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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Dinners That Taste Even Better as Leftovers

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated February 3, 2026 · Published February 11, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    Some meals just seem to get better after a night in the fridge. Whether it's the flavors melding together or the convenience of having leftovers, these 21 dinners are perfect for enjoying the next day. From hearty casseroles to flavorful stews, these dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings even when reheated!

    Crème Fraîche Carbonara

    Fake carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This carbonara gives a fun spin to the traditional dish, adding more flavor to every bite. It's a great option for dinner, especially since it tastes even better the next day.

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    Spanish Chicken Stew

    Spanish chicken stew with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This chicken stew is made with rotisserie chicken and is packed with the bright flavors of lemon and the aroma of rosemary. It's a comforting dish that tastes even better the next day.

    Get the recipe

    Potato Stir-Fry with Halloumi & Veggies

    Potato Stir-Fry with Halloumi & Veggies
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This potato stir-fry with halloumi and veggies makes for a quick and delicious dinner that's great for hectic weeknights. It's full of flavor, easy to make in one pan, and tastes even better the next day.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetarian Ravioli Bake

    Ravioli bake.
    Image credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This dish is always a hit with the family and gets even better after sitting overnight. It's loaded with cheese, and a sure crowd-pleaser!

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken Soup

    A bowl of chicken soup.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This is a simple and delicious dinner that's great for chilly evenings. It's creamy with a touch of spice, and it tastes even better the next day.

    Get the recipe

    Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Red pesto pasta is easy to prepare and packed with vegetables and flavor, making it a great meal for any time. It can be served hot or cold, and you can use either homemade or store-bought pesto to make it quickly.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken

    Chicken thighs and pineapple sauce in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

    Hawaiian Chicken combines sweet and spicy flavors for a simple weeknight meal. With only four ingredients, it's an affordable dish that tastes great and gets even better the next day.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    A spoonful of cheesy tortellini casserole.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    This dish is easy to make, loaded with cheese, and really delicious. It's great for leftovers, and tastes even better the next day!

    Get the recipe

    Massaman Chicken Curry

    A bowl of massaman chicken curry.

    This authentic Massaman Chicken Curry (Gaeng Massaman Gai) is made in one pot in just 45 minutes, using store-bought curry paste. With coconut milk, chicken, potatoes and peanuts it's super creamy, subtly sweet and not so spicy.

    Get the recipe

    Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

    Maybe the most flavor packed pasta ever - with sun-dried tomatoes and dried herbs, for a delicous dinner with basic ingredients.

    Get the recipe

    Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms

    A spoonful of bacon mushroom gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cooking gnocchi in a pan instead of boiling it makes it even more delicious. And adding bacon and mushrooms gives it a great boost of flavor!

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Chicken Pasta with Red Wine & Mushrooms

    Red wine chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This creamy chicken pasta is a simple and flavorful dinner that also works well as leftovers for lunch the next day. Packed with the rich tastes of red wine, mushrooms, and thyme, it's a dish you'll love to make time and time again.

    Get the recipe

    Enchilada Bake

    Enchilada bake.
    Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

    This enchilada Bake is easy to prepare with ingredients you likely have on hand, and it's sure to be a hit with your family. Plus, you can whip it up in your slow cooker without needing to turn on the oven.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Chicken Pasta with Feta Cheese

    finished pasta with chicken and feta cheese
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Feta cheese gives this creamy pasta sauce a nice kick, making it really enjoyable. It's a great dish that tastes even better the next day.

    Get the recipe

    Lamb Meatballs with Cilantro & Lemon

    Lamb Meatballs with Cilantro & Lemon
    Photo credit: always use butter

    Lamb meatballs are full of bright lemon and cilantro flavors, making them great with mashed potatoes or as a delicious appetizer. They're a favorite in my kitchen and always a hit with guests.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce

    Chicken enchiladas with green sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Chicken enchiladas with green sauce are simple to prepare and make a delicious meal that tastes even better the next day. Filled with garlic chicken, melted cheese, and green chile sauce, they can be made from scratch or with some shortcuts, making them a handy choice for quick dinners on hectic evenings.

    Get the recipe

    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

    Marry me chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a simple and tasty meal that packs a lot of flavor. With a creamy sauce made from crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, paprika, and oregano, it's easy to whip up and perfect for enjoying the next day as well.

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    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These meatballs are packed with flavor and super easy to make in under an hour, whether you use the stove, air fryer, or oven. They come out juicy and tender, making them a great option for dinner that tastes even better the next day.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans

    Easy Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This vegetarian chili is full of rich flavor and loaded with vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and green bell pepper. This dish comes together in just 40 minutes, providing a delicious mix of flavors and textures without much hassle.

    Get the recipe

    Fried Green Curry Spaghetti

    A bowl of fried spaghetti with green curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Thai curry spaghetti is a delicious dish that really shines when you let it sit overnight. The flavors blend together beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers.

    Get the recipe

    Potato Soup

    A bowl of potato soup.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This potato soup is simple to prepare and packed with flavor, thanks to the slow cooker doing most of the work. It's perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting Sunday dinner that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • A scoop of no baked ziti.
      20 Minimal Prep Meals That Do All the Work for You
    • Hobo casserole.
      20 Hearty Meals Worth Getting Excited About This Winter
    • Valentine's day cake pops.
      25 Easy Desserts That Make Valentine's Day a Sweet Celebration
    • Ravioli lasagna.
      16 Cheesy Gourmet Dinners You'll Want to Make Again and Again

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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