Keeping a tidy kitchen with minimal waste sounds like a dream. But with these meal prep strategies, that dream is much more attainable. Transforming leftovers into new and exciting meals keeps your fridge clean and your conscience light—because, hey, no one likes to see good food go to waste. These meal preps are perfect for anyone stretching their ingredients over multiple dishes. Plus, they’re all about making life easier, leaving you more time to enjoy your meals and less time worrying about those creeping “best before” dates.
Authentic Hungarian Goulash
With rich flavors and a warming feel, Authentic Hungarian Goulash is a classic with simple ingredients. This hearty dish combines tender beef and vegetables to create a comforting meal. Caramelized onions impart a sweet, smoky essence, while the paprika provides depth. It is ideal for using up veggies lingering in the fridge, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Serve with a side of crusty bread for an easy, filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash
Chicken Paprikash
An easy way to enjoy a touch of Hungarian cuisine, Chicken Paprikash is rich and creamy. Succulent chicken simmered in a paprika-infused sauce can make a sufficient dinner. This dish is excellent for leftover chicken and pantry staples like that jar of paprika that’s been waiting to shine. Pair with rice or noodles to soak up the sauce. It’s ideal for a weeknight dinner that leaves your plate clean and your heart warm.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Croissant Breakfast Casserole is a great morning option if you have leftover croissants. It mixes flaky croissants with eggs, cheese, and ham, making a lovely, hearty breakfast dish. This recipe ensures no croissant is wasted, turning day-old pastries into a delicious feast. Easy to whip up, it’s perfect for brunch or a make-ahead breakfast. Serve with a side of fruit for a balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Shrimp & Corn Chowder
Shrimp & Corn Chowder combines sweet corn and tender shrimp into an enjoyable soup. Utilizing fresh ingredients like corn and shrimp ensures each bowl is flavorful. This chowder is a fantastic way to use any leftover seafood and veggies before expiration. It’s warm, comforting, and simple to prepare. It’s ideal for a cozy night or a light yet filling lunch.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp & Corn Chowder
Baked Spanish Rice
Baked Spanish Rice is hard to beat for a flavorful and easy side dish. This dish combines rice with a rich tomato base for a vibrant meal. Perfect for using up pantry staples, it can be paired with chicken or beef or even served on its own. Ideal for meal prepping, it reheats beautifully throughout the week. It’s a real time-saver and a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice
Sloppy Joe Casserole
All the flavors you love in a Sloppy Joe are now in a comforting Sloppy Joe Casserole. It layers ground beef, onions, and a tangy sauce with plenty of cheese and pasta. This dish makes excellent use of common ingredients, reducing food waste and fulfilling your cravings. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a one-pan wonder. It’s simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Beef and Barley Soup
Nutritious and hearty, Beef and Barley Soup is a perfect cold-weather meal. The combination of tender beef and barley creates a filling, balanced dish. This soup is excellent for using leftover beef and veggies in your fridge. It’s easy to make in large batches, making it ideal for meal prep. Warm and comforting, it’s a timeless classic.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Barley Soup
Million Dollar Spaghetti
For a dinner that feels special any night of the week, try Million Dollar Spaghetti. This dish combines pasta with a creamy, cheesy mixture and a well-seasoned meat sauce. It’s excellent for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. Layered and baked, it combines all those odds and ends from your pantry and fridge. It’s a surefire hit for any pasta lover.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Combining the flavors of classic Chicken Cordon Bleu in an easy-to-make dish, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a winner. It layers chicken, ham, and cheese with a creamy sauce, ideal for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. This recipe ensures nothing in your fridge goes unused, especially those leftover bits of ham. Simply pop it in the oven for a hassle-free meal. Crowd-pleasing and practical, it’s a crowd-pleasing and practical.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe is a dish that packs robust flavors with minimal effort. Combining pillowy gnocchi with flavor-filled sausage and slightly bitter broccoli rabe, it’s a complete meal. It’s perfect for using up leftover sausage and greens. Prepared in one pan, it’s convenient for busy weeknights. It’s healthy, delicious, and incredibly straightforward to make.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Turkey à la King
Rich and creamy, Turkey à la King is a great way to use leftover turkey. It combines tender turkey with a creamy sauce and vegetables, ideal for a comforting meal. This dish can be served over rice, pasta, or toast, making it versatile and easy to customize. Perfect for those post-holiday leftovers, ensuring nothing goes to waste. It’s an easy, enjoyable way to enjoy turkey any time of the year.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Satisfy seafood cravings with Shrimp and Grits Casserole. Creamy grits blended with cheese and topped with succulent shrimp make for a versatile dish. This casserole combines pantry staples and fresh shrimp, making the most of each ingredient. Easy to prepare and bake, it’s perfect for dinner or brunch—quite the Southern comfort dish without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Upgrade a simple vegetable with Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill. Roasted cauliflower is paired with a tangy lemon and fresh dill dressing. This dish makes excellent use of fresh ingredients, ensuring no herb goes to waste. Perfect as a side or even a light lunch, it’s healthy and vibrant. It’s a refreshing way to enjoy a classic veggie.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Roast Pork with Apples
Pair sweet and tasty with Roast Pork with Apples. This dish combines tender pork with sweet apples, creating a harmonious flavor balance. It’s ideal for using up those apples in the fruit bowl. It makes a great main dish for a family dinner that’s both hearty and pleasurable. Pair with a side of roasted veggies or a simple salad.
Get the Recipe: Roast Pork with Apples
Beefy John Wayne Casserole
Beefy John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, layered dish that combines ground beef, cheese, and biscuits. It’s a perfect way to use up pantry staples and ensure everything gets used. This casserole has all the flavors of a comfort meal without any complex steps. It’s great for feeding a family or having ready-made meals for the week. It’s easy, filling, and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
One-pan dishes like Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken are lifesavers. This dish combines chicken pieces with fresh lemon and rosemary for a fragrant, complete meal. It’s perfect for using up fresh herbs and ensuring the chicken is juicy and flavorful. Tossed with veggies, it makes for an easy weeknight meal. It’s healthy, simple, and quick to clean up afterward.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Delicious and straightforward, Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy combine tender chicken with a rich sauce. The creamy onion gravy ensures every bite is heartwarming and flavorful. This dish uses simple ingredients to produce outstanding taste, ideal for family dinners. It is perfect for those who love comfort food with minimal effort. It is a great addition to any dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
