17 Quick And Easy Dinners Using Whatever’s Left In Your Fridge

Getting dinner ready doesn’t have to be a chore or take hours of your time. With a bit of imagination and the willingness to experiment, you can transform even the most unassuming ingredients into a meal that’s both fulfilling and quick to table. It’s a win-win situation: you clear out space in the fridge and serve up something unexpectedly delicious.

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

Turkey & Apple Panini

Turkey & Apple Panini stacked on a plate.
Turkey & Apple Panini. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’ve got some turkey and apples lying around, why not throw them together in a panini? It’s a genius move for a quick dinner that uses up your leftovers. Turkey & Apple Panini isn’t just easy; it’s a game-changer for those busy nights when you’re staring at the fridge wondering what to do. And honestly, it’s so good, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t tried it sooner.
Get the Recipe: Turkey & Apple Panini

Steak & Potato Soup

Steak & Potato Soup in a black bowl.
Steak & Potato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever look at your steak and potatoes from last night and think, “Soup?” Well, you should! Steak & Potato Soup turns those leftovers into a warm, comforting dinner that’s ready in no time. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something hearty without a lot of hassle. Plus, it’s a smart way to make sure nothing from the previous meal goes to waste.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Potato Soup

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Curried chicken salad in a blue bowl.
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turning leftover chicken into a Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins is like finding a treasure in your fridge. It’s light, easy to make, and surprisingly quick, making it an ideal choice for a no-stress dinner. The sweet and spices combo punches way above its weight in taste, showing that smart, simple ingredients can create something unexpectedly awesome.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema

A wooden cutting board with sliced meat and sauce on it.
Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Got some pork tenderloin and don’t know what to do with it? Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema to the rescue! This dish is all about making the most of what you’ve got, turning simple leftovers into something that feels fancy without all the work. It’s perfect for when you want to impress someone or just treat yourself to a quick, delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin Crostini with Lime Crema

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup in two white bowls with garnishes nearby.
Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup is your answer to “What’s for dinner?” when you find a bit of smoked chicken in the fridge. This soup is quick, comforting, and incredibly fulfilling, making it an excellent choice for a fuss-free dinner. It’s a clever way to repurpose leftovers into a meal that feels entirely new and exciting. Plus, who doesn’t love a good soup?
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

Turkey and Pesto Stuffed Pasta Shells in a black cast iron dish.
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you have some turkey and pesto and you’re not sure what to make, Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto can be your go-to. It’s a fantastic way to use whatever’s left in your fridge to whip up a dinner that’s both quick and delicious. This dish proves that you don’t need a ton of time or ingredients to put something amazing on the table. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto

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.

With some split peas, ham, and sausage, you can create a Split Pea, Ham & Sausage Soup that’s both easy to make and incredibly fulfilling. This soup is all about using up those leftovers in a way that’s both smart and delicious. It’s the perfect solution for a quick dinner that feels like you’ve been cooking all day, especially on those colder nights.
Get the Recipe: Split Pea, Ham & Sausage Soup

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.

Leftover chicken cordon bleu? Turn it into a Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds. This casserole is the ultimate in easy and quick dinner solutions, using what you’ve already got to make something wonderfully comforting. It’s a creative way to reinvent leftovers, and it’s so good, you might start making extra chicken cordon bleu on purpose.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

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.

When you find yourself with leftover turkey and mashed potatoes, Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties are the way to go. They’re quick to make, super fulfilling, and a fun twist on your usual leftovers. This recipe is all about turning what you’ve got into something new and delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to make sure you’re not wasting food.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Mashed Potato Patties

Brisket Fried Rice

Brisket fried rice in black serving dish on white background.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever find yourself with brisket leftovers and no dinner plan? Brisket Fried Rice is your answer. It’s a fantastic quick fix that turns leftovers into a completely new meal. Just a few minutes and whatever veggies you’ve got, and dinner is served.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Turkey Pot Pie Soup

Two bowls of Turkey Pot Pie Soup with crackers and spoons.
Turkey Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Leftover turkey but tired of sandwiches? Whip up some Turkey Pot Pie Soup. It’s like the classic comfort dish but easier and quicker, making the most of your fridge leftovers for a cozy dinner. Plus, who doesn’t love a good soup on a busy night?
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie Soup

Leftover Roast Beef Stew

Leftover roast beef stroganoff on a plate with green beans in the background.
Leftover Roast Beef Stew. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Got some roast beef hanging around? Turn it into Leftover Roast Beef Stew. It’s all about throwing together what you’ve got into one pot for a hearty meal. Easy to make and even easier to customize, it’s a no-brainer for a filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Roast Beef Stew

Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad in a black bowl with forks nearby.
Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re staring at some salmon and dreaming of a light dinner, Salmon Pasta Salad is the move. It’s quick, uses up leftovers, and gives you a refreshing break from heavy meals. Throw it together with whatever’s in your pantry, and boom, dinner’s ready.
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.

When you’ve got roast beef from yesterday and not much else, Leftover Roast Beef Shepherd’s Pie comes to the rescue. It transforms your leftovers into a comforting dish that’s both quick and fulfilling. Just layer it up, bake, and you’ve got an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Roast Beef Shepherd’s Pie

Ham Fried Rice

Ham fried rice on a white plate.
Ham Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Wondering what to do with that leftover ham? Ham Fried Rice is a fantastic quick meal that’s both easy to make and perfect for clearing out the fridge. It’s all about turning simple ingredients into something delicious in just minutes.
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice

Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding

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

Have leftover roast beef? Shake things up with Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding. It’s a unique dinner idea that’s surprisingly straightforward. Mix it up, pop it in the oven, and you’ve got an easy, delicious meal using what you already have.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding

Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry

Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry on a counter.
Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking at turkey leftovers and craving something warming, Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry are the answer. They’re simple to whip up, use what’s left in your fridge, and add a touch of elegance to your quick dinner lineup. Nothing beats that crispy pastry topping.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.