10 Creative Ways To Repurpose Leftovers (and Frugal Too)

by Miranda Jackson

Eating up leftovers can be boring, but it does save you money. Try these creative ways to repurpose leftovers into cheap and tasty new meals.

Repurposing leftovers can be a fun way to reduce food waste and save money, not to mention getting your family to eat food they otherwise might not want to eat again in the same week.

So, what can you do with leftovers? The following ten creative ways to repurpose leftovers will inspire you to transform one night’s dinner into a completely different meal.

10 Creative Ways To Repurpose Leftovers

You can whip up most of these using ingredients you already have in your pantry, fridge and freezer, and they don’t take too much time to prepare, either. You might be surprised at how easy it is to make leftovers more interesting.

1. Frittata

Combine leftover vegetables, meats or cheeses with beaten eggs, and cook them in a skillet to make a delicious frittata. You can customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

2. Stir-Fry

Turn leftover meats and veggies into a tasty stir-fry by sautéing them with your favorite sauce. Serve over rice, noodles or quinoa from your pantry for a quick and satisfying meal.

Save even more money with these inexpensive sauces that can perk up frugal recipes.

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3. Casserole

Mix leftover cooked proteins, veggies and grains with a creamy sauce or soup base, top with cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake until bubbly and golden brown. Try some of these casserole recipes from our frugal readers.

4. Pizza

Create a unique and delicious pizza by using your leftovers as toppings. Add leftover cooked meats, veggies, or cheeses to a prepared pizza crust, and bake according to the crust’s instructions.

5. Soup or Stew

Combine leftover meats, grains and veggies with broth, herbs and spices to create a hearty soup or stew. Add beans, lentils or pasta for extra texture and nutrition.

6. Quesadilla or Wrap

Fill a tortilla with your leftover ingredients, along with some cheese, and cook it in a skillet or griddle until crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Use lettuce leaves or rice paper as a wrap for a lighter option.

7. Salad

Toss leftover cooked meats and veggies with fresh greens and a flavorful dressing for a quick and healthy lunch.

Use these tips to save money on your salad fixings.

8. Stuffed Peppers

Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with a mixture of leftovers and cheese. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.

9. Breakfast Hash

Combine leftover meats and veggies with diced potatoes and cook in a skillet with some oil until crispy. Top with a fried or poached egg for a delicious and filling breakfast.

Here are some more ways potatoes can help reduce grocery bills.

10. Sauces and Dips

Blend leftover cooked vegetables with yogurt, cream cheese or sour cream to make a flavorful sauce or dip for sandwiches, crackers or veggies. Add herbs and spices to taste.

What Ways Will You Save Money By Turning Leftovers Into Something Else?

From quesadillas to casseroles, transferring leftovers requires little more than a few pantry ingredients and your imagination.

Once you master the art of repurposing leftovers, you can start making leftovers a part of your meal planning.

Reviewed April 2023