. Dust off those storage containers and give them new life. Who knew leftovers could be this much fun?

Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.
Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding wedges of a quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Turn leftovers into a mouth-watering meal with these repurposed treats. Mix your tomato-based salsa for a pop of flavor. Then, add questions and a dollop of yogurt or sour cream. Finish off by fitting everything inside your preferred wrap and cooking to perfection. The combination harmonizes the flavors perfectly for a delicious base filled with savory pieces. A fun twist that makes you forget all about boring leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Combining healthy and hearty ingredients makes this an excellent choice for transforming your extra seafood. Prepare your favorite greens and a light pasta to round out the balance. You can toss it together in no time for a delicious bite. Considerably different from your standard meal. The fresh veggies add a pleasing crunch to every forkful. Easy Salmon Pasta Salad certainly makes using leftover salmon exciting.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Two bowls of Copycat Carrabba's Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup, accompanied by two spoons, a black pepper grinder, and a napkin.
Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Turning your meal into something you’ll crave is simple here. Just like the restaurant, this offers a comforting and rich experience. Boasting warm, tender bites throughout, it invokes feelings of home. The savory broth combined with elements of flavor makes Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup feel very wholesome. You even get to enjoy it for days if you have a large batch. Ideal for chilly or rainy afternoons.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Sicilian Chicken Soup

Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Top-down shot of two Leftover Steak Soft Tacos on a slate board.
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Transform last night’s dinner into a fun, grab-and-go lunch. These wraps provide a handy way to enjoy a hearty meal without fuss. Fill them with a mix of your chopped bits and some fresh greens. You can top off your concoction with fresh spices, enhancing the overall taste. Plus, the portable format is a bonus for busy days. With Leftover Steak Soft Tacos, lunch is never boring.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

A hand holding a spoonful of creamy chicken noodle soup with vegetables over a bowl, accompanied by slices of bread on a plate.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A warm bowl of comfort that makes any extra pieces work perfectly. Combine your pasta with a rich and velvety concoction for a delicious experience. The hearty portion is perfect for those cooler days, or whenever comfort food is needed. Whether enjoyed with a side of bread or crackers, it brings a great balance. Plus, any day-old dishes feel fresh again. This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

A close-up of a hand holding a copycat Taco Bell Cantina chicken burrito.
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Adding a twist to leftovers makes them way more interesting. Replicate everyone’s fast-food favorite at home. Fill them with juicy elements for a delicious bite every time. They come together quickly and make for a tasty meal. You can even personalize your wraps for added fun. Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito becomes a favorite weekend treat.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Burrito

Redneck Eggrolls

A hand is holding half of the Redneck Eggrolls, with pieces on a white plate.
Redneck Eggrolls. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Repurpose your extras into something different and entertaining. Roll up a mix of pieces into a crunchy exterior for maximum punch. Dunk in your favored sauces to complete the experience. Ideal as an appetizer or even a main dish with side salads. It leaves you excited to reinvent meal leftovers each time. These Redneck Eggrolls indeed make meals more fun.
Get the Recipe: Redneck Eggrolls

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

A plate of Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl.
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

You can make a hearty, wholesome meal with this easy transformation. In one bowl, combine everything for a delicious taste. Whether for a weeknight dinner or casual lunch, it’s a hit. The flavors blend impressively, resembling the favorite chain dish. Add vibrant sides and your pick of toppings for customization. This Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl brings fresh excitement to mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad in a black dish.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mixing up the traditional with a seafood twist makes meals exciting. A light and refreshing choice, perfect for warmer days. Include greens, and some flavorful dressing, and mix with flavors for a crunchy experience. Every bite is balanced, perfect for lunch or dinner alike. You can incorporate whatever veggies you have available. Salmon Pasta Salad boosts leftover fish into something memorable.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad

Leftover Roast Beef Shepherd’s Pie

Leftover Roast Beef Shepherd's Pie in a cast iron dish.
Leftover Roast Beef Shepherd’s Pie. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

All pieces come together harmoniously in this savory dish. Layer your base with mashed spuds for a robust meal. It’s a hearty solution to use up various parts. This option ensures no leftovers go to waste. A rich blend that gives a pie feel in every serving. Transform dinners with Leftover Roast Beef Shepherd’s Pie.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Roast Beef Shepherd’s Pie

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken cordon bleu casserole on a black plate with a fork.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

All the good elements come together in a simple bake. Transform mid-week leftovers into a cohesive dish everyone enjoys. Combine textures and flavors to create a harmony in a dish that feels special. It brings years-old classic yumminess to the family table. Serve it piping hot to enjoy that melty goodness inside. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole brings reassurance to repurposing.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding

Yorkshire pudding pie in a white glass dish.
Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Give your meal a fresh twist with this delicate recipe. Mixing beef bits with a classic exterior for a unique delight. Serve these up with your preferred side salads or veggies. This transforms your Sunday roast into a fresh bite. Enjoy a crusty exterior and hearty insides with each serving. Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding ensures you get creative with what’s leftover.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding

Split Pea, Ham & Sausage Soup

Two bowls of soup with ham, sausage, split peas and vegetables in them.
Split Pea, Ham & Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A classic soup that takes extras to a new level. Combining the legume with tasty bits adds depth. Its richness makes it a heartening choice for dinners. Each spoonful is brimming with chunks and smooth puree to enhance the eating experience. Ideal for using up surplus pieces you have lying around. Split Pea, Ham & Sausage Soup is a delicious way to enjoy different leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Split Pea, Ham & Sausage Soup

Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties

Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties in a black dish.
Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Repurpose classic holiday pieces effortlessly. Forming patties out of your leftovers provides a hearty step up from mundane meals. Golden and crisp on the outside, yet fluffy inside. They make great sides to salads or main entrees. Every bite combines familiar flavors in a harmonious way. Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties offer a delicious solution to post-holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties

Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.
Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Fried rice becomes the solution to surplus cooked elements with ease. It’s quick, hearty, and transforms your dish collection into something vibrant. You can mix up veggies, proteins, and sauces for an endless variety. This becomes a convenient meal on busy days, providing all needed in one bowl. Frying it ensures a crunchy and fresh experience for every spoonful. Ground Beef Fried Rice turns mundane meals into something fresh and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice

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