How to Use Leftover Meat

To save money on the food budget, consider using leftovers more, but this doesn't mean you have to sacrifice taste or variety. Meats may even taste better the next day. These tips will help you find ways to use leftover meat, cooked and uncooked, reduce your food budget and expand your menu.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cooked or uncooked meat leftovers

1. Freeze leftover sections of chicken breast and steak for fajitas, burritos and stir-fry. Both cooked and uncooked meat will suffice. When you are ready to use the leftover meat simply slice section about 1/4 to 1/3 inch, season and saute or stir-fry until done. Precooked meat can be added with oriental or taco-style sauce and simmered for several minutes.

2. Save cooked ham for ham and beans or ham soup. Cook the stock and beans with your favorite fresh pork (ham bone, bacon, salt pork, or hocks) and add the leftover ham during the last 30 minutes to avoid overcooking. Ham freezes reasonably well so either fresh or frozen can be used.

3. Use leftover ham or turkey lunch meat in a chef's salad or as pinwheels. Simply roll the slices up and cut them in one-inch sections and strategically place the rolls where desired. Add hard-boiled egg and other toppings as desired. Serve with Ranch or your favorite dressing. For pinwheels add cream cheese and chives before rolling.

4. Make easy barbecue with leftover beef and pork. The key is to use a great sauce, good bread and avoid over-drying the meat. For added flavor you can spice up the beef with a bit of mesquite seasoning. Shred beef and pork roast leftovers if desired. Even precooked meat will make a decent meal, just simmer a few minutes in sauce. Lightly butter the bread and broil it for 15 seconds for added taste and texture.

5. 
   Leftover meat?

   Add leftover sausage, hamburger, ham, and other meats to homemade or store bought cheese pizza or pizza bread. With good cheese, seasonings and vegetables to taste, no one will know it's a leftover.

6. Make multi-meat meals for more flavor and variety. Add more taste or nutrition to your meatloaf by adding a little sausage or ground turkey. Use leftover beef in stews for a new taste. Mix pork and beef in Mexican dishes. Add most any meat to a cheesy or creamy casserole made from potatoes or pasta and sauce. Another favorite is goulash which is a tasty way to use up extra ground beef.

7. Consider the almost lost art of canning if you find yourself wasting a lot of meat and vegetables. Home canned meat tastes better than what you buy in the store, is often more nutritious and will allow you to use leftover meats when you need them and at a reduced cost--especially if you stock up on sales.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut your meat portions so that you eat what you cook and keep a growing supply of leftover meat sections in the freezer, or use leftover meat the following day.
• For optimum flavor follow meat freezing guidelines, pack well to minimize freezer burn and generally use leftover meat within several weeks.

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[mystinamarie]

on 5/29/2009 I just posted a similiar idea list for how to use up leftover meats! :)http://www.dinneratchristinas.com/2009/05/steak-stir-fry-and-leftover-meat-ideas.html