Main Dish Monday Menu

Leftovers are similar to cilantro - people either love them or hate them. No in between.

For me reheating a few enchiladas can save a busy when I get home. Or there is nothing like cold leftover pizza you can eat over the sink for breakfast while the coffee brews (so I have heard, haha)

Then the other side of that coin are those that refuse to eat anything reheated or repurposed. To them, putting the extra scoops of chili in a container for later is just a way to make more dishes and delay trash. Sigh - the wasted $$ and imagination.

This week I am sharing how leaning on and loving leftovers is a good thing. I hope I convert at least one person with one new idea. Less food waste is never a bad thing, right?

Before we get to this week’s recipe duo, I want to share a sneak peek at the new recipes coming soon. Remember to make sure you subscribe. Be amongst the first to get my new recipes for No Bake Peanut Butter Bars & Guavarita.

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The leftover recipes ideas I am sharing this week are pretty easy. Nothing mind blowing or difficult. Starting somewhere basic is key to converting those that aren’t lining up for leftovers.

Baked potatoes are a classic. It is also super easy to throw extra ones in the oven, air fryer, or toaster oven. So make double the amount and the base for tomorrow’s dinner or side dish is done.

Plus having leftover baked beans after a BBQ can be a situation you are in a few times lately. So here are some ideas so you don’t toss them in the trash. Note; when feeding a crowd next time, use my tips for knowing how much beans to serve per person so the leftovers are less next time.

Bonus: here are 3 recipes I find are even better the next day. Enjoy them cold too - no reheating needed on any of these.

HOMEMADE FRIED CHICKEN TENDERS

ITALIAN GREEN BEAN & POTATO SALAD

CAPRESE SLIDERS

Besides loading one up with butter, sour cream, & chives, try another side by roasting broccoli & adding diced potatoes to make my Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli in half the time. My personal favorite is Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins, great for game day, snack, or yes I eat them as my entire meal for lunch.

Plus many ways to top them to make them a meal on their own with hearty ideas like no bean chili or smoked pulled pork - talk about using all the leftovers for 1 amazing meal idea!

These ideas are bit more inventive. They include repurposing beans into a salad or soups. Plus how jazz them up with new flavors the next day. Like adding a few strips of Toaster Oven Bacon & some hot sauce.

Whether you use canned store-bought beans or made your own from scratch, these ideas are fun & tasty. Add them to my Potato Cheese Enchiladas or top a baked potato (see what I did there!)

• Any of these leftovers are quick to serve and reheat in these MICROWAVE-SAFE BOWLS that are also oven & dishwasher approved. Each holds 22 ounces, enough for a meal. * link to products/services may result in a small commission. #ad

• Want a way to use up any extra veggies - make my Easy Broccoli Cheese Quiche and swap out the broccoli for whatever you have.

• And leftover meats - My Creamy Leftover Ham & Peas Pasta can be made with leftover chicken, turkey, or seafood too.

• Big soups are great for enjoying leftovers. Especially when I have odds and ends of uncooked veggies that were used partially in another recipe. My easy Rice Vegetable Soup can be made with any leftover rice & veggies.

• What is your go-to leftover hack? Do you have dishes you always make double because the leftovers are even better the next day? What food will you never reheat under any circumstance?

• If you try any of my recipes, please leave a rating & comment on The Short Order Cook blog. Thank you! This not only benefits others readers but helps me create, update, & understand what readers love to make (or don’t love ) for the best experience for everyone.