On busy nights when there is limited time to cook a meal, you can make the most of what you already have on hand to feed your family. Leftover beans, chicken or meat can be turned into many tasty dishes including soups, stews or casseroles. Here are some suggestions to get you started
- Visit eatsmart.umd.edu to find recipes, blog posts or other resources to help guide your choices. There, you will find a section on Cooking 5 Ways to help provide you with ideas on using beans, milk, canned fruit, canned vegetables, leafy greens, rice, peanut butter, tomatoes, chicken and fish, pumpkin, and oats.
- Leftover baked or grilled chicken can be repurposed into chicken salad, chicken tacos, or chicken noodle soup.
- A pot of spaghetti can be made into spaghetti pie by stirring in a beaten egg and topping it with cheese.
- Turn a pot of chili into tacos, burritos, or a baked potato topping. You can bake a tamale pie by adding a can of corn and topping with corn muffin batter. You can also turn chili into a taco pie by adding a crust of crushed up taco shells and topping with cheese.
- Salads are a healthy and tasty choice. A base of Romaine lettuce, some fresh mixed veggies and your choice of dressing is a quick and healthy meal. You can add protein by choosing chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, beans or cheese.
- Make a yogurt parfait by starting with a layer of yogurt, adding layers of whole grain cereal, nuts, and fruit to make a delicious snack or desert!
- Pancakes and waffles are a family favorite and can be served for breakfast or dinner. Top with fruit and nuts, or serve with low-sodium bacon or sausage.
- Homemade egg sandwiches come together quickly with turkey breakfast meat. Serve with a fruit salad.
Need more inspiration? Here are a few more suggestions:
Be creative and use what you have on hand to build healthy, delicious family meals all year round.
