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20 Dinner Recipes That Make Great Leftovers

We admit that we still have a few big questions about the concept of reincarnation (namely, what’s it going to take for us to come back as Beyoncé?). But one thing we do know for sure: When it comes to food, reincarnation is alive and well. That’s why we always try to plan dinners that can be repurposed for another meal—whether we’re packing leftovers for lunch the next day, or squeezing out another dinner. Here are 20 of our go-to recipes.

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Vegetarian Chili

Call us crazy, but we actually think chili gets better after it sits in the fridge for a while.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

A set-it-and-forget-it recipe that ALSO makes dreamy leftovers? Sign us up.

Roasted Veggie Mediterranean Pasta With Goat Cheese

Make a big batch of this for dinner on a Sunday, and pack it for lunches all week long.

Meatballs With Cherry Tomato Sauce

Eat these over pasta one night, and in sandwiches the next.

Kale Minestrone

The soup that keeps on giving.

Easy One-pan Baked Ziti

Heaven would be a pan of this in our fridge at all times.

Jambalaya

Spicy, savory and re-heats like a dream. Best eaten with a cocktail in hand.

Green Chicken Enchiladas

We’re all about Taco Tuesday, but let’s face it: Leftover enchiladas are way better than leftover tacos.

Make-ahead Farro And Brussels Sprout Salad

This salad actually lasts—fully assembled and dressed—for up to four days in the refrigerator. We believe in miracles!

Teriyaki Meatballs

These leftovers are the definition of a not-sad desk lunch.

Mixed Greens Lasagna

We’re channeling our inner Garfield (and not even feeling too guilty about it, thanks to plenty of kale, spinach and arugula).

Slow-cooker Pulled Chicken

This chicken is always a crowd-pleaser, so make sure to make enough for seconds and leftovers.

Takeout Sesame Noodles

These addictive noodles can be served either warm or cold, which makes them a perfect leftover option (we also recommend them straight from the fridge as a midnight snack).

Roasted Tomato Soup

Grilled cheese is optional (but encouraged).

Red Curry Lentils

The magical combination of healthy and comforting.

Roasted Broccoli And Bacon Pasta Salad

We’d eat this pasta salad every day and twice on Sundays.

Southwestern Stuffed Bell Peppers

Feel free to toss in any other veggies you have in the fridge (but we love this classic Southwestern combination).

Thai Sweet Potato And Carrot Soup

Butternut squash isn’t the only creamy orange soup in town…

Lemon And Spinach Orzotto

Using orzo pasta is not only a fun twist on risotto, it also holds up better than rice in the fridge.

Make-ahead Aloo Gobi

This version of our favorite takeout dish keeps in the refrigerator for up to four days. Insert heart-eye emoji here.