It’s a scenario many of us know all too well—you put effort into cooking a big delicious meal, store the leftovers in the fridge, and then promptly forget about them until it’s too late. Throwing out leftovers doesn’t just feel wasteful; it’s also a missed opportunity to stretch your budget and reduce food waste.
However, with a little planning and creativity, you can transform those forgotten extras into something you’ll actually look forward to eating. By incorporating simple strategies into your routine, you can make leftover management a seamless part of your meal planning.
Store Smartly
One of the easiest ways to make use of your leftovers is to store them in a way that makes them easy to see and use. Often, food gets forgotten because it’s tucked away in an opaque container or pushed to the back of the fridge, never to be seen again. Proper storage can make all the difference.
- Use clear, airtight containers so you can easily see what’s inside.
- Label leftovers with the date so you know when they need to be eaten.
- Keep leftovers in a designated area of your fridge to avoid losing track of them.
These small habits can help you stay on top of what you’ve already prepared, making it more likely you’ll eat it before it spoils.
Repurpose Leftovers
Eating the same meal day after day can get boring, but repurposing leftovers into new dishes keeps things fresh and exciting. With a little creativity, you can transform yesterday’s dinner into something that feels brand new.
- Turn roasted vegetables into a hearty soup or a filling for wraps.
- Use leftover chicken to make tacos, salads, or stir-fries.
- Add cooked grains like rice or quinoa to create fried rice, casseroles, or grain bowls.
The key is to think of leftovers as ingredients rather than finished meals. This mindset makes them more versatile and easier to add into new dishes.
Plan Ahead
Making a plan for your leftovers before you cook can help ensure they get eaten. Whether it’s intentionally making extra for tomorrow’s lunch or freezing portions for a quick meal later, planning can reduce waste and save time.
When cooking large meals, portion out servings for the freezer right away. This prevents leftovers from sitting in the fridge too long and gives you a convenient option for busy days. Meal prepping with leftovers in mind is another way to save effort and reduce waste.
Use a “First In, First Out” System
A simple trick to keep leftovers from being forgotten about is to prioritize eating them before anything else. Arrange your fridge so that older items are at the front, making them the first thing you see when you open the door. This “first in, first out” system helps you stay aware of what needs to be used up and reduces the chance of waste, saving you money in the long run.
Make Leftovers Convenient
Sometimes, leftovers go to waste because they don’t feel like the easiest option. By making them convenient, you’re more likely to reach for them when hunger strikes. Divide leftovers into individual portions for quick grab-and-go meals. Reheating single servings is faster and more appealing than dealing with a large container of food. You can also pack leftovers into ready-to-eat lunchboxes for work or school, making them a no-brainer choice.