18 Recipes That Are Almost Better As Leftovers
What’s better than a home-cooked meal? A home-cooked meal that has plenty of leftovers. As it turns out, many tasty dishes, including stews, soups, chilis, and baked pasta, taste just as delicious (if not more so) when enjoyed the day after. Because of this, we rounded up recipes that still hit the spot even after spending a bit of time in the fridge. From mouthwatering chicken parm to red wine beef stew, read ahead for 18 of our favorite meals that are almost better as leftovers.
Classic Lasagna
This recipe uses store-bought tomato sauce and a box of pasta sheets to create a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp out on taste.
Get the recipe for Classic Lasagna from Delish.
Green Chile Pork Stew
If you like to eat dinner leftovers for lunch, this is the recipe for you. Filled with smoky poblano pepper, boneless pork shoulder, and mild green chile, this stew tastes even better the next day.
Get the recipe for Green Chile Pork Stew from Delish.
Easy Chicken Parmesan
Name something better than homemade chicken parmesan—we’ll wait. This easy dish, which features panko-crusted chicken smothered in mozzarella and marinara sauce, pairs exceptionally well with angel hair pasta or sauteed Lacinato kale.
Get the recipe for Easy Chicken Parmesan from Delish.
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Gnocchi
This creamy gnocchi dish is made with baby spinach and marinated artichoke hearts, but feel free to add any other vegetables you may like.
Get the recipe for Creamy Spinach Artichoke Gnocchi from Delish.
White Chicken Chili
There’s nothing like a steamy bowl of chili. This white chicken version, brimming with dark meat ground chicken, Hatch green chiles, and cannellini beans, is so good it may just become your new favorite.
Get the recipe for White Chicken Chili from Country Living.
Slow-Cooker Red Wine Beef Stew
Red wine makes everything taste better. This recipe, which can be prepared right in your slow cooker, requires little effort. It also includes an unexpected ingredient—dijon mustard.
Get the recipe for Slow-Cooker Red Wine Beef Stew from Country Living.
Chicken and Veggies Stir Fry
There’s just something about leftover chicken and vegetable stir fry that hits the spot. Made with snap peas, mushrooms, and baby corn, this healthy yet straightforward meal keeps well in the fridge.
Get the recipe for Chicken and Veggies Stir Fry from Country Living.
Classic Stuffed Peppers
Peppers aren’t just for sautéing and slicing; they’re for stuffing, too. This recipe requires only a few peppers, spices, ground beef, and shredded cheese. Yum!
Get the recipe for Classic Stuffed Peppers from Delish.
Goulash
A Hungarian staple, this goulash recipe can be whipped up in under an hour and kept in the refrigerator for a few days. If you aren’t a fan of ground beef, feel free to switch it out for ground chicken, ground turkey, or a plant-based option.
Get the recipe for Goulash from Delish.
Beef Stroganoff
Delicious slices of sirloin steak served atop noodles and then drenched in a rich gravy—what more could you ask for? Make sure to top each serving with a touch of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Get the recipe for Beef Stroganoff from Delish.
Curried Red Lentil and Swiss Chard Soup
Give yourself a plant-based protein boost with this curried red lentil soup recipe. Made with chickpeas, Swiss chard, and a dollop of Greek yogurt, this healthy meal makes for a great lunch or dinner.
Get the recipe for Curried Red Lentil and Swiss Chard Soup from Delish.
Carrot Ginger Soup
This recipe uses a standard blender to achieve its silky smooth texture, but you can use an immersion blender if you prefer. This dish pairs well with grilled cheese, citrusy salad, or marinated chicken.
Get the recipe for Carrot Ginger Soup from Delish.
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Baked macaroni and cheese—need we say more? The secret is to layer the pasta and cheese as if you were making a lasagna—this ensures that each bite is full of cheesy goodness.
Get the recipe for Southern Baked Mac and Cheese from Delish.
Lasagna Roll-Ups
Speaking of lasagna, these roll-ups are an inventive take on an old classic. This dish works great for dinner parties as its unique design makes for easier portioning and plating (say goodbye to messily-cut lasagna!)
Get the recipe for Lasagna Roll-Ups from Delish.
Slow-Cooker Chicken Pozole
This traditional Mexican soup deserves a permanent spot in your dinner recipe rotation. This tasty dish is made using a slow-cooker and boasts chopped onion, boneless chicken breasts, and two cans of hominy. Enjoy it the next day with a side salad or sandwich.
Get the recipe for Slow-Cooker Chicken Pozole from Delish.
Saag Paneer
Low on time? This saag paneer requires only 15 minutes of active prep time. It can also easily be stored in the fridge for a few days or in the freezer if you want to keep it longer.
Get the recipe for Saag Paneer from Delish.
Cheesy Baked Meatballs
What’s better than homemade meatballs? Cheesy baked homemade meatballs. These meatballs are next-level delicious, whether served for dinner over a mound of spaghetti or stuffed between two pieces of Italian bread for lunch the day after.
Get the recipe for Cheesy Baked Meatballs from Delish.
Lentil Salad
This lentil salad has tons of chopped carrots, roasted nuts, and fresh thyme and can keep in the fridge for one week. This is excellent news for people who love leftovers or like to meal prep.
Get the recipe for Lentil Salad from Delish.
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