37 Easy Dinner Ideas That Make Delicious Leftovers

We have put together a collection of easy dinner ideas that are just as delicious the next day. These recipes are perfect for busy evenings when you want a meal that keeps on giving. With these dishes, you can enjoy a delightful dinner and then look forward to tasty leftovers that make packing lunches or serving another meal a breeze.

Hearty Bolognese You’ll Make Again and Again

Made from scratch Bolognese recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Our Ultimate Bolognese recipe is rich, hearty, and easy to make. Perfect for family dinners, it’s sure to become a favorite!

Get the Recipe: Hearty Bolognese You’ll Make Again and Again

Easy Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole in the Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Try our Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Casserole for a delicious dinner that everyone will love. Prep takes just 15 minutes, and your slow cooker will do the rest.

Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole in the Slow Cooker

Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti

Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Discover a comforting and hassle-free meal with our Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti recipe. Perfect for a quick comfort food dinner the entire will love.

Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti

Crock Pot Beef And Noodles

Crock Pot Beef and Noodles recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Try our easy Crock Pot Beef and Noodle recipe for a satisfying and comforting meal. Perfect for chilly nights or weekends.

Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Beef And Noodles

Easy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan

Cheesy Chicken Parmesan recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Chicken Parmesan has been a restaurant favorite for years. Learn how easy it is to make Chicken Parmesan at home.

Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan

Easy Mongolian Beef

A bowl of Mongolian beef and rice with sesame seeds.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Discover the ultimate comfort food with our homemade Mongolian Beef recipe. Tender beef slices coated in a sweet and savory glaze.

Get the Recipe: Easy Mongolian Beef

Easy Crock Pot Chicken And Stuffing

Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Indulge in comfort with this Chicken and Stuffing Crock Pot Casserole recipe. Layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and savory stuffing await! Easy, delicious, and satisfying.

Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken And Stuffing

Air Fryer Steak Bites

Air Fryer Steak Bites by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Discover why Air Fryer Steak Bites are the next must-have in your meal rotation, combining simplicity with a burst of flavor in every bite. These steak bites are a blend of tender steak marinated in a rich mixture of soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and spices, then air-fried to perfection.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Bites

Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Chicken recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our easy Mary Me Chicken recipe! Perfect for a romantic dinner that could end up with an “I DO.”

Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken

Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki is comfort food with juicy beef and flavorful teriyaki sauce mixed with sweet bell peppers.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Teriyaki

Thai Red Chicken Curry

Red Thai Chicken Curry recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Make our flavorful Thai Red Curry Chicken recipe for a quick and tasty one-pan dinner that your whole family will enjoy. It’s both easy and delicious.

Get the Recipe: Easy Thai Red Chicken Curry

Easy Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs

Crockpot Country Style Ribs recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Indulge in mouthwatering Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs, a delectable dish of tender, juicy pork that will leave you craving for more.

Get the Recipe: Easy Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs

Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak! Tender beef patties simmered in rich mushroom gravy with simple ingredients. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak

Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

Sesame Chicken recipe by Cheerful Cook.

Try our savory Sesame Chicken recipe for a comforting and flavorful meal. Prepare it easily and enjoy the taste at home.

Get the Recipe: Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe

15-Minute Korean Beef Bowl

Korean Beef Bowl recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Discover an easy twist on the classic Korean beef bowl recipe. This ground beef dish combines rich flavors of aromatic spices into a flavorful meal.

Get the Recipe: 15-Minute Beef Bowl

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Enjoy our flavorful, easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken with this easy recipe. Perfectly ai fried, juicy chicken tossed in a sweet and savory sauce.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Recipe

Tuscan Shrimp recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Indulge in the flavors of Tuscan shrimp, a succulent and comforting dish simmered to perfection in a creamy sauce. Perfect for any occasion.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Shrimp

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle soup recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Indulge in this comforting and delicious chicken noodle soup recipe made in a Dutch oven. Perfect comfort food for any occasion.

Get the Recipe: Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Air Fryer Biscuits

A stack of air fryer biscuits on a white plate.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Indulge in flaky perfection with this Air Fryer Biscuits recipe. Quick, easy, and made with simple ingredients, these are a family favorite treat.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Biscuits

Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Throw out the takeout menu and whip up our delicious Honey Garlic Chicken recipe. Perfect for anyone looking for a flavorful and hassle-free meal.

Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Chicken

Ham and Potato Casserole

Ham and Potato Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Indulge in our hearty and filling ham and potato casserole, the perfect recipe for foodies craving a tasty weeknight meal.

Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato Casserole

Shrimp Carbonara

Shrimp Carbonara recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Decadently delicious Shrimp Carbonara is an incredibly easy recipe. Made with eggs, bacon, and cheese, this dish is ready in 30 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Shrimp Carbonara

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Discover how to make an easy, delicious Chicken Pot Pie Casserole, a hearty meal sure to become a family favorite.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

Easy Bang Bang Chicken recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Try this delicious Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken recipe that is perfect for busy nights. It’s quick, flavorful, and easy to make.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

German Spaetzle

German Spaetzle (Spätzle) recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook

Spaetzle is one of Germany’s most popular side dishes. This classic egg noodle has only five ingredients and takes just 30 minutes to make.

Get the Recipe: German Spaetzle

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sliders

Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sliders recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Discover the secret to delicious Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sliders. Juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. A family favorite.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Sliders

Easy Cheesy Meatball Casserole

Cheesy Meatball Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Enjoy our Cheesy Meatball Casserole, a blend of juicy meatballs, rich marinara, and gooey cheese. It’s a family favorite that’s easy to make!

Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Meatball Casserole

Crockpot Sausage and Peppers

Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Our Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers is made by combining sausages, bell peppers, onions, and marinara sauce, resulting in a flavorful dish.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Sausage and Peppers

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice-Baked Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Savor the comfort of creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and cheesy goodness in our delectable Twice Baked Potato Casserole.

Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Creamy Chicken Thighs

Cast Iron Chicken Thighs recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Enjoy the simplicity and flavor of Creamy Cast Iron Chicken Thighs. This recipe delivers crispy skin, juicy meat, and a rich, creamy sauce.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Cast Iron Chicken Thighs

Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Honey Roasted Sweet Potato recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes are packed with flavor and ready in less than 30 minutes. Simply the perfect side dish.

Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes

German Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer)

German Potato Pancake recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Reibekuchen’ are delicious crispy fried German Potato Pancakes made from freshly grated potatoes. Perfect with a side of apple sauce!

Get the Recipe: German Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer)

Easy Shepherd’s Pie

Easy Shepherd's Pie recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Make dinner a breeze with this Easy Shepherd’s Pie recipe! Hearty beef, mixed veggies, and creamy potatoes. Perfect for weeknights.

Get the Recipe: Easy Shepherd’s Pie

Bacon BBQ Hasselback Chicken (4 Ingredients)

BBQ Hasselback Chicken recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Easy, flavorful BBQ Hasselback Chicken recipe with juicy chicken, tangy sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheese.

Get the Recipe: Bacon BBQ Hasselback Chicken

Pizza Casserole

Pizza Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Cheesy, meaty, and packed with flavor, our Pizza Casserole is a must-try and perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe is easy and delicious.

Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Chicken Paprika

Paprika Chicken recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Chicken Paprika is an easy, hearty chicken dish full of sweet, peppery, and bold flavors that you will not get enough of.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprika

Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.

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