13 Leftover Recipes That Actually Taste Good

Turning leftovers into something new doesn’t have to feel like a compromise. With the right ingredients and just a bit of effort, last night’s turkey, ham, steak, or rice can turn into a completely different meal, and a really good one at that. These recipes take leftovers you probably already have and repurpose them into soups, casseroles, skillet meals, sandwiches, and hand pies. They’re practical, comforting, and packed with flavor, helping you reduce waste while still putting a satisfying dinner on the table. Some are quick, others are hearty, and each one makes the most of what’s already in your fridge.

Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

A baked shepherd’s pie in a round skillet, topped with piped mashed potatoes, garnished with chopped herbs, and set on a wooden table with a plaid cloth. — Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

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Shredded turkey stands in for the usual beef in this layered, comforting bake. The filling includes vegetables in a savory gravy, topped with mashed potatoes that bake until golden. It’s a hearty way to use up several leftovers at once. Serve hot with a spoon and seconds.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole

A wooden bowl filled with a creamy mixture of wild rice, corn, and herbs, garnished with fresh thyme, sits on a rustic wooden table. — Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Turkey and wild rice combine with broth, veggies, and cream for a one-pot casserole that’s ready fast thanks to the Instant Pot. The rice cooks up perfectly tender, and the turkey stays moist. It’s a warm, filling dish that makes excellent use of leftovers from a big roast. Add herbs or cheese to change it up.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole

Tasty Leftover Hearty Ham and Cannellini Bean Soup

A soup ladle with a scoop of soup. — Tasty Leftover Hearty Ham and Cannellini Bean Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Diced ham and white beans simmer together with aromatics in this thick, comforting soup. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and great for chilly days. The ham adds depth while the beans give the soup body. Serve with warm bread or keep it on hand for lunch all week.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Leftover Hearty Ham and Cannellini Bean Soup

Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

A white bowl filled with fried rice, mushrooms, spinach, and chopped green onions, with wooden chopsticks resting on the bowl. — Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cold, day-old rice gets tossed with eggs, veggies, soy sauce, and any protein you have, a blank canvas for fast flavor. It’s quick to cook and easy to customize. Everything happens in one pan, making cleanup just as easy. A go-to way to stretch leftovers into something new.
Get the Recipe: Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich

A sandwich filled with turkey, stuffing, arugula, cheese, gravy, and cranberry sauce sits on a wooden board, with potato chips and dipping sauce on the side. — Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

This stacked sandwich layers turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a splash of gravy between slices of bread. Toast it or grill it for even more flavor. It hits all the notes of the big meal but in a portable, satisfying form. A must-make after a holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich

Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Two soft tacos filled with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and meat on a black slate, with lime wedges, a jalapeño, garlic, and a red striped towel nearby. — Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Thin strips of steak reheat quickly and pair perfectly with tortillas and toppings. Add fresh veggies, cheese, and salsa to finish it off. It’s a fast way to repurpose steak into something casual and flavorful. Ideal for a laid-back dinner or a quick lunch.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Leftover Turkey Stroganoff

A skillet filled with creamy chicken and mushroom pasta topped with parsley, with a wooden spoon resting inside. — Leftover Turkey Stroganoff. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Turkey gets tossed with mushrooms and onions in a creamy sauce served over egg noodles. The dish is rich and comforting but easy enough for a weeknight. It’s a cozy twist on the classic beef version. Great way to give turkey leftovers a whole new feel.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Stroganoff

Leftover Ham Pot Pie with Biscuits

A bowl with pot pie with a biscuit on top. — Leftover Ham Pot Pie with Biscuits. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chunks of ham and vegetables bake in a creamy sauce, topped with golden biscuits instead of a crust. It’s a rustic, filling dish that bakes up bubbly and warm. The biscuits soak in just enough of the sauce without getting soggy. Serve it straight from the skillet or dish.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Ham Pot Pie with Biscuits

Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon. — Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Leftover chicken gets a bold upgrade with green chiles, spices, and a quick simmer in the skillet. Serve it over rice, stuff it in tortillas, or spoon it onto nachos. The flavor is zesty and slightly smoky with just enough heat. A flexible way to make shredded chicken exciting again.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Leftover Turkey Fried Rice

A bowl of chicken fried rice with diced vegetables and green onions, placed on a wooden plate with a spoon on the side. — Leftover Turkey Fried Rice. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

This quick stir-fry combines leftover turkey with cold rice, scrambled egg, and vegetables for a speedy meal. The turkey adds protein without needing extra prep. Everything cooks in minutes and tastes like a brand-new dish. Add soy sauce, green onions, or sesame oil to finish.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Fried Rice

Leftover Turkey Hand Pies with Cranberry and Boursin

These handheld pies wrap turkey, cranberry sauce, and soft Boursin cheese in a flaky crust. They bake up golden and gooey on the inside. Sweet, savory, and rich, they’re ideal for leftovers from a big roast or holiday dinner. Easy to freeze, pack, or eat on the go.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Hand Pies with Cranberry and Boursin

Cheesy Leftover Taco Meat Pasta

A close-up of a creamy mixture containing ground meat, diced tomatoes, corn, and other ingredients being stirred with a black spoon. — Cheesy Leftover Taco Meat Pasta. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Taco-seasoned ground meat gets tossed with pasta and melted cheese for a quick skillet meal. The result is creamy, flavorful, and super satisfying. It’s a smart way to use up taco night extras without repeating the same dish. Top with sour cream or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Leftover Taco Meat Pasta

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding four stacked beef and cheese quesadilla wedges, with garlic, a lime, and a striped cloth in the background on a white textured surface. — Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Sliced steak and cheese are folded into a tortilla and crisped on the pan until golden and melty. It’s simple but delivers bold flavor in every bite. Add sautéed onions or peppers if you have them. A quick win when you’ve got extra steak sitting in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla