Holiday Leftovers Made Better: Easy Recipes for Busy Days
Holiday leftovers don’t have to feel like a repeat performance. With a few smart tweaks, yesterday’s dishes can turn into quick, solid meals that fit right into a busy schedule.
When time is tight, using what’s already in your fridge saves effort and cuts waste. Simple swaps and fast methods can turn leftover meats, veggies, and sides into something new without extra stress.
These easy recipe ideas are built for real life, short prep, familiar ingredients, and flexible options. Perfect for weekdays when you want good food on the table without starting from scratch.
Homemade Vegetable Broth
This homemade vegetable broth is a simple way to use up veggie scraps while building a rich, well-rounded base for soups and sauces. Simmering vegetables slowly brings out deep flavor without added preservatives. It freezes well, so you can always have some on hand when a recipe needs it.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Vegetable Broth
Chicken Lasagna with Broccoli
Chicken lasagna with broccoli is a comforting twist on a classic, adding extra protein and vegetables to every layer. The broccoli balances the creamy sauce and tender chicken nicely. It’s a great make-ahead meal that reheats well for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lasagna with Broccoli
Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole
This casserole combines juicy chicken with spinach and artichokes in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s baked until bubbly and lightly golden on top. Serve it with rice or bread to soak up every bit of the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole
Thanksgiving Sliders
Thanksgiving sliders are an easy way to turn holiday leftovers into something new. Layers of turkey, stuffing, and cheese come together in soft rolls. They’re quick to bake and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Sliders
How to Make Chicken Broth
Making chicken broth at home gives you full control over flavor and ingredients. Slowly simmering bones, vegetables, and herbs creates a rich, versatile base. It’s ideal for soups, sauces, or cooking grains.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Chicken Broth
Prime Rib Quesadilla
Prime rib quesadillas are a smart way to use leftover meat in a fast, filling meal. The beef pairs well with melted cheese and a crisp tortilla. Add onions or peppers for extra texture and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Prime Rib Quesadilla
Turkey Tetrazzini
Turkey tetrazzini is a creamy pasta bake that works perfectly with leftover turkey. Mushrooms and a rich sauce tie everything together. It’s comforting, filling, and easy to portion for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tetrazzini
Leftover Turkey Salad
Leftover turkey salad is light, flexible, and quick to prepare. It works well on sandwiches, wraps, or over greens. You can easily adjust the add-ins to match what you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Turkey Salad
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
This casserole combines ground beef, rice, and cheese into one hearty dish. Everything bakes together, making it simple and low-maintenance. It’s a reliable option for family dinners or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Biscuit Topped Beef Pot Pie
Biscuit topped beef pot pie delivers comfort with minimal effort. A savory beef and vegetable filling bakes under fluffy, golden biscuits. It’s filling enough to serve as a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Biscuit Topped Beef Pot Pie
Ham and Potato Casserole
Ham and potato casserole is a classic combination that’s both hearty and practical. It’s a great way to use leftover ham while feeding a group. The creamy sauce ties everything together nicely.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato Casserole
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken tortilla soup is warm, filling, and easy to customize. The broth-based soup is loaded with chicken, beans, and spices. Top it with tortillas, cheese, or avocado for extra texture.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Tamale Pot Pies
Tamale pot pies put a fun spin on traditional comfort food. A flavorful filling is topped with a corn-based crust instead of pastry. They’re easy to portion and bake evenly.
Get the Recipe: Tamale Pot Pies
Homemade Beef Broth
Homemade beef broth has a deeper, richer flavor than most store-bought versions. Simmering bones low and slow creates a strong base for soups and stews. It’s also great for freezing in smaller portions.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Beef Broth
Leftover Prime Rib and Gnocchi Skillet
This skillet meal turns leftover prime rib into a quick, hearty dinner. Soft gnocchi soak up the pan sauce while the beef adds richness. Everything cooks in one pan for easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Prime Rib and Gnocchi Skillet
Chicken Taco Wraps
Chicken taco wraps are fast, flexible, and great for busy days. Seasoned chicken pairs well with fresh toppings wrapped in a soft tortilla. They’re easy to customize for different preferences.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Wraps
Homemade Turkey Broth
Homemade turkey broth is a smart way to use leftover bones after a big meal. Slow simmering pulls out flavor and nutrients. It works well in soups, gravies, and rice dishes.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Turkey Broth
Slow Cooker Turkey and Rice Soup
This slow cooker soup is comforting and low effort. Turkey, rice, and vegetables cook together into a filling meal. It’s ideal for using leftovers while keeping prep simple.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey and Rice Soup
Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Chicken egg roll in a bowl delivers familiar flavors without frying. Ground chicken, cabbage, and seasonings cook quickly in one pan. It’s a lighter option that still feels filling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl
Turkey Pot Pie
Turkey pot pie is a classic way to repurpose leftover turkey. The creamy filling and flaky crust make it comforting and practical. It freezes well for future meals.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie
Chicken Corn Chowder
Chicken corn chowder is thick, warm, and filling. The combination of chicken, corn, and potatoes creates a balanced bowl. It works well as a main dish or paired with bread for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Chowder
