23 Dinners That Set You Up With Solid Leftovers

When there’s a lot going on, dinner that doubles as lunch is a welcome shortcut. Among these 23 easy dinner recipes, several hold up great for second helpings the next day. You don’t have to plan every meal when you’ve got a few go-to options that last. Just pick the ones that work best for your schedule and appetite.

Chicken Tetrazzini

Leftovers don’t have to feel boring when you have this Chicken Tetrazzini waiting in the fridge. Its creamy and comforting flavors make it a hit for dinner and beyond. Reheating it is a breeze, and the taste holds up beautifully. Perfect for extra servings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tetrazzini

Irish Stew

There’s nothing more satisfying than this Irish Stew when hearty leftovers are the goal. Packed with rich flavors and textures, it warms you up from the inside out. It’s the kind of meal that tastes even better the next day. Ideal for meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Irish Stew

Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken

When you need a meal that practically makes itself, this Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken is a lifesaver. Loaded with flavor, it’s perfect for dinner and even better reheated. The leftovers are just as tender and fulfilling the next day. Ideal for busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken

Turkey Meatloaf

A hearty helping of this Turkey Meatloaf almost guarantees leftovers for sandwiches. It’s packed with flavor and holds up beautifully for next-day meals. Whether served hot or cold, you’ll love how versatile it is. Perfect for meal prepping, too.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatloaf

Four Cheese Mac n Cheese

Indulgence meets practicality in this Four Cheese Mac n Cheese that provides amazing leftovers. It’s super cheesy and perfect for reheating when you need a quick and comforting bite. Make extra because this dish disappears in no time at all.
Get the Recipe: Four Cheese Mac n Cheese

Meatloaf

One of the best choices for meal prep, this Meatloaf is hearty and holds up perfectly as leftovers. Whether you make it into sandwiches or pair it with sides, it’s versatile and filling. Cook once and enjoy it for several meals, it’s always a win.
Get the Recipe: Meatloaf

Beef and Guinness Stew

Slow-simmered goodness is what this Beef and Guinness Stew is all about. It’s packed with rich flavors that only get better overnight. Leftovers are hearty enough to look forward to during the week. It’s a dinner that keeps you covered for days.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Guinness Stew

Crack Chicken Casserole

Leftovers become something to look forward to with this Crack Chicken Casserole on the menu. Packed with creamy and savory goodness, it’s the kind of dish you’ll be happy to reheat. Perfect for busy days, it keeps its flavor and texture beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Casserole

Mediterranean Lamb Shank with Polenta

Prepared with rich, warming flavors, this Mediterranean Lamb Shank with Polenta doubles as an elegant meal and a great source of leftovers. The combination of tender lamb and creamy polenta tastes incredible, even the next day. It’s perfect for savoring later.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Lamb Shank with Polenta

Layered Homemade Lasagna

Few dishes reheat better than this Layered Homemade Lasagna filled with comforting layers. Whether it’s dinner or lunch the next day, this is a dish that brings smiles around the table more than once. Its leftovers may secretly be the best part.
Get the Recipe: Layered Homemade Lasagna

French Onion Casserole

If you love simple meals with rich flavor, this French Onion Casserole delivers and leaves you with extras to enjoy for days. It’s warm, cheesy, and deeply fulfilling. Leftovers heat up perfectly, making it as comforting the second time around.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Creamy layers in this Chicken Alfredo Lasagna make it a standout dish for leftovers. After the first serving, the flavors only seem to deepen, creating a next-day meal you’ll crave. It’s ideal for busy weeks or when you want to meal prep ahead.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

Simple and fulfilling, this Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole offers a versatile option for meals that last. Its crispy texture and cheesy goodness hold up just as well after reheating. Whether it’s for a quick lunch or another dinner, you’ll find yourself craving more.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce

Perfect for sneaking in some healthy ingredients, this Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce keeps you covered for leftovers all week long. Its balanced flavors and hearty texture make it a family favorite. It’s great for pairing with any pasta you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce

Chicken Croquettes

If you’re looking for a meal that feels special even as leftovers, these Chicken Croquettes deliver. They stay wonderfully crispy and flavorful after reheating, making them perfect for a quick snack or light meal. You’ll love having extras ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Croquettes

Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Few meals are as satisfying as this Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast that lets you enjoy leftovers for days. It’s rich, hearty, and perfect for reheating without losing any of its charm. Serve it over veggies or on rolls the next day, it’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Chicken Dumpling Soup

Leftovers get a major upgrade with this Chicken Dumpling Soup, a meal that keeps on giving. Its comforting broth and hearty dumplings are just as good reheated. It’s great for cozy nights or quick lunches when time feels short but a good meal is needed.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Dumpling Soup

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Sometimes, simple recipes like this Tuna Noodle Casserole make the best leftovers. Creamy, filling, and easy to reheat, it’s a dish you’ll actually look forward to pulling out of the fridge. It’s a great choice for those weeks where every meal counts.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole

Patatas Bravas

Warm and crispy, this Patatas Bravas delivers even as leftovers. Its bold flavors and fulfilling texture hold up beautifully after reheating. Whether eaten as a side or a snack, it’s a dish that keeps things exciting long after the first serving.
Get the Recipe: Patatas Bravas

Turkey Casserole

Leftovers were made for dishes like this Turkey Casserole, a hearty and versatile choice for busy schedules. Its creamy texture and comforting flavors stay just as good the next day. It’s one of those recipes worth doubling, you’ll thank yourself later.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Casserole

Sheet Pan Quesadillas

Quick, easy, and endlessly versatile, these Sheet Pan Quesadillas are a great option for meal prep. Their layers of flavors and crispy edges reheat beautifully, turning leftovers into a treat you won’t mind repeating. They’re perfect for busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Quesadillas

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

With this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken, leftovers feel like a bonus rather than an afterthought. Slow-cooked for maximum flavor, it stores well and tastes incredible reheated. Whether served over rice or with veggies, it’s a dish you’ll want to make often.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Salisbury Steak

Comfort food doesn’t get more reliable than this Salisbury Steak, especially when the leftovers are just as good. Its rich and savory flavors only deepen overnight, making it a perfect next-day meal. Pair it with your favorite side for easy second servings.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak