Don't Let Your Ingredients Go To Waste: 21 Shockingly Good Ideas

Good food should never go to waste. These 21 ideas turn simple ingredients into something delicious and exciting. Basic pantry staples can be used in new and creative ways. Every dish brings fresh flavors while making the most of what is already available.

Avocado Pesto Pasta

Avocado turning slightly too ripe? Use it for Avocado Pesto Pasta and bring a creamy twist to your pasta sauce. It's a great swap for the traditional pesto and perfect for a quick, nutritious meal. Who knew you could make something so creamy out of something nearly past its prime?
Get the Recipe: Avocado Pesto Pasta

Char Siu

Spare ribs or a bit of pork shoulder turning into a fridge fixture? Char Siu turns them into mouth-watering bites. This dish offers a sweet and savory twist that can liven up any meal. Serve it with rice or noodles and remember why simple ingredients can make such a difference.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu

Spicy Harissa Pasta

If you've got leftover pasta and a craving for heat, toss it in some Spicy Harissa Pasta. Not your average pasta night, and a sure way to perk up your dinner routine. Best part? All that's needed is some pasta and a dollop of zesty harissa.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Harissa Pasta

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

A bowl of chicken and spinach soup with a spoon. — Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Half a rotisserie chicken in the fridge still waiting for its moment? Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a scrumptious solution to your leftovers dilemma. Combine it with a few veggies and soft, pillowy gnocchi for a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Quick and Easy Oregano Pesto Pasta

Ever find yourself with an abundance of oregano? Quick and Easy Oregano Pesto Pasta is here to rescue those herbs. It's all about mixing, blending and tossing it up with your favorite pasta. A refreshing change from the usual sauces, and a brilliant way to utilize your greens.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Oregano Pesto Pasta

Chicken Biryani

Chicken Biryani is a one-pot wonder perfect for using up your chicken and day-old rice. It's an aromatic affair that transforms staples into a feast for the senses. Enjoy the layering of flavors and a comforting dish that could easily become a weekly favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Biryani

Alfredo Steak Pasta

Got some steak from last night's dinner? Alfredo Steak Pasta takes your leftovers to a whole new level. Indulge in creamy Alfredo sauce mixed with hearty steak strips for a cozy meal. It's a bowl full of comfort that gets your meal on the table in no time.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Rasta Pasta

Rasta Pasta is your answer to those half-used bell peppers and snubbed heavy cream. Give your typical pasta a Jamaican twist that'll turn forgotten fridge items into a vibrant dish. It's all about bold flavors and making the most out of every ingredient.
Get the Recipe: Rasta Pasta

Carne Asada in the Oven

Slices of baked carne asada on small wood cutting board. — Carne Asada in the Oven. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Don't let those marinated steak scraps go unused, and whip up some Carne Asada in the Oven instead. It's bound to become a go-to for an uncomplicated yet flavorful meal. Serve it up with whatever sides are hanging out in your fridge for a complete ensemble.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada in the Oven

Instant Pot Ham

Sliced ham with oranges and mint. — Instant Pot Ham. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Don't let that holiday ham linger any longer – Instant Pot Ham is a genius way to repurpose it. It's about quick, pressure-cooked magic that can make your meal times effortless. Pair it with whatever's hiding in your cupboards for a hassle-free dish that feels brand new.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ham

10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe

Leftover bok choy doesn't have to go to waste with the 10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe on hand. Whip up a fresh side dish in less time than it takes to choose a TV show. Simple, quick, and utterly transforming for any lonely veggies in your crisper.
Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe

Beef Quesadillas

Beef Quesadillas can transform last night's cooked meat into today's lunchtime favorite. No more boring sandwiches when you can melt some cheese and whip up these hot, crispy treats instead. They're like little pockets of joy and are ridiculously easy to make! Simple, satisfying, and no fuss.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Camarones a la Diabla

Shrimp in red chile sauce on a white plate with lime wedges and a fork in the background. — Camarones a la Diabla. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Camarones a la Diabla can reignite the fire of seemingly dull frozen shrimp. Spice it up and make it hot with a dish that takes the humdrum to the extraordinary. Pair it with leftover rice for a complete meal that feels like you're dining out. Kick your home cooking up a notch!
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla

Air Fryer Lumpia

Filipino spring rolls in a basket with dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Lumpia. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Got a package of wrappers and some veggies you need to use? Pop them into some Air Fryer Lumpia. This dish proves that your air fryer is more versatile than you think, delivering crunchy bites every time. Perfect for when those snack cravings hit but you want to keep it relatively guilt-free.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lumpia

Yellow Tempeh Curry

Yellow Tempeh Curry is the solution for your nearly forgotten tempeh and those spices sitting idle on your rack. Turn them into a mouth-watering dish with a delightful mix of sweetness and spice. It's one of those meals that checks the box for being both healthy and rich in flavor. A real pantry-clearer!
Get the Recipe: Yellow Tempeh Curry

Aloo Gobi Masala

Transform that head of cauliflower and potatoes into an incredibly aromatic Aloo Gobi Masala. It's the go-to for a no-fuss Indian dish that's hearty and vegetarian-friendly. So good, you'll want to make extra for those busy weeknight dinners. Simple ingredients, extraordinary taste.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Two bowls of hot and sour soup. — Chicken Hot and Sour Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Leftover chicken and some veggie scraps? Chicken Hot and Sour Soup to the rescue! It's a warming recipe that can take you from zero to dinner hero. Give it a whirl and find yourself slurping up the very last drop - wasted ingredients no more.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Hot and Sour Soup

Spicy Baked Tofu Noodles

Those blocks of tofu can turn into a gold mine with the Spicy Baked Tofu Noodles. Give your noodles a fiery companion with baked tofu that's anything but bland. It's about time that tofu got a makeover, and your palate will appreciate the punch of flavor. A must-try for a fridge clean-out!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Baked Tofu Noodles

Chicken Chop Suey

Chicken Chop Suey is excellent for pooling together those odds and ends of vegetables. Endlessly customizable and quick to make, it's a stir-fry that's as tasty as it is economical. Turn forgotten veggies and chicken into something you can't wait to eat. Every bite is a tasty nod to resourcefulness.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

Mexican Shredded Beef

Mexican beef tacos on white plates. — Mexican Shredded Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

With some beef and a handful of pantry items, Mexican Shredded Beef is your ticket to flavor town. Perfect for tacos, bowls, or whatever you fancy, it’s a versatile dish that can clear out those odds and ends. It’s an uncomplicated way to turn simple into spectacular. Bring on the feast!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Shredded Beef

Wet Burrito

Got a mishmash of ingredients like beans, cheese, and some sauces? A Wet Burrito is like a fiesta on your plate, utilizing all those bits and bobs. Wrap it up, smother with sauce, and bake to perfection. It’s your de facto choice for a filling meal that makes the most of your pantry.
Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito