Weekends are the time that I look for dinner ideas to make Friday so I have leftovers for the weekend, so I can relax. Below, I have put together a comprehensive collection of Dinners that Make the Best Leftovers.

Wonton soup, a slice of Lasagna and a roast chicken

Meatballs

I have to start with meatballs. They’re easy to make and you can literally just add them to sauce, mix with pasta, dinner done. I also have appetizer meatballs and dinner size. Meatballs are not just Italian, in case you didn’t know. The Greek have their version, I have my own spin on Indian-inspired meatballs.

This is just a sample of what you see below. Greek Style Meatballs – Keftedes, Mini Indian Meatballs with Curry Coconut Sauce, Easy Chicken Meatballs.

Soup

We all know soup is one of the best leftover meals for 2 reasons. 1, you can make a big batch and 2 you can serve it alongside whatever you like. I have over 20 different soups to choose from so here are a small selection:

Milanese Minestrone Soup is so easy and hearty enough to be a complete meal as is Chicken Wonton Soup. I would be remiss if I left The Best Chicken Soup off this list. There are also more soups here.

Pasta

Pasta is one of the easiest and most popular dishes for leftovers as you can make double batches. Healthy Sicilian Lentil Pasta is filling and a great vegetarian option. Linguine with Shrimp (Linguine con Gamberi) is a nice treat that keeps well also and my favorite,Lasagna Bolognese is one of my to-go’s. Find more pasta ideas here.

Pizza

Pizza time! Great for breakfast, lunch and dinner AND, you can add toppings. Italian Sausage and Caramelized Onion Pizza. I like to add fresh basil after reheating. Vegetable Pesto Flatbread Pizza is a nice veggie option. If you like a bacon on your pizza, Caramelized Onion, Apple and Bacon Flatbread Pizza is always a winner. More pizza recipes.

Best way to reheat pizza. Add the slices to a large pan with a lid over low-ish heat. This crisps up the bottom and re-melts the cheese really well without drying it out and making it rubbery like the microwave does.

Chicken

Winner, winner chicken dinner. Roast chicken to be precise and what I love about my Rosemary Roasted Chicken with Delicious Gravy is, everything is made in 1 go, including the vegetables and you’re ready to go the next day. 

Stews and casseroles are great leftover ideas and Creamy Chicken Stew with Sage & Chive Dumplings is comfort food personified, as is Chicken Pot Pie with Winter Vegetables.