We admit that we still have a few big questions about the concept of reincarnation (namely, what’s it going to take for us to come back as Beyoncé?). But one thing we do know for sure: When it comes to food, reincarnation is alive and well. That’s why we always try to plan dinners that can be repurposed for another meal—whether we’re packing leftovers for lunch the next day, or squeezing out another dinner. Here are 20 of our go-to recipes.
20 Dinner Recipes That Make Great Leftovers
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Published Aug 23, 2018
Vegetarian Chili
Call us crazy, but we actually think chili gets better after it sits in the fridge for a while.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
A set-it-and-forget-it recipe that ALSO makes dreamy leftovers? Sign us up.
Roasted Veggie Mediterranean Pasta With Goat Cheese
Make a big batch of this for dinner on a Sunday, and pack it for lunches all week long.
Meatballs With Cherry Tomato Sauce
Eat these over pasta one night, and in sandwiches the next.
Kale Minestrone
The soup that keeps on giving.
Easy One-pan Baked Ziti
Heaven would be a pan of this in our fridge at all times.
Jambalaya
Spicy, savory and re-heats like a dream. Best eaten with a cocktail in hand.
Green Chicken Enchiladas
We’re all about Taco Tuesday, but let’s face it: Leftover enchiladas are way better than leftover tacos.
Make-ahead Farro And Brussels Sprout Salad
This salad actually lasts—fully assembled and dressed—for up to four days in the refrigerator. We believe in miracles!
Teriyaki Meatballs
These leftovers are the definition of a not-sad desk lunch.
Mixed Greens Lasagna
We’re channeling our inner Garfield (and not even feeling too guilty about it, thanks to plenty of kale, spinach and arugula).
Slow-cooker Pulled Chicken
This chicken is always a crowd-pleaser, so make sure to make enough for seconds and leftovers.
Takeout Sesame Noodles
These addictive noodles can be served either warm or cold, which makes them a perfect leftover option (we also recommend them straight from the fridge as a midnight snack).
Roasted Tomato Soup
Grilled cheese is optional (but encouraged).
Red Curry Lentils
The magical combination of healthy and comforting.
Roasted Broccoli And Bacon Pasta Salad
We’d eat this pasta salad every day and twice on Sundays.
Southwestern Stuffed Bell Peppers
Feel free to toss in any other veggies you have in the fridge (but we love this classic Southwestern combination).
Thai Sweet Potato And Carrot Soup
Butternut squash isn’t the only creamy orange soup in town…
Lemon And Spinach Orzotto
Using orzo pasta is not only a fun twist on risotto, it also holds up better than rice in the fridge.
Make-ahead Aloo Gobi
This version of our favorite takeout dish keeps in the refrigerator for up to four days. Insert heart-eye emoji here.