the round up: reheatable and repeatable
meals that taste just as good reheated + today's substack live recording!
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Do you ever make a new recipe that you LOVE right after it’s done cooking, but can’t really stand the thought of eating it as leftovers? Yeah, same! Not all meals are made for leftovers, but I do try to keep leftovers in mind when developing recipes so they can support your busy weeks. I know some of you have families to feed, some of you live alone, and some of you are cooking for yourself and a partner, but leftovers can be useful for everyone. And there are ways to ensure your leftovers store and reheat well!
So, this week’s edition of The Round Up highlights meals that reheat well and stay fresh for up to four days in the refrigerator. You could call them my top favorite reheat-friendly recipes! Store ‘em, reheat ‘em, and enjoy ‘em! Individual instructions for storing and reheating each of the meals is included in the recipe links ❤️
Before we dive in, let’s go through some FAQs:
Q: What are the best kinds of foods to eat as leftovers?
A: I strongly believe there are ways to make most foods leftover-friendly if they’re stored and reheated properly (see recs below). That being said, I try to stay away from fish and other seafood after a day or two in the fridge and don’t love eating dressed lettuce the next day (although I love kale and cabbage as leftovers). The best foods to eat as leftovers are soups, stews, and chilis, curries and casseroles, different kinds of sauces, ground meat-based dishes, and lettuce-free salads.
Q: How can I bring my leftovers back to life and prevent boredom?
A: A great way to mix up leftovers is to change the way you’re serving them. For example, reheated chicken and rice could be made into tacos, a grain bowl, a burrito, or even a stir fry. Adding fresh chopped herbs on top can also bring leftovers back to life, and a great sauce can switch things up. Pairing leftovers with a new element like a side salad, roasted veggies, or cooked grain can also prevent boredom. If you haven’t tried them, my monthly ingredient prep guides aim to do just that!
Q: What are the best ways to reheat leftovers from the fridge and freezer?
A: From the freezer, the best thing to do is transfer to the refrigerator to thaw the night before (when you can remember!). From the refrigerator, depending on the meal I will either air fry, bake, or microwave leftovers. For soups, stews, and sauces, I sometimes opt for returning it to a pot or pan and cook on low until reheated. Reheated food should always reach a temperature of 165 degrees F for your safety.
Q: How should I store my leftovers for best results ?
A: For your safety and best taste, it’s important to store your leftovers in sealed, airtight containers. I personally love using glass containers like these because I can reheat without transferring the food to another bowl or plate. Whatever you use, ensure food is sealed/wrapped tightly and gets stored as soon as possible after cooking.
The Round Up: better as leftovers
Spiced Veggie and Turkey Meatball Sheet Pan with Yogurt Sauce — so hearty, perfect for a meal prep and the sauce will last up to a week in the refrigerator.
Spicy Sausage, White Bean, and Kale Soup — one of my most popular soups, for goood reason!! swap for regular Italian sausage if you don’t want the spice.
Spicy Beef and Snap Pea Stir Fry — from my latest grocery series!! the sauce helps reheated leftovers hold their moisture and you can store the rice separately.
Lamb Bolognese — the flavors get even better as this one sits overnight, plus you can pretty much guarantee I have some in my freezer at all times for an easy, fancy meal.
Creamy Leek, Chicken, and Rice Soup — I firmly believe soups are best the next day! It gives the broth a chance to absorb all of the flavors and the meat gets more tender.
Sesame Ginger Pork Bowls — these have been a favorite in our group chat!! the cucumber salad thrives as it sits in the fridge (April subscriber-only bonus recipe).
One Pot Chicken Sausage, Spinach, and Rice — this one pot wonder is easy to make AND easy to reheat; the ideal meal for a busy week!
One Pot Warm Veggie Turkey Pasta — the light sauce in this one deepens the flavors after a day or two after absorbing the excess liquid from the veg!
the key to enjoying next day food
…is a set of good storage containers! You know these beautiful glass containers I’ve been loving lately? I got us a discount! Use code JENN10 for 10% off your Anyday purchase or grab one of their sets currently on sale. Like I mentioned, a key part of your prepped meals staying fresh has to do with what they’re being stored in! Anyday’s 100% plastic-free storage sets have vented glass lids so the entire thing can be safely reheated. Anyday’s NEW Everything Dish Collection is ideal for reheating leftovers and frozen food, or even steaming food in the microwave from scratch, cutting down on dishes. They're microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher-safe!!
Live Recap
ICYMI tonight on Substack Live we cooked Sticky Honey Glazed Salmon Bowls with Peach Salsa 🍑 This is a bonus recipe from last summer that I just unlocked so it’s free for everyone! My friend
joined me on the live too (so much fun!!) make sure you’re subscribed to her free newsletter for more RD tips and tools!🚨Reminder: If you make a recipe, leave a rating and review on the site & you’ll be entered to get a free month of the paid newsletter! All you have to do is leave your rating & review, then comment here when you reviewed—3 winners per month!