12 Easy Ways To Transform Leftovers Into A Brand-New Meal

40% of all food in America is wasted. Save food, waste less, and eat more! It's a win-win-win situation. Learn more about saving the environment, food, and money by visiting SaveTheFood.com.

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1. Peanut Noodle Salad

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Eyeballing those little sticks of pasta ain't easy. When your eyes are hungrier than your stomach, use the leftovers for a cold twist on a classic favorite. All you really need is lime juice, peanut butter, and soy sauce!

2. Macaroni Muffin Bites

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The perfect leftover lunch starts with a muffin pan. Mix up your noodles with a couple eggs, and add mushrooms, chives, and chicken to your liking.

3. Pizza Frittata

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Pizza for breakfast? This recipe is every child's dream come true. Tear up your cold pizza into bite-size pieces, throw them into a skillet, cover with beaten eggs, and bake until it starts getting crispy around the edges.

4. Pizza Lasagna

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Yep, this is exactly what it sounds like. Pizza on pizza on pizza. Stack your slices, pour pasta sauce between the layers, and pop it in the oven.

5. Egg and Pea Fried Rice

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Once again, eggs seem to be the only ingredient you really need to revamp an old meal. And the best part? It only takes five minutes.

6. Rice Pudding

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Coconut milk + maple syrup + a dash of cinnamon = yummy, vegan, no-fuss dessert in minutes.

7. Fruity Chicken Salad Sandwich

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Sandwiches are great for kids and parents alike! This is another no-bake meal that's easy and requires ingredients that are probably already lying around your house.

8. Tortilla Soup

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When in doubt, make a soup. Dress it up (with jalapeños, onions, and spices) or keep it simple (just broth and chicken).

9. Shepherd's Pie

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Beef and mashed potatoes? There ain't nothin' bad about that. Set the temperature to 400 degrees, and let the oven do all the work.

10. Potato Cakes

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Eat 'em for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. All you need is flour, mashed potatoes, and (you guessed it) eggs! Let it sizzle on the skillet, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.

11. Chili

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Chill out with some chili. Just combine beans, powder, and sauce, and top with cheese.

12. Minestrone Soup

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Got a can of veggies, water, and leftover pasta sauce? Then you've got dinner! Cook until vegetables are tender.

40% of all food in America goes uneaten. Let’s make a change.

The Ad Council and the Natural Resources Defense Council have launched "Save The Food," a national campaign to combat food waste from its largest source: consumers, who collectively waste more food than grocery stores, restaurants, or farms. Visit SaveTheFood.com to learn more about how you can save food, the environment, and money!