From Tacos to Sammie: 13 Awesome Ways to Use Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

Did you know that the average American throws out about 20 pounds of food every month? And think about what that number jumps to after a big food holiday like Thanksgiving — yikes! Rather than lamenting the food waste problem, we can combat it by making new meals with all those Thanksgiving leftovers. Some of you may be already familiar with the ubiquitous post-Thanksgiving soup consisting of every single veggie that was left on the table and maybe some vegan turkey shreds, too. But at One Green Planet, we like to get a little more creative than that. We want to put those leftover veggies in a taco or pile them high on a pizza with cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes.

Needs ideas? We’ve got plenty. So hold onto your leftovers because we’ve got 15 recipes that put them to good use.

1. Vegetable Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Chances are, you’ll have plenty of leftover veggies and mashed potatoes after Thanksgiving. So, why no turn them into this simple Vegetable Lentil Shepherd’s Pie? This recipe is fantastic for the whole family, and it’s as easy as pie to make. Just use whatever leftover veggies you have, mix it with gravy, top it with some mash, then bake until it’s nice and warm and — bam! Your leftovers have new life.

2. Brussels Sprouts Pizza With Caramelized Onion and Balsamic Reduction

Step up your leftover (and pizza) game with this Brussels Sprouts Pizza With Caramelized Onion and Balsamic Reduction. Got some leftover Brussels sprouts? Great! If you have creamed pearl onions instead of caramelized onions, then go for it. Then, just top it with balsamic reduction and leftover cranberry sauce, if you’re feeling it. Yum!

3. Overloaded Pumpkin Burger Sandwich

4. Warm Autumn Panzanella With Warm Cinnamon Cider Dressing

 5. Oil-Free Roasted Butternut Squash Tacos

These Oil-Free Butternut Squash Tacos are an easy and delicious way to put leftovers to good use. Made with avocado, hummus, Romaine lettuce, tender butternut squash, and lemon-tahini dressing, they are packed with all kinds of flavors and textures. You can even swap out the greens for any other leftover veggies you have on hand.

6. Meatloaf Veggie Burger With Cauliflower Mash and Gravy

Let’s take leftovers to a whole new level, shall we? These Meatloaf Veggie Burgers are like that classic weeknight dinner in an amazing burger form. They’re made from a hearty combination mushrooms, chickpeas, and lentils, baked with a sweet ketchup glaze, and then topped with creamy cauliflower mash and gravy. A bite of this burger is like taking a step right into comfort food heaven.

7. Vegetable Tart

Sometimes, simplicity is best and this Vegetable Tart is just about as good as it gets. The Mediterranean-inspired flavors are held together by a roasted garlic and artichoke spread, salty kalamata olives, and tender grilled zucchini — so either don’t throw away those antipasto leftovers or just use all your extra veggies.

8. Smoky Shepherd’s Pie Quesadillas

Say hello to the ultimate fall fusion food: these Smoky Shepherd’s Pie Quesadillas. They’re everything you love about shepherd’s pie — sweet potato, vegetables, and warm spices with a smoky lentil hummus — grilled between two tortillas. Don’t want tortillas? Make it as a sandwich!

9. Coconut Pistachio Cashew Cheese Panini

Think that leftover cranberry sauce is useless? Think again. This Coconut Pistachio Cashew Cheese Panini is a warm, sweet, and savory experience that you will never forget. The title is a mouthful, as are all of the flavors you get in every bite. Some bites are more sweet from the cranberry jam while others are more savory and crunchy from the cashew cheese. Either way, you’re in for a treat!

10. Mashed Potato Casserole with Broccoli and Cauliflower Gravy

11. Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup 

12. Thanksgiving Burgers

This year, relive all the flavors of the holidays with these Thanksgiving Burgers. This burger has it all – freekeh-stuffing patty, cranberry sauce, decadent gravy, sauteed green beans, and crispy fried onions. All of the best flavors of the season in every single bite.

13. Minestrone Pot Pie With Biscuit Topping

This Minestrone Pot Pie may not look like the traditional pot pie, but it has all of the makings of one. A golden brown encasing of bread and a deliciously savory and chunky filling. Specifically, this pot pie has a minestrone soup filling – broth, diced tomatoes, beans, onions, veggies – and a biscuit topping that’s perfect for all those leftover biscuits. Talk about comfort food!