Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Cooking Light Diet
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Real Cost of Healthy Food

      Today, more Americans than ever—a staggering 50 million people—are experiencing hunger. EatingWell examines the barriers to getting healthy food and what is being done to help. Read More Next
    • 5 Dinners on a Shoestring Budget

      We break down some common go-to meals, along with cost-conscious homemade options. Read More Next
    • 10 Cheap & Healthy Foods to Buy, According to a Dietitian

      We've compiled a list of 10 cheap and healthy foods to help you keep those grocery bills down. Read More Next
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Family Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Cooking Light Diet
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Healthy Recipes Chevron Right
  3. Healthy Mealtime Recipes Chevron Right
  4. Healthy Dinner Recipes Chevron Right
  5. 26 Recipes That Are Even Better as Leftovers

26 Recipes That Are Even Better as Leftovers

July 27, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Pin

These recipes are the perfect choice when you want a delicious meal every day, but don’t want to cook every night. Make and enjoy these dinners one night and then the leftovers will taste even better the next day. These recipes feature proteins like beef and chicken, which will reheat easily in the microwave. Dinners like Easy Lasagna and Slow-Cooker Vegetable Stew are healthy, filling and enjoyable any day of the week.

Start Slideshow

1 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Broccoli, Cheese & Rice Casserole

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Ditch the baking dish and make this easy skillet broccoli, cheese and rice casserole. Cooking the casserole in a skillet keeps the flavors and textures fresh--no mushy, sad broccoli! Serve this easy side with baked chicken for a family-pleasing healthy dinner that's ready in just 30 minutes. It would also be a great addition to your Thanksgiving spread or a party buffet.Ā Source: Eatingwell.com, September 2019

1 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Basic Meatloaf

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

While meatloaf purists focus on the meat, we like to look at meatloaf as a way to pack extra veggies and whole grains into a meal, as we do in this healthy, classic meatloaf recipe.Ā Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2013

2 of 26

3 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cauliflower Tikka Masala with Chickpeas

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this vegetarian riff on a popular Indian dish, we swap in cauliflower and chickpeas for the chicken in tikka masala. The cauliflower's nooks and crannies are particularly good at soaking up all the intense flavors of the sauce. Serve over rice for an easy healthy dinner that's ready in just 20 minutes.Ā Source: EatingWell Magazine, September 2019

3 of 26

Advertisement

4 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mom's Chili

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy basic beef chili recipe is well worth doubling so you can throw a batch in the freezer. Serve topped with diced red onion, sliced scallions, shredded cheese and your favorite hot sauce.Ā Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2016

4 of 26

5 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken & Stuffing Casserole

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Stuffing is not just for Thanksgiving with this easy chicken and stuffing casserole. And speaking of Thanksgiving, if you have leftover turkey, feel free to substitute it for the chicken in this comforting and healthy recipe. It's also a great use for extra carrots, celery, onions and day-old bread you might have on hand around the holidays. There's no boxed stuffing mix or canned soup in this lighter take on the comfort-food casserole, but it's still super-easy to make. Poultry seasoning helps humble bread to taste like stuffing, while thickened chicken broth takes the place of canned soup. There are plenty of veggies in this one, too, making this a healthy casserole you can feel good about serving year-round.Ā Source: Eatingwell.com, September 2019

5 of 26

6 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Easy Jerk Pork Shoulder

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The name of this recipe says it all: It's an easy, mostly hands-off jerk pork dish that comes together in a snap. The cayenne provides a little heat, but mostly the slow-cooker pork shoulder gets its flavor from the cinnamon and allspice. The bright salsa-pineapple topping cools the dish off and gives it a pretty, dinner-party-worthy appearance. Serve the meat alone, or pile it on buns for sandwiches or shredded atop nachos. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired.Ā Source: Everyday Slow Cooker

6 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Easy Lasagna

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This classic beef lasagna recipe is easy to make and will be ready to eat in just over an hour.Ā Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

7 of 26

8 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken, Peppers & Pasta Casserole

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You can assemble this healthy chicken casserole before you leave for a party and pop it in the oven at the host's house. Or bake it at home and bring it along--it's delicious at room temperature too.Ā Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2017

8 of 26

9 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Vegetable Stew

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Potatoes and beans make this tomato-based crock-pot vegetable stew super-hearty. You could also add briefly sautéed chunks of zucchini or fresh corn kernels just before serving, or add another can of cannellini beans for more substance. A dollop of pesto on top is also super-delicious. Adding homemade garlic croutons is an easy way to elevate this healthy dinner.Ā Source: EatingWell Magazine, September 2019

9 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Spinach & Mushroom Tortellini Bake

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This cheesy tortellini bake is a dish the whole family will love--it's filled with sweet-tasting marinara, mushrooms and spinach and topped with melted cheese. Complete the meal, plus get in another vegetable serving, by adding a side of broccoli or a small green salad.Ā Source: EatingWell.com, September 2019

10 of 26

11 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Green Chile Chicken Tortilla Casserole

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Prepare this dish the night ahead of time so all you have to do is pop it in the oven for an easy and delicious dinner.Ā Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

11 of 26

12 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Vegetable & Tofu Thai Stew

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cauliflower and tofu are ideal ingredients for this soup. The cauliflower soaks up the cooking liquid, and the tofu keeps the dish light, allowing the bold flavors in the liquid--predominantly the curry paste and lemongrass--to take center stage in this slow-cooker tofu stew.Ā Source: Everyday Slow Cooker

12 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cheesy Meatball Bake

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Use leftover Italian meatball soup along with beans, reduced-fat cheese, tortillas and an easy tomato sauce to make a family-pleasing casserole that's great for weeknights.Ā Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

13 of 26

14 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Easy Chicken Tikka Masala

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

It's hard to believe you can get such a full-flavored, deeply spiced chicken tikka masala in just 30 minutes, but we did it! And, like the title says, this classic chicken tikka masala recipe really is as easy as it gets.Ā Source: EatingWell.com, September 2019

14 of 26

15 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Japanese Shiitake & Vegetable Rice (Takikomi Gohan)

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Dashi gives this vegetable rice recipe its savory depth. Rinsing the rice may seem like an extraneous step but it removes some of the surface starch for fluffier rice. And soaking the rice in seasoned dashi before cooking infuses the dish with more flavor.Ā Source: EatingWell Magazine, May 2020

15 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Beef Stew

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Load the crock pot and go with this stew recipe that's prepped in the morning and simmers all day so you'll come home to a Sunday-worthy dinner (and your house smelling downright heavenly). Tender beef, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes and carrots in a rich broth--this could be the best and easiest beef stew you've ever made.Ā Source: EatingWell.com, November 2017

16 of 26

17 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken-Noodle Casserole

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Flavorful Chicken-Noodle Casserole comes to life with this diabetic-friendly recipe. Select light sour cream to lower fat and calorie content.Ā Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

17 of 26

18 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Hungarian Beef Goulash

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This streamlined goulash skips the step of browning the beef, and instead coats it in a spice crust to give it a rich mahogany hue. This saucy dish is a natural served over whole-wheat egg noodles. Or, for something different, try prepared potato gnocchi or spaetzle.Ā Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2008

18 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This cheesy eggplant casserole has a light custard with deliciously tender and flavorful summer vegetables and fresh herbs. The cheese makes this easy dish creamy and decadent. Enjoy it for brunch or dinner with a green salad on the side.Ā Source: EatingWell.com, May 2020

19 of 26

20 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken & Tomatillo Enchiladas

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Roasting tomatillos before pureeing them into a green enchilada sauce adds another dimension of flavor and a little sweetness. Put out plenty of toppings so everyone can add what they like.Ā Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2020

20 of 26

21 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Middle Eastern Meatballs with Raita

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This meal features dense and tender lamb meatballs, creamy and refreshing cucumber raita--a traditional Indian sauce made with yogurt and vegetables--and whole-wheat couscous, a grain-like pasta that can be found at most supermarkets. Garnish these slow-cooker meatballs with fresh dill sprigs, and serve with lightly toasted pita, if desired.Ā Source: Everyday Slow Cooker

21 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

One-Pot Coconut Milk Curry with Chickpeas

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The assortment of vegetables in this vegan one-pot dish add varying textures and flavors to make each forkful exciting. The sweet potato balances the savory spices nicely. Serve this bright and flavorful curry with rice or rice noodles.Ā Source: EatingWell.com, April 2020

22 of 26

23 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Crock-Pot Pineapple Chicken

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This slow-cooker chicken with pineapple has a hint of ginger and sesame and is made with simple ingredients you may already have in your pantry! Look for fresh pineapple that's been peeled and cored already to make assembly even easier. Serve with brown rice to sop up the sweet and savory sauce.Ā Source: EatingWell.com, January 2020

23 of 26

24 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Turkey & Sweet Potato Chili

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy turkey chili has a nice balance of flavors thanks to sweet potatoes and smoky chipotle chiles. We like to garnish it with creamy avocado, but melted cheese, chopped scallion and a dollop of sour cream will work well too.Ā Source: EatingWell.com, July 2020

24 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

One-Pot Cheesy Tex-Mex Pasta

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This comforting one-pot pasta dish has a Southwestern kick. Chili powder and pico de gallo flavor the dish, while melted Mexican cheese adds a creamy finish. Top it with your favorite fixings like scallions, cilantro and sour cream, and serve it alongside a crisp green salad for an easy weeknight meal the whole family will love.Ā Source: EatingWell.com, May 2020

25 of 26

26 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Creamy Lemon Chicken Parmesan

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This riff on classic chicken Parmesan replaces the usual marinara with a luscious lemony cream sauce. We've lightened it up by using half-and-half instead of cream, with just-as-delicious results. Serve this lemony chicken dinner with whole-wheat pasta or brown rice.Ā Source: EatingWell.com, January 2018

26 of 26

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 26 Broccoli, Cheese & Rice Casserole
2 of 26 Basic Meatloaf
3 of 26 Cauliflower Tikka Masala with Chickpeas
4 of 26 Mom's Chili
5 of 26 Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
6 of 26 Slow-Cooker Easy Jerk Pork Shoulder
7 of 26 Easy Lasagna
8 of 26 Chicken, Peppers & Pasta Casserole
9 of 26 Slow-Cooker Vegetable Stew
10 of 26 Spinach & Mushroom Tortellini Bake
11 of 26 Green Chile Chicken Tortilla Casserole
12 of 26 Slow-Cooker Vegetable & Tofu Thai Stew
13 of 26 Cheesy Meatball Bake
14 of 26 Easy Chicken Tikka Masala
15 of 26 Japanese Shiitake & Vegetable Rice (Takikomi Gohan)
16 of 26 Slow-Cooker Beef Stew
17 of 26 Chicken-Noodle Casserole
18 of 26 Hungarian Beef Goulash
19 of 26 Cheesy Eggplant Casserole
20 of 26 Chicken & Tomatillo Enchiladas
21 of 26 Slow-Cooker Middle Eastern Meatballs with Raita
22 of 26 One-Pot Coconut Milk Curry with Chickpeas
23 of 26 Crock-Pot Pineapple Chicken
24 of 26 Turkey & Sweet Potato Chili
25 of 26 One-Pot Cheesy Tex-Mex Pasta
26 of 26 Creamy Lemon Chicken Parmesan

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
EatingWell

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing
  • Recipe Index
  • Jobs

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletters
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en EspaƱol this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
© 2021 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

View image

26 Recipes That Are Even Better as Leftovers
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.