H2C: Leftovers

One more tip in a series about "How to Cook When it's Already Time to Eat." 


There's no sense in throwing out leftovers. Especially if they can save you a night of cooking. On my menu, I usually work one "leftover" night into the schedule. I dig out all the containers, let everyone fight over what they want and get my fridge cleaned out! Lately it's been a night when Ryan isn't home or we don't need to eat as much (church night, party, etc.). As these boys grow there is less and less left over. I don't know what I'm gonna do when they're teenagers! 

Besides potluck-stylin' it, there are other ways to use leftovers to save you time. Here are my favorites:

Day 1: Pot roast
Day 2 Copacabana Tacos (courtesy of mi mama)
Day 3: BBQ Pizza (biscuit crust, BBQ meat, cheese - just a flat version of Barbie cups) 

Pot Roast

Copacabana Tacos

- 1 c milk
- 1/4 c (or less) flour
- salt/pepper
- salsa
- cheese
- shredded meat
- tortillas

1) After supper on Day 1, strain out any leftover vegetables and set aside. Drain some of the juices off of the roast and whisk with milk, flour, and seasonings. 
2) Boil until a gravy forms.
3) Mix all ingredients in tortilla shells. 
4) Bake in oven for 350 degrees about 10 mn.

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Day 1: Pulled pork or chicken (slow cook in crock pot, drain juices, shred, add BBQ sauce)
Day 2: Random casserole that calls for shredded chicken (just pull some meat out before you add BBQ sauce on day 1)
Day 3: Barbie cups (another Mama Raney special - really just a muffin version of BBQ pizza)

Barbie Cups

- Biscuits
- shredded meat
- BBQ sauce
- cheese

1) Squish 1/2 to 1 biscuit in each muffin tin.
2) Stir meat and sauce together.
3) Stuff muffins with meat and cheese. 
4) Cook according to biscuit directions. 

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Day 1: Burritos
Day 2: Chili 

Burritos

- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cans chili beans
- splash of V8 juice
- 1 T chili powder
- 1 t cumin
- 1/2 t onion salt
- 1/4 t garlic salt
- pepper
- tortilla shells
- cheese
- salsa

1) Brown hamburger. Drain fat.
2) Simmer all ingredients 20 mn. 
3) Spoon into tortilla shells with salsa and cheese. 
4) Bake in oven 350 degrees for 10 mn.

Chili

- V8 leftover from a large can after making burritos
- seasonings

1) Add V8 to remaining meat mixture after making burritos.
2) Season to taste
3) Simmer an hour or leave in Crock-pot on low to bring out the flavors. 


For 7 more tips, follow the links at How to Cook When it's Already Time to Eat.