Meals That Make Great Leftovers

Meals that make great leftovers are some of the ways to get into meal prepping. It helps a lot of people who can’t get past the starting phase. Start with making yourself dinner and scale up the recipe to provide leftovers. It’s as easy as that. There are ways to improve this practice though. Let’s take a look at some tips and recommendations for picking and making meals with the goal of having leftovers.

The key to this working is actually eating your leftovers. You have to be prepared to eat leftovers. Try to only cook what you’re likely to eat. Most people don’t want to eat the same meal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Most foods will only last a few days in the fridge so try to only make up to three extra portions when cooking the meal initially.

What Makes a Meal Great for Leftovers?

Not all meals are ideal for leftovers. Look for recipes with these ingredients or characteristics to make meals that make great leftovers.

1. Stable Ingredients:
   • Meals with starchy bases (like rice, pasta, or potatoes) or hearty vegetables (like carrots, broccoli, or sweet potatoes) tend to hold up well.
   • Protein options like chicken, beef, lentils, and beans reheat without significant texture changes.
2. Avoid Dry Meals:
   • Saucy dishes like stews, curries, and pasta bakes maintain their moisture, which prevents drying out when reheated. These dishes will last longer in the fridge. You can get up to five days out of them instead of just two or three.
3. Flavors That Develop Over Time:
   • Some dishes, like soups and chili, taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
4. Pay Attention to Textures:
   • Meals with crispy or delicate textures (e.g., fried foods or salads) are less suitable unless components are stored separately. These textures tend to get mushy and lose their desirable experience.
   • Stick to naked proteins with dry or wet seasonings.

Examples of Meals That Make Great Leftovers

Here are some meal ideas that retain their appeal as leftovers:

1. Casseroles and Bakes:
   • Examples: Lasagna, enchilada casserole, shepherd’s pie.
   • These dishes reheat evenly and often taste better the next day. The textures keep well and the moisture helps a lot. 
2. Soups and Stews:
   • Examples: Chicken noodle soup, beef stew, lentil soup.
   • These meals store easily in airtight containers and reheat quickly. You can even freeze in a ziplock bag for even more convenient storage.
3. Curries and Stir-Fries:
   • Examples: Thai green curry, tofu stir-fry, chicken tikka masala.
   • The bold flavors in these dishes intensify over time, making them ideal for meal prep. The strong flavors also steal the show so you aren’t as focused on texture. Delicate flavors tend to fade or get covered up by other foods in the fridge.
4. Pasta Dishes:
   • Examples: Spaghetti Bolognese, baked ziti, pesto pasta.
   • Adding a splash of water or olive oil when reheating keeps pasta from drying out. These dishes dry out a bit but it’s so easy to make a bulk amount leaving leftovers for days.

How to Store Leftovers for Optimal Freshness

Proper storage ensures your leftovers stay delicious and safe to eat. Here are some key tips:

1. Use the Right Containers: Glass containers are great for reheating, while freezer-safe plastic containers work well for longer storage.
2. Cool Before Storing: Allow hot food to cool slightly before sealing to prevent condensation and bacterial growth.
3. Portion Your Meals: Divide meals into individual portions for grab-and-go convenience and even reheating. This can help encourage you to actually eat your leftovers rather then falling back on fast food.
4. Follow Storage Timelines:
   • Refrigerator: Store most leftovers for up to 3-4 days.
   • Freezer: Freeze meals for 2-3 months for optimal quality.

Make Some Leftovers

Leftovers can be some of the best meals. Sometimes because the flavors develop but more often because they are so easy. You can grab and reheat so easily. This convenience is a game changer for many. Ditch the fast food for leftovers. Pair these dishes with proper storage techniques to keep your leftovers fresh and safe.

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