If your fridge looks anything like mine after Thanksgiving, you’re probably a bit overwhelmed and want a break from all the grocery shopping. There’s turkey meat here, mashed potatoes there, veggies in the corner… and you’re standing back thinking “what am I going to do with all this?” So this week, we’re focusing on minimalistic recipes to use up all your yummy leftovers!
Casserole Monday: Turkey Tetrazzini
Casseroles are undoubtedly one of the easiest (and most delicious) ways to use up ingredients. If you’ve never heard of tetrazzini, prepare to be blown away by this pasta bake made with a humble protein: leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
Hot tips
- Skip the step of sautéing the onions, mushrooms, and garlic, and throw in whatever leftover veggie sides you have.
- Play around with the pasta shape! Pappardelle, fettuccine, linguine, and spaghetti are great options.
- Make this dish up to three months in advance by freezing the assembled casserole.
Traditional Tuesday: Potato & Cheese Pierogi
These pockets of cheesy mashed potatoes and tender dough are a taste of childhood for me. If you don’t know what to do with the leftover mashed potatoes in your fridge, make a large batch of pierogi, freeze them, and enjoy them for months to come.
Hot tips
- If your mashed potatoes are stiff from sitting in the fridge, give them a quick reheat with a bit of cream to make shaping the pierogi easier.
- Get extra hands involved! Shaping the pierogi takes some time, so recruit your kiddos or friends for a fun evening in the kitchen and make extras for holiday hosting.
- These pierogi are amazing on their own, but my favorite way to enjoy them is pan-fried with sour cream, caramelized onions or crispy bacon, and dill.
Meaty Wednesday: London Broil
By now, your fridge is probably looking pretty sparse in terms of protein. Buy a cheap cut of beef, marinate it with simple pantry ingredients, and give it a quick broil for this ultra-tender London broil.
Hot tips
- Any tough cut of beef like top round, chuck, or flank steak works.
- Plan ahead — the meat needs at least two hours to marinate for the perfect tenderness.
- Now’s the time to use up those leftover Thanksgiving sides if you still have them! Stuffing, veggies, mac and cheese… you name it.
Tortilla Thursday: Steak Wraps
There’s nothing like a wrap to repurpose leftovers. Stuff the London broil from yesterday (if you still have some) and your favorite veggies into a tortilla, and you’ve got an easy meal prep solution.
Hot tips
- Homemade tortillas will take these over the top. If you’re intimidated by the thought, don’t be — they couldn’t be easier to make.
- Lay out all the ingredients separately for a make-your-own wrap night.
- If you’re a sauce fanatic, add a drizzle of BBQ sauce, adjika, or chimichurri.
Soup Friday: Tomato Basil Soup
Cozy up with this creamy, aromatic tomato soup. The basil flavor is SO good, you’ll be slurping up this soup into the weekend!
Hot tips
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes. Look for Italian tomatoes like San Marzano for the best flavor.
- Fresh basil is my favorite, but you can swap it for dried basil in a pinch.
- Serve the soup with homemade sourdough, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a garden salad.
Breakfast of the Week: Mashed Potato Pancakes
If you thought mashed potatoes were good, wait until you try these crispy fritters. They’re a tasty spin on leftover taters perfect for an energy-focused morning!
Dessert of the Week: Caramel Apple Cake
Apples are in season, and this cake is the perfect canvas to display them on. You’ll be drooling over the layers of apple juice-soaked cake, caramelized apples, and caramel cream!
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