Cook Once, Eat Twice

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If you’re looking for ways to make dinner easier, I’ve got you covered! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a bunch of different meals using leftovers—no extra fuss required. Think of it like a little cheat sheet for stress-free, delicious dinners all week long!

Table of Contents

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Let’s get into the complete list of meals you can plan on enjoying as delicious leftovers the next 2-3 days..

1. Whole chicken

Start with a whole chicken. On day one, roast or smoke it with simple seasonings for a delicious dinner.

Then, transform the leftovers (about 2 cups chicken) into comforting meals like chicken noodle soup with broth, carrots, and noodles.

Chicken Noodle Soup with leftover chicken

Or chicken enchiladas by shredding the meat and mixing it with cheese, beans, and enchilada sauce to fill tortillas.

You can also use the chicken for BBQ pizza, adding red sauce, red onions, cheese and a drizzle of BBQ sauce on a pizza crust.

Or make a lime chicken soup with lime, corn, and black beans for a zesty twist.

Need a simple weeknight meal? Try this easy pasta dinner with chicken…

2. Pulled pork

Pulled pork is another versatile ingredient. Begin by smoking, sous vide cooking, or slow-cooking pulled pork for sandwiches served with coleslaw.

Later, enjoy pulled pork tacos with cilantro, lime, and salsa, or mix it into smoked mac ‘n’ cheese for a hearty meal.

You can also layer it in quesadillas with cheese, then pan-fry for a crispy treat, or use pulled pork as a pizza topping with barbecue sauce, onions, and cheese.

Or add it to BBQ pork egg rolls cooked in about 20 minutes in the air fryer.

3. Steak

Tri-tip is one of my favorite steaks to smoke or bake in the oven because it makes delicious leftovers. But you can choose any cut of steak and grill or roast it with vegetables for a satisfying dinner the first night.

Get tips for getting started with grilling….

Leftover steak that is sliced thin is perfect for Patrick’s favorite tri tip sandwich – I top it with fresh arugula, a homemade grilled lemon garlic aioli, caramelized onions and serve it up on lightly toasted rolls.

Or sliced as a protein for salads. I swear if you smoke it, it tastes even more smoky the next day.

Steak Leftovers on Philly Cheese Steak Pizza

Then there is always turning second day food into pizzas, which is my favorite. If that sounds good to you then my recipe for philly cheese steak pizza is the perfect choice.

Eat well at home with this NY strip steak dinner…

4. Ground beef

With ground beef, you have so many options based on what you’re in the mood for that week. This one falls in the leftovers category but it’s easy to make a quick dinner with raw ground beef, too.

Pasta night dish with leftover ground beef

You can make a classic beef chili or spaghetti bolognese for the main meal. I have a recipe coming soon with my simple ground beef pasta I’ve been making non-stop this month for weeknights.

Or enjoy leftovers in lasagna soup.

You could also layer beef over something like waffle fry nachos for an unexpected dish.

5. Ground turkey

Ground turkey can be a base for turkey meatballs or burgers on day one.

Use the leftovers to make a hearty turkey chili with beans and tomatoes, or turkey tacos with avocado, salsa, and cheese.

You can shape leftover turkey meatballs into a meatloaf or use the ground meat in a vegetable stir fry with soy sauce for an easy dinner.

6. Rice

I only eat leftover rice within a day.

It is a great side for stir-fry, with freshly grilled chicken, or as an ingredient in stuffed peppers.

Or reheat it and serve it up with some grilled chicken and pita bread with this super-satisfying cucumber feta dip…

Equipment I use for easy home cooking

Food prep

For cooking

Flavor help

To enjoy outdoor cooking

Delicious Leftovers Ideas to Cook Once and Eat Twice

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Well I hope that makes things easier for you when it comes to delicious dinners you can make with leftovers!

I’m here to help you put together delicious meals, right at home. Get inspired by staying in touch on Instagram and YouTube.

Happy cooking ~ JennaNext, browse the Sip Bite Go recipe collection…