49 Thanksgiving Meal Prep Ideas That Carry Leftovers Too

Every host knows the secret to a good Thanksgiving is having enough food to last through the weekend. That’s why 49 Thanksgiving meal prep ideas make planning ahead feel almost effortless. They keep everyone fed, happy, and still reaching for containers when the day’s over. It’s basically the holiday gift that keeps on giving, one leftover plate at a time.

Close-up of stuffed cabbage rolls filled with rice and ground meat, topped with tomato sauce and garnished with chopped herbs. — Stuffed Cabbage. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins

A plate of blueberry muffins with crumb topping, arranged in a pile. — Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Some mornings are made for quick meal prep options that last beyond breakfast. You can count on Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins when you need something that travels well into the next day. Each bite packs a bit of richness that works nicely with leftover turkey or ham. They also store easily so there is less cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecake Muffins

Turkey Meatballs

Close-up of meatballs covered in gravy, topped with chopped parsley, resting on mashed potatoes. — Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Busy households often reach for batch recipes when Thanksgiving leftovers crowd the fridge. Try using Turkey Meatballs to stretch your menu past the main event while keeping flavors interesting. This option serves with various sides or can stand alone for lunches. It’s reliable for easy grabbing between activities across the holiday weekend.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatballs

French Onion Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden-brown breadcrumb crust and garnished with fresh herbs. — French Onion Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Heating up dinner after family gatherings gets simple when hands-on time is minimal. French Onion Casserole grabs attention for its comforting nature and slow-cooked feel. It pairs well with roasted meats or thick pieces of bread from your leftover stash. Save slices for work lunches or quick evening meals on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Turkey Pinwheels

If you’re looking for something easy to assemble in advance, consider rolling up some Turkey Pinwheels. These are fun to serve for groups and become even more useful as next-day snacks. They fit well on appetizer trays or inside lunch boxes packed for later. It’s simple to switch up with different leftovers you have stored.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pinwheels

Eggs Benedict Casserole

A serving of bread pudding with a creamy sauce and chopped herbs is lifted from a baking dish. — Eggs Benedict Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Leftover ingredients can be used in unexpected ways, like tossing them into Eggs Benedict Casserole. This recipe handles both brunch and dinner, using up what you already have. You get flexibility in meal timing while cutting down on food waste. Make it ahead so you spend less time prepping and more time with guests.
Get the Recipe: Eggs Benedict Casserole

Stuffing Balls

Smaller bites work especially well during busy holiday weeks, which is why Stuffing Balls are handy. They can be arranged as snacks or sides without needing extra utensils. Their portable size means leftovers can go straight from table to lunchbox. A batch lasts a few days so you don’t have to worry about planning every meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffing Balls

Blueberry Cheesecake

A slice of cheesecake topped with glossy blueberry sauce on a white plate, with two black spoons beside it. — Blueberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Not every menu needs change when leftovers are in play, since desserts like Blueberry Cheesecake still bring a sweet note. This one offsets hearty meals and draws everyone to the dessert table. It stays fresh and slices easily for sharing with late-night guests or during movie marathons. Storing leftovers is simple for this kind of treat.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecake

Turkey Tetrazzini

Catch yourself reaching for comfort dishes after a long day, and Turkey Tetrazzini is often what comes up. You can stretch leftover turkey into another dinner with this option. It heats well so you don’t spend much time fussing with the oven. There’s less waste when you repurpose leftovers into meals everyone wants to revisit.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Tetrazzini

Wild Rice Casserole

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese. — Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Some days call for recipes that combine everything into a single meal, like Wild Rice Casserole. This fits neatly into meal prep plans when leftovers need using quickly. It’s easy to scoop portions for quick reheating whether you’re home or heading to work. You can even freeze extra servings to save time later in the week.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Turkey Meatloaf

Everyone looks for meal ideas with a longer shelf life, so try making Turkey Meatloaf right after a big family gathering. This makes excellent next-day sandwiches or can be served with different sides for variety. The straightforward texture appeals to most eaters and stores compactly in any fridge. Slice some up for a quick lunch on the go.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatloaf

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

There’s a certain comfort in dishes that work for any meal, and Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole falls right into that category. It’s a strong choice when leftovers keep piling up. The firmness of the dish means it’s easy to cut and pack for lunches or snacks. Use what you have and add to your rotation for busy mornings or evenings.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

A plate of golden-brown gnocchi garnished with rosemary, served with a black fork. — Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Explore ways to stretch your menu into new flavors by making Sweet Potato Gnocchi from leftover sides. It’s something different but keeps mealtime fresh. Movable portions are easy to store for quick snacks or lunches. Try pairing it with sauces from your fridge for more meal variety without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Red Lentil Soup

A bowl of lentil curry garnished with chopped cilantro and a swirl of cream, with a spoon in the bowl. — Red Lentil Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

When you’re ready to pivot from roasted meats, grab your leftovers for Red Lentil Soup. It blends well with whatever you have remaining from the main event. The soup stores with little fuss, keeping lunches simple and healthy. A few bowls set aside can take you through a few busy days with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Red Lentil Soup

Yellow Squash Casserole

Squash casserole being served with a wooden serving spoon. — Yellow Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Menus switch up fast when you have unique sides to make leftovers last longer. Use extra produce for Yellow Squash Casserole to add vegetables to your meal prep. It travels well for work lunches or can be reheated as a simple side. Storing portions is easy and helps round out heavier main dishes later in the week.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole

Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball

Cheese ball shaped like a pumpkin with a green stem, coated in crumbled topping, surrounded by herbs and decorative pumpkins on a wooden surface. — Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Holiday-themed snacks remain popular when crowds gather or leftovers grow. Make a batch of Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball to please both adults and kids. This appetizer fits in with sandwich trays and makes snacking easy over the next few days. The shape alone draws comments, so you get repeat interest along with easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Shaped Cheeseball

Thanksgiving Casserole

Leftover dishes keep weekly meals simple and affordable when you try making Thanksgiving Casserole. It works for both reheating and serving in bulk. You can portion out the casserole into meal prep containers to save time later. Make enough so that you cover lunch and dinner with minimal extra shopping.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Casserole

Zucchini Muffins

Baking ahead remains a solid trick when you’re planning for leftovers. Try using Zucchini Muffins to use up vegetables while stocking your snack shelf. This batch keeps well for days, so it’s handy to grab during run-out-the-door mornings. Store extras in the freezer for quick access throughout busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Muffins

Roasted Broccoli

Healthy options boost leftovers, so consider adding more vegetables like Roasted Broccoli. It pairs with almost any main dish while giving your meals a fresh angle. Store leftovers in resealable containers for a speedy addition to wraps or grain bowls. It’s a practical way to use small portions if you try to avoid waste.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccoli

Sausage Casserole

A baked dish containing sliced sausages, potatoes, and green beans in a white casserole dish with a serving spoon. — Sausage Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Meal prep just got easier when leftovers get used in dishes like Sausage Casserole. It combines flavors well and offers big portions for reheating. Stack servings in lunch containers so you’re ready for each busy day. It’s a favorite for those who want dinners ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Casserole

Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing

A roasted turkey stuffed with vegetables is served on a platter, surrounded by various side dishes including rolls, salad, and stuffing. — Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Event leftovers make a big impact when paired with Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing for future meals. Double up on portions and you’ve got several lunches or dinners ready to go. Microwave reheating means minimal effort, freeing up time for other things. Trust it to keep meal variation high when you’re low on prep time.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Stuffing

Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes with white frosting and small pastel-colored marshmallows on top, arranged in a group against a neutral background. — Hot Chocolate Cupcakes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet treats carry over better than most foods, especially when you have Hot Chocolate Cupcakes waiting. They’re simple to package and share for school parties or quick snacks. Extra cupcakes stay moist when stored correctly, so baking ahead is rewarded. It’s an easy way to extend dessert time after your meal.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Sweet Potato Wedges

Leftovers stay interesting when you add new shapes, like cutting some sides into Sweet Potato Wedges. These work for dipping, adding to wraps, or placing with grilled meats. Store batches in containers for grab-and-go snacks over a few days. Changing the cut keeps things fresh when you’re eating repeat meals.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Baked rice casserole with melted cheese on top, garnished with chopped herbs. — Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Working with leftovers becomes routine as soon as you try recipes like Chicken and Rice Casserole. It’s a clever way to use different protein sources in one pot. Portion out servings over several days so each meal offers a bit of variety. Meal prepping is easier once you add this to your menu plan.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Sheet pan meal with sliced roasted chicken breast, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, pecans, and pomegranate seeds, garnished with herbs. — Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Busy days get easier when cleanup is quick, so dishes like Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner shine. Fold in leftovers as you cook everything at once. The single pan makes storage efficient and ensures you get more meal options out of your feast. You may find this method perfect for busy household schedules.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

A close-up of meatballs in a creamy sauce with herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a side of white rice, with a fork picking up one meatball. — Marry Me Chicken Meatballs. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Creative recipes help leftovers last longer, so toss together some Marry Me Chicken Meatballs for lunches. Use last night’s meat in new ways that travel well to work or school. These meatballs reheat without losing texture, making them a meal prep favorite. You can switch out sauces for variety just by mixing in pantry staples.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Hashbrown Casserole

Some leftovers beg for a comforting base like Hashbrown Casserole. Stack servings for breakfast or dinner since the texture holds up after a few days. This works for picky eaters and stores beautifully in meal prep containers. Put it on your list to use up bits of meat or veggies crowding your fridge.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Marry Me Cookies

A stack of four chocolate chip cookies, with the top cookie partly broken, next to a metal container and a ceramic bowl on a light surface. — Marry Me Cookies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

No need to worry about extra snacks when you bake up a batch of Marry Me Cookies. Their shelf life works in your favor for meal prep or casual coffee breaks. Give some away for easy gifting, or stash them for late-night snacks. They’re perfect to help clear out your pantry after the holiday meal rush.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Cookies

Egg Casserole

Planning ahead for breakfasts gets easier when you make something like Egg Casserole to use up leftovers. Each piece works as a portable meal no matter your schedule. Store slices in containers for a fast snack or meal. It’s a reliable choice when time is tight and food needs to last.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole

Pumpkin Spice Fudgy Brownies

Close-up of several chocolate brownies with a swirl of orange filling on top, arranged on parchment paper. — Pumpkin Spice Fudgy Brownies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Dessert leftovers move fast when you have crowd favorites such as Pumpkin Spice Fudgy Brownies available. Pre-cut squares make packing and sharing a breeze. Keep a small stash for late night sweet cravings or school lunches. This method goes a long way in reducing food waste after big meals.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Fudgy Brownies

Eggplant Casserole

A slice of cheesy eggplant lasagna with tomato sauce is being lifted from a pan, showing stretchy melted cheese. A bowl is blurred in the background. — Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Adding vegetables into your meal prep routine pays off, especially when you prepare something like Eggplant Casserole. It mixes well with leftovers and handles reheating easily. Extra portions stack up quickly for several days of dinners. Nutritious side options make weekly meal planning more flexible in busy households.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

A platter of whipped cheese topped with roasted cranberries, chopped herbs, and sliced green onions. — Cranberry Jalapeño Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Dips play a role in making leftovers more interesting during gatherings. Whip up Cranberry Jalapeño Dip to pair with crackers or leftover bread slices. Its bold flavor keeps things exciting even after the main meal is over. Use small containers to make portioning quick and simple for grab-and-go snacks.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Jalapeño Dip

Marry Me Chicken Casserole

A casserole dish filled with baked pasta topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped herbs. — Marry Me Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Leftover chicken gives you a base for many dishes, like Marry Me Chicken Casserole. You can easily divide into meal prep containers with new sides each day. The flavors mature after a night in the fridge, so there’s never a dull meal. Picking casseroles saves time when you want to feed the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Matcha Tiramisu

A close-up of a slice of tiramisu topped with green matcha powder, served on a ceramic plate. — Matcha Tiramisu. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you want to change up desserts, reheating leftovers isn’t your only option. Try using Matcha Tiramisu for a twist that works with leftovers from the feast. It stands out on dessert tables and is portable for future parties. Keeping slices chilled is easy, which lets you serve as needed during busy days.
Get the Recipe: Matcha Tiramisu

Crack Chicken Casserole

Close-up of a baked apple crumble dessert in a ceramic dish, featuring a golden-brown crumbly topping. — Crack Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Quick meals grow simple when you use dishes like Crack Chicken Casserole to store leftovers. You can cut and reheat as needed, which is a huge time saver. Set aside several portions in containers for lunches through the week. The consistency stays steady after reheating over a few days of use.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Casserole

Lemon Meringue Pie

Nothing rounds out a menu quite like pie, so making Lemon Meringue Pie solves dessert needs for several days. Eat slices for breakfast or after dinner with very little fuss. Storing pie is straightforward so leftovers are never wasted. This pie adds a sweet finish to your meal prep routine.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Meringue Pie

Creamed Spinach

A bowl of creamy spinach topped with grated cheese, being stirred with a spoon. — Creamed Spinach. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Getting extra vegetables onto the plate gets easier by prepping something simple like Creamed Spinach with leftovers. Reheat portions for easy additions to wraps or sandwiches. The texture remains steady, helping avoid soggy servings. This option is quick to portion so you keep things streamlined in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Leftovers transition perfectly into breakfast when you have Biscuits and Gravy Casserole ready to go. The flavors blend right into meal prep schedules, giving a hearty option that lasts a few days. Set aside for quick morning meals or late-night snacks. It’s a go-to choice for anyone who wants less hassle with meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Cranberry Sauce

Almost every holiday meal leaves extra jars in the fridge, so use Cranberry Sauce as a base for new snacks or glazes. Pair with cheese or bread for simple starters. Keep leftovers stored well since it mixes into meals easily. This way, nothing gets wasted over the next week of meals.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce

Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

A plate of roasted Brussels sprouts topped with pine nuts on parchment paper. — Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Try switching up side dishes with Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze so meals stay varied. Leftovers blend well with other vegetables or meats. Serve cold for a quick packed lunch or reheat for dinner. Packing these ahead of time makes meals faster and cleanup easier.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

A person scooping a sweet potato casserole out of a baking dish. — Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bigger holiday menus often leave plenty behind, so use the extra for Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows in your prep plans. Reheating doesn’t affect its texture much, making repeated servings simple. Stack leftovers in small dishes for easy portion control throughout the week. Share with friends or freeze extra if needed.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Chicken and Biscuits

A close-up of a baked chicken pot pie topped with six round biscuits and garnished with chopped parsley. — Chicken and Biscuits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

It’s simple to put together quick leftovers when you have Chicken and Biscuits stashed away. Meals like this double as both lunch and dinner when schedules get busy. Container storage helps preserve freshness and cuts down on cleaning. You’ll see why this combination appears on weekly prep lists after a big gathering.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Biscuits

Cream Cheese Brownies

Brownies with a cream cheese layer in the center are cut into squares and arranged on parchment paper. — Cream Cheese Brownies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

After-dinner cravings are easy to manage when you bake Cream Cheese Brownies in advance. Pre-cut squares keep snacking simple and help with portion control. Great for sharing or storing leftovers for several days. This solution fits naturally into weekly menus or as a dessert for last-minute guests.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Brownies

Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Casserole dish with Brussels sprouts, crispy onions, cheese, and herbs, mixed with a spoon. — Brussels Sprouts Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Diverse casseroles give countless options for using leftovers, so consider prepping Brussels Sprouts Casserole. The dish works for both lunch and dinner without much change in texture. Store in containers for speedy reheating over multiple days. It’s a flexible way to clear out extra vegetables and fill up meal plans.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Apple Fritters

Close-up of freshly baked apple cookies drizzled with icing, resting on parchment paper with part of a bowl visible to the right. — Apple Fritters. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

These last well for a few days, helping curb hunger between meals. Sneak extra fruit into your leftovers by turning it into Apple Fritters for snacking or breakfast. Make ahead and share at work or with family. The easy storage means you get more out of fruit that might otherwise go uneaten.
Get the Recipe: Apple Fritters

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Close-up of a flavorful chicken salad with diced chicken, green onions, chopped pecans, and raisins, all served on a bed of fresh spinach leaves. — Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Change up your menu after big meals with something like Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Make use of extra proteins and pair for quick lunches. Store in jars to keep each batch fresh and easy to transport. It’s a go-to choice for anyone organizing leftovers for several days of lunch.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Basque Cheesecake

A close-up of several slices of a dense, golden-brown custard or cheesecake on parchment paper. — Basque Cheesecake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Even after dessert trays clear, you can still enjoy leftovers with Basque Cheesecake. It cuts into neat slices that pack well for picnics, meetings, or after-dinner snacks. Store pieces in airtight containers to preserve flavor. This solution extends the sweet part of your menu without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Basque Cheesecake

Broccoli Casserole

Menu planning becomes routine when casserole dishes like Broccoli Casserole step in to organize leftovers. Each serving holds up for lunch or dinner during busy days. Stack portions for easy reheating so nothing goes to waste. It simplifies the process of clearing out extra ingredients after big gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Chicken and Waffles

A stack of waffles and fried chicken pieces with syrup being poured on top, served on a beige plate. — Chicken and Waffles. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

New ideas for leftovers take shape with familiar meals such as Chicken and Waffles. Mix and match proteins for lunches or weekend dinners. Store in containers for school or office lunches to keep meals varied. The mix of flavors works together and keeps your food fresh well after the main event.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Waffles

Stuffed Cabbage

Home cooks keep things moving with a mix of meal prep options like Stuffed Cabbage. This choice works well with meats and grains leftover from dinner. Freeze extra rolls to use for future meals when schedules get busy. Convenience matters, and this recipe solves meal planning for days after a big family gathering.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Cabbage