If your family is not exactly thrilled when they ask what’s for dinner and you say leftovers, just stop saying it. Feed them leftovers in disguise instead!
You can make last night’s meatloaf into tasty Sloppy Joe’s by crumbling meatloaf in a saucepan and adding equal parts barbeque sauce and salsa to taste. Simmer and stir for about ten minutes.
There are other dishes that you can make and nobody has to know that they are made from leftovers. You’ll save money, avoid waste, and keep your family happy.
Try these:
Simple Spaghetti Sauce
Again, you’ll just crumble any leftover meatloaf into a saucepan. Add one can of seasoned tomato paste, one can of diced tomatoes, and one small can of roasted garlic tomato sauce. After you pour the tomato sauce in, fill the can with water and add it to the sauce. Fill the can once more, pour it in, and stir until smooth. Season as desired, with oregano and garlic, and try a pinch of chili powder. Cook until thickened, stirring often. Serve over your favorite pasta.
*You can also add a jar of store-brand spaghetti sauce to the meat instead.
Cheap Chicken and Dumplings
Dice pieces of leftover chicken and place in a large saucepan. Add two cups of water and two chicken bullion cubes (or two cans of chicken broth if you can find it on sale). Add a can of store-brand mixed vegetables, un-drained. You can substitute leftover bits of vegetables from other meals.
Bring the mixture to a boil and place canned biscuits on top. Cover and boil for ten minutes then stir gently. Boil for five more minutes or until biscuits have formed fluffy dumplings. For more solid dumplings, break the canned biscuits into small pieces and boil an additional five minutes. You have already paid for the chicken and the store-brand canned biscuits and vegetables will cost you around $1.00 total. This is a great way to stretch a little chicken into an inexpensive meal for the entire family.