Leftovers don’t have to mean another boring reheated plate. With a little creativity, yesterday’s dinner can turn into something completely new, and just as satisfying. This list takes what’s already in the fridge and transforms it into casseroles, hand pies, soups, tacos, pastas, and more. These recipes are fast, flexible, and full of flavor, helping you make the most of extra turkey, ham, steak, chicken, taco meat, or rice. You won’t find anything dull here, just easy ideas that breathe new life into what you’ve already cooked. Whether you’re working through holiday extras or weeknight leftovers, these dishes will help clear the fridge without sacrificing taste.
Leftover Turkey Hand Pies with Cranberry and Boursin
Flaky pastry wraps up shredded turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and creamy Boursin cheese for a handheld, savory-sweet bite. These bake up golden with a melty, flavorful filling inside. They’re perfect for using up leftovers from a holiday spread. Easy to serve, pack, or freeze for later.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Hand Pies with Cranberry and Boursin
Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole
This creamy casserole combines turkey, wild rice, and vegetables into a warm, comforting dish made easy in the Instant Pot. The rice cooks up tender while the turkey stays juicy. It’s a full meal in one bowl that comes together fast. Ideal for post-holiday dinners when you want something simple.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole
Leftover Ham Pot Pie with Biscuits
Chunks of ham and mixed veggies are baked in a creamy sauce and topped with fluffy, golden biscuits. The filling is rich and hearty, and the biscuits soak up just enough sauce. It’s a comforting way to use up extra ham. Bake in a skillet or casserole dish and serve hot.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Ham Pot Pie with Biscuits
Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Sliced steak gets layered with cheese and folded into a crispy tortilla for a fast and filling meal. The meat reheats well on the pan, staying tender inside the melty layers. Add peppers or onions if you’ve got them. Slice and serve with salsa or sour cream.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla
Leftover Turkey Fried Rice
This quick stir-fry makes good use of cold rice and leftover turkey, turning them into a flavorful, fast dinner. Soy sauce, veggies, and scrambled egg round it out. It comes together in one pan in under 20 minutes. A great way to avoid food waste with minimal effort.
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Tasty Leftover Hearty Ham and Cannellini Bean Soup
Diced ham simmers with cannellini beans, vegetables, and broth for a filling, savory soup. The flavors deepen as it cooks, and the ham adds a smoky touch. Serve with crusty bread or crackers. It reheats beautifully and works well for meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Leftover Hearty Ham and Cannellini Bean Soup
Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich
Layer turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy between slices of bread for the ultimate post-holiday sandwich. It’s messy, flavorful, and hits every note from the big meal. Toast the bread or press it into a panini for extra texture. A must-make after a big feast.
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Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice
Leftover rice turns into a satisfying dish with scrambled eggs, soy sauce, veggies, and your choice of protein. It’s fast, customizable, and uses ingredients already on hand. Everything cooks in one skillet and is ready in minutes. Add chili sauce or sesame oil for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice
Cheesy Leftover Taco Meat Pasta
Taco-seasoned ground meat gets tossed with pasta and cheese for a bold, creamy skillet meal. It’s quick to make and stretches leftovers into a whole new dish. Top with sour cream or crushed chips for extra crunch. A smart way to repurpose taco night.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Leftover Taco Meat Pasta
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos
Thinly sliced leftover steak becomes a fast taco filling with minimal prep. Warm the meat and tuck it into tortillas with fresh toppings. Add salsa, cheese, or guacamole to round it out. Great for an easy lunch or dinner using what’s in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos
Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
This classic bake uses shredded turkey in place of beef, layered under veggies and topped with mashed potatoes. The filling is savory and well-seasoned, while the top turns golden in the oven. It’s a one-dish meal that brings comfort and uses up several leftovers at once. Perfect for colder nights.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs
Leftover chicken gets simmered in green chiles and spices for a zesty, flavorful skillet meal. Serve it over rice, in tortillas, or with chips. It’s full of flavor and comes together fast. A great way to use up cooked chicken without repeating the same dish.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs
Leftover Turkey Stroganoff
Tender turkey is stirred into a creamy mushroom sauce and served over egg noodles for a comforting twist on stroganoff. The flavors blend well, and the dish reheats beautifully. It’s rich, filling, and quick enough for a weeknight dinner. A smart way to use holiday leftovers in a totally new way.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Stroganoff
