As I may have mentioned, I am the self-proclaimed Queen of Leftovers. I can make leftovers into a dish that you’d never realize was made from leftovers. No joke, I’ve served guests a dish made from leftovers many times. That’s how “un-leftover-y” they are.
And, to save time later in the week, I often cook more food than we need on the weekends (or any other day I have the time to cook), just so I’ll have easy options to choose from later in our family’s hectic week. I’ve also mastered the art of simplifying some of the more complicated recipes, using easy-to-find pre-made ingredients, just to simplify life a bit more, without sacrificing delicious meals. Check out some of these ideas:
Leftovers From the Grill
I know it’s hard to have leftover grilled steak. It’s so delicious that we may eat more than we really want! But if you find yourself with leftover steak, consider some of these options.
Beef Stoganoff – Molly’s way
The best Beef Stroganoff I make is made with leftover grilled steak. And it’s SOOOOO easy to make. If you have a favorite Beef Stroganoff gravy, by all means, use it. If not, consider this super simple, and super quick alternative.
- Pasta or noodles…whichever variety you like, but traditionally, this would be egg noodles
- Leftover steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- A can condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
- A can condensed Golden Mushroom Soup
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- French Fried Onions (store bought or homemade)
Start by boiling a pot of pasta or noodles… Any pasta you like, but traditionally, it would be egg noodles. Then, slice leftover steak into bite-sized pieces and set aside. In a pan or saucepan, combine both cans of condensed Soup and the beef broth and stir together. Add the steak bites and heat just until it boils. The steak should be heated through by this time.
Drain pasta or noodles and divide into bowls. Top pasta or noodles with the gravy mixture. Then top it all off with French Fried Onions.
I actually made a huge chaffing dish of this (at least a quadruple recipe) for the first time for an entire team at work, using the leftover filet mignons from the meal the company catered for us the previous day. Rave reviews!
Nachos, Burritos or Enchiladas
Super simple recipes for all three of these Mexican Favorites are delicious with leftover grilled Steak, Burgers, Pork or Chicken. (I’ve even used leftover shredded steak or pork from the crockpot.) Just cut the desired leftover meat into small cubes. Then, follow the recipes on the Magic Meat Mixture page, substituting the leftover grilled (or crock pot) meat for the Magic Meat Mixture.
Nachos are especially delicious when made with leftover grilled steak or chicken! These are a HUGE favorite with guests! And they never guess they’re eating leftovers. Never.
Leftover Rice and Meat
Our family loves rice so much that I always make a huge pot every time I make it. It’s really so versatile and can be used so many ways. And did you know that leftover makes the BEST fried rice? Check out a few of our favorite leftover rice dishes.
Mexican Casserole – An Original Molly’s Recipe
Simple ingredients, including TWO leftovers and a quick heat-up in the oven, make a quick and absolutely yummy dish that’s one of our family favorites.
- Leftover rice (or fresh-made OR bagged microwave rice, heated)
- Cilantro – fresh, dried or refrigerated paste (or leave it out, if you don’t like it)
- Lime Juice – 1 to 2 tablespoons
- 1/2 to 1 can of Diced Tomatoes (or fresh diced tomatoes, seasoned with salt, pepper and/or garlic)
- Leftover Chicken, Steak, Burgers, Pork or Magic Meat Mixture
- Taco or Fajita Seasoning
- 1 8-oz container of Queso (We LOVE Gordos)…or make your own
- 2 – 3 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterrey Jack, Colby Jack or mixed cheeses)
- Jalapenos, if desired
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray oil to coat a family-sized, oven-safe dish that’s at least 2 inches deep. Spread rice to 1/4 to 3/4″ deep. Sprinkle Cilantro and Lime Juice over rice. Layer diced tomatoes, then the meat over the rice mixture. Sprinkle seasoning over the meat. Pour entire container of Queso over the layered mixture. Top with shredded cheese and Jalapenos, if desired.
Place dish in 350 degree oven and heat for 15 – 20 minutes, until heated through. Spoon into bowls and serve with a spoons and/or tortilla chips.
Low-Country Rice and Sausage
Another super easy and delicious dish made with 2 leftovers: Smoked or Andouille Sausage and Rice.
- Chopped vegetables, like onions, peppers, celery, mushrooms, etc.
- Oil or butter
- 1 – 2 eggs
- Leftover Smoked or Andouille Sausage, cut into bite size pieces
- Leftover rice
- Cajun spices, or other spices, as desired
In a large sauce pan (or wok), sautee vegetables with a little oil or butter, until thoroughly cooked… Caramelize them if you want. Add egg(s) and scramble. Then, immediately add Leftover Sausage, sprinkle with spices, as desired, and stir. Add more oil or butter along with the rice. Stir frequently until heated through, browning the rice to your own taste. That’s it! Now just serve and enjoy!
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