15 Sunday Dinners That Promise Leftovers Throughout the Week

Posted by Mardi Michels. Last updated on April 25, 2020 by Melissa Girimonte

Cooking once and eating twice (or more!) is one of the greatest pleasures. And if you’re going to spend your Sunday making a lasagna, roast chicken or brisket, it's comforting to know that there will be leftovers to take you through the week. Here are some favourite "double duty" recipes to enjoy on the weekend and beyond!

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Grilled Pork Tenderloin a la Rodriguez

This <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/perfect-pork-tenderloin-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">perfect pork tenderloin</a> dish is sweet and spicy and oh-so tender. Make this for dinner and then you can use the leftovers in sandwiches the next day – if there's any left, that is. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-pork-tenderloin-a-la-rodriguez-with-guava-glaze-and-orange-habanero-mojo/15983/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Grilled Pork Tenderloin a la Rodriguez</a>
2 of 15

Shepherd's Pie

Comfort food doesn’t get better than the time-honoured shepherd’s pie, with savoury ground beef (or if you’re a purist, ground lamb) topped off with <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/blog/perfect-mashed-potato-tips/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">fluffy mashed potatoes</a> baked until a golden-brown crust is formed. Alton Brown’s recipe for this culinary classic is the perfect dinner for a chilly night. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/alton-browns-shepherds-pie/15959/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alton Brown’s Shepherd’s Pie</a>
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Ina Garten Make-Ahead Turkey Meatloaf

Make a big batch of meatloaf on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week — in <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/meatloaf-sandwich/14823/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sandwiches</a>, paired with roast veggies or mixed with beans and cheese for a simple stuffed pepper filling. No matter how you enjoy it, Ina Garten’s recipe delivers delicious, healthy flavour to your dinner table, any night of the week. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ina-gartens-turkey-meatloaf/15408/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Barefoot Contessa's Turkey Meatloaf</a>
4 of 15

Kale and Portobello Lasagna

Lasagna is a classic make-ahead meal that always tastes better the next day. This lightened up version of the dish layers meaty portobello mushrooms, kale, roasted red peppers and a ricotta cheese mixture between tender noodles. Go beyond the traditional Italian baked pasta and try this gluten and dairy-free <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/blog/vegan-gluten-free-slow-cooker-lasagna/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">slow cooker version</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/healthified-kale-and-portobello-lasagna/20186/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Healthified Kale and Portobello Lasagna</a>
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Perfect Roast Chicken

Roast chicken is one of the best meals to make on a weekend because not only will you eat well for dinner, but the leftovers will treat you (aka your taste buds) just as well. Use chicken to make tacos, quesadillas, sandwiches or even soup for the ultimate “cook once, eat twice” dinner. Need some inspo? Here are our <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/easy-leftover-chicken-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">best leftover chicken recipes ever</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/perfect-roast-chicken/15388/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Barefoot Contessa’s Perfect Roast Chicken</a>
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Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Mac and "Cheese"

This family-friendly main course is a scrumptious, <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/dairy-free-dinners/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dairy-free dinner</a> that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Enjoy right out of the pot, or top it all off with breadcrumbs and bake in the oven as a casserole for an additional hefty crunch. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/blog/creamy-vegan-cauliflower-mac-and-cheese/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Mac and "Cheese"</a>
7 of 15

Slow Cooker Thai Red Curry Chicken Soup

Bring the warm flavours of Thailand into your kitchen with this comforting, <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/slow-cooker-curry-recipes-deliver-comfort/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">curry</a> soup. Thai red curry paste, onion, ginger and garlic create an aromatic base of flavour that is tempered with creamy coconut milk. Chicken, broccoli and carrots are simmered slow and low for a hands-off meal. No need for takeout! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/slow-cooker-thai-red-curry-soup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Slow Cooker Thai Red Curry Chicken Soup</a>
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Smoked BBQ Brisket

Brisket is the perfect meal to make as a large batch to enjoy the night you cook it, as well as throughout the week for hearty, drool-worthy lunches. There's nothing better than a brisket sandwich, and you can even <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/the-brisket-taco/18763/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">use the meat in tacos</a>! Trust us: you’ll be glad you made extra. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/smoked-bbq-brisket/18326/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bobby Flay’s Smoked BBQ Brisket</a>
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Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs

Meatballs are the perfect dish to batch cook on the weekends. Not only do they make a fabulous Sunday supper, but they reheat super well and make for a leftover lunch you'll actually get excited about. From Swedish to Florentine, try your hand at these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/mouth-watering-meatball-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mouth-watering meatball recipes</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/food-network-canada-chef-school/recipe/spaghetti-and-meatballs-with-veal-and-ricotta/21293/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mark McEwan’s Spaghetti and Meatballs With Veal and Ricotta</a>
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Mixed Roasted Vegetables

This gorgeous medley of harvest root vegetables with dried herbs is such a simple, yet delicious side dish for your Sunday dinner. However, if you have leftovers, you can combine them with some stock, add a splash of cream and voilà — hearty vegetable soup with no fuss to enjoy throughout the week! Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/roasted-potatoes-carrots-parsnips-and-brussels-sprouts/17058/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Giada De Laurentiis’ Roasted Potatoes, Carrots, Parsnips and Brussels Sprouts</a>
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Four-Alarm Ribeye Chili

Chili is one of those large-batch meals that is perfect for casual weekend dinners and can be used in so many different ways throughout the week. Add your leftovers to an omelette, make a burrito with all the fixings or pile it high on top of nachos along with some grated cheese. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/four-alarm-rib-eye-chili/22555/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Valerie Bertinelli's Four-Alarm Ribeye Chili</a>
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Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole

There’s a reason casseroles have been popular for decades — piling all the components of a full dinner into a serving dish and baking them together is a satisfying and stress-free exercise. Poached chicken breasts stay juicy with a bath of chicken stock, heavy cream and sherry, then topped with a crunchy topping of panko and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-tetrazzini-casserole-with-cauliflower/15718/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chicken Tetrazzini Casserole</a>
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Smoked Prime Rib With Red Wine Steak Sauce

Roast beef is the ultimate Sunday dinner. What makes this weekend dish even better is how you can stretch your leftovers into more fabulous meals through the week. Use the tender, oven-roasted beef for sandwiches, tacos, stir fries, soup or even pasta sauces. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/smoked-prime-rib-with-red-wine-steak-sauce/18330/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bobby Flay’s Smoked Prime Rib With Red Wine Steak Sauce</a>
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Chicken Tortilla Casserole

A Mexican take on lasagna, this yummy casserole features layers of tortillas, rice, salsa verde, tomatoes, corn, chicken, beans, cheese and zesty enchilada sauce. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-tortilla-casserole/17686/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pioneer Woman's Chicken Tortilla Casserole</a>
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Baked Ham Dinner

One of the best things about a ham dinner is leftovers! Slice it up for sandwiches, dice it up for omelettes or even add some to fried rice throughout the week. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/double-mustard-and-herb-crusted-ham/18190/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Double Mustard and Herb Crusted Ham</a>
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