17 Dinner Recipes That Make Great Lunch Leftovers

Leftovers can be a lifesaver, especially when you don’t want to cook every night. Instead of facing the dreaded “what’s for dinner?” dilemma, why not whip up meals that taste just as good the next day? These recipes are not only perfect for dinner but also make great lunches. You’ll love how easy they are to prepare and how much time they save.

Ground beef sweet potato skillet. — Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cheddar Chicken Bake

A casserole dish filled with chicken, vegetables and cheese. — Cheddar Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This cheddar chicken quinoa bake is an easy, healthy casserole everyone will love. Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a simple and affordable dinner, and enjoy the leftovers for a quick lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake

Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash stuffed with spinach and cheese. — Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Twice baked spaghetti squash filled with spinach, artichokes, tomatoes, and cheese. Enjoy as a side or a meatless main course, with plenty for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash

Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Cheddar cheese stuffed turkey meatballs on a plate with zoodles. — Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Turkey zucchini meatballs stuffed with cheddar cheese and Italian seasoning, cooked in marinara sauce. Easy to make and perfect for enjoying leftovers the next day.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant

Stuffed eggplant with chicken and cheddar cheese, ready in 30 minutes. This dish is great for dinner, and the leftovers reheat well for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Mexican stuffed poblano peppers on a baking sheet. — Stuffed Poblano Peppers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken stuffed poblano peppers packed with melted cheese, black beans, and Mexican spices. This dish is comforting and provides great leftovers for the next day.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Creamy Turkey Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms

Three stuffed portobello mushrooms on a baking sheet. — Turkey Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground turkey stuffed portobello mushrooms with creamy garlic cheese, spinach, onions, and roasted red peppers. A tasty dinner that makes excellent leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turkey Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms

Bomb Meatloaf

Sliced meatloaf on a white plate with a fork. — Bomb Meatloaf. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A tender, juicy meatloaf with a sweet and tangy glaze. Easy to put together and perfect for dinner, with plenty of leftovers for sandwiches or another meal.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Italian Black Bean Meatballs

Black bean meatballs in tomato sauce with a spoon. — Italian Black Bean Meatballs. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Italian flavored black bean meatballs, a hearty plant-based alternative. Serve with marinara sauce over pasta or zoodles, and enjoy the leftovers the next day.
Get the Recipe: Italian Black Bean Meatballs

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Three grilled chicken breasts on a plate stuffed with cheese, ham and pineapple. — Stuffed Hawaiian Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled Hawaiian chicken stuffed with ham, fresh pineapple, and melted cheese with a teriyaki glaze. This dish is easy to make and leftovers taste just as good.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Instant Pot Picadillo

Two bowls of picadillo on a table. — Tempeh Picadillo. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A plant-based version of the traditional Cuban recipe made with tempeh, lentils, and potatoes. Packed with big flavors from Spanish olives, capers, raisins, and spices. Leftovers reheat beautifully for another meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Picadillo

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Southwestern inspired ground beef and sweet potato skillet. An easy one-pan meal that works great for meal-prepping, with leftovers that are delicious.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Pasta with meat and tomatoes in a white dish with a wooden spoon. — Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef pasta made in under 30 minutes. This dish tastes like it’s been simmered all day and makes for great leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground Beef Stir Fry

A skillet full of vegetables and beef on a wooden table. — Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef stir fry made in one pan with fresh vegetables and a garlic ginger stir fry sauce. Quicker than takeout, with leftovers that taste just as good.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Healthier Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes on an English muffin on a plate. — Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Healthy Sloppy Joes made with lean ground beef, low-sugar ketchup, BBQ sauce, and low-fat cheese. A guilt-free version of the classic, with plenty for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Sloppy Joes

Lamb Bolognese

A plate of pasta with meat sauce and parmesan cheese. — Lamb Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb bolognese simmered with carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes, red wine, and fresh herbs. Perfect over tagliatelle and makes cozy leftovers for another meal.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese

Kung Pao Chickpeas

Two bowls of chickpeas with rice and vegetables. — Kung Pao Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Vegan Kung Pao chickpea recipe with a bold, flavorful sauce. Tastes just like the original takeout, with enough for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chickpeas

Chicken Sorrentino

Chicken Sorrentino with breaded chicken, prosciutto, eggplant, and plenty of cheese, baked in a hearty tomato sauce. A classic Italian recipe with leftovers that reheat beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino

Gina Matsoukas

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.