Have you ever noticed how some meals seem to magically taste better the next day? It’s not just your imagination. There’s a whole world of dishes out there that truly come into their own as leftovers. From pasta that soaks up all the saucy goodness overnight to stews that develop deeper flavors, these 11 meals are guaranteed to make you look forward to round two.
Lasagna
Lasagna’s layers have a chance to soak up all the herbs, spices, and sauces overnight, making each bite more harmonious and flavorful. It’s as if the ingredients decide to become best friends, resulting in a dish that’s more unified and delicious the next day.
Try This: Easy Lasagna Recipe
Chili
Chili benefits from a rest allowing the spices and flavors to meld together, creating a deeper, more robust taste. The beans and meat absorb the spicy, savory liquid, resulting in a thicker, heartier dish that’s even more satisfying after a day’s wait.
Try This: 15 Must-Taste Chili Recipes
Meat Sauce
After a night in the fridge, meat sauce’s flavors intensify, with the garlic, herbs, and meat merging into a more cohesive and rich sauce. This extra time allows the sauce to develop a fuller body and taste, making it a perfect companion for your favorite pasta.
Try This: Delicious Lamb Bolognese
Stew
The ingredients in stew have time to blend together, with the meat becoming even more tender and the vegetables absorbing all the savory broth. This process enhances the overall flavor and texture, making the stew more comforting and delicious the next day.
Try This: 13 Cozy Stew Recipes
Vegetable Soup
Overnight, the flavors in vegetable soup become more pronounced as the ingredients share their unique tastes with the broth. This not only intensifies the flavor but also creates a more satisfying and cohesive soup experience.
Try This: Vegetable Soup
Curry
Curry’s complex spices and flavors have time to meld and deepen, resulting in a dish that’s richer and more aromatic. The additional time allows the sauce to thicken and the ingredients to fully soak up the vibrant flavors, enhancing the overall taste.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegetable Curry
Shepherd’s Pie
The flavors in Shepherd’s Pie meld together overnight, allowing the savory meat filling and creamy mashed potatoes to achieve a perfect balance. This makes the pie even more delicious and comforting the next day, with a richer taste and more satisfying texture.
Try This: Turkey Chili Pie
Spiral Ham
Spiral ham’s flavors continue to develop as the glaze further infuses the meat. This results in a juicier, more flavorful ham that is even more enjoyable after a day of resting in its own delicious juices.
Try This: 26 Ways To Use Leftover Ham
Meatloaf
Meatloaf’s flavors consolidate and mature overnight, making it juicier and more flavorful. This rest period allows the ingredients to fully integrate, creating a more cohesive and enjoyable dish the next day.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf
Marinated Bean Salads
Marinated bean salads actually improve with a little patience. The beans absorb the dressing, becoming more flavorful as they sit. The acids and herbs in the marinade work their magic, ensuring that each bean packs a punch of flavor, making the salad more delicious after it’s had time to rest.
Get the Recipe: Mango Black Bean Salad
Stuffing
Stuffing isn’t just for the holidays; it’s for the day after, too. The bread has time to fully soak up all the flavors from the herbs, broth, and any add-ins like sausage or vegetables. This rest period allows the stuffing to become even more moist and flavorful, turning leftovers into a sought-after dish.
Get the Recipe: The Best Cornbread Stuffing
11 Foods You Loved As A Kid That Make You Want To Gag Now
Take a walk down memory lane and peek at the foods and drinks we absolutely adored as kids but can’t stand now. You know, those treats that had us rushing to the kitchen, eyes sparkling with joy. Fast forward to today, and it’s a whole different story. Why? Maybe our taste buds got a reality check, or perhaps we just realized that some things are better left in the past.
See them here:11 Foods You Loved As A Kid That Make You Want To Gag Now
These Are 9 Of The Worst Movie Snacks And Here’s Why
You’re cozied up for movie night, the screen is glowing, and then it happens: your snack choice turns the evening south. It’s a universal truth that not all snacks are created equal, especially when it comes to enjoying them in front of a movie. Here are the top 9 snacks in no particular order that have a notorious reputation for dampening the movie-watching vibe.
See them here:These Are 9 Of The Worst Movie Snacks And Here’s Why
10 Foods That Have Priced Themselves Out Of Our Shopping Carts Lately
Ever noticed how some grocery items have gone from ‘yeah, let’s grab it’ to ‘wait, how much?!’ lately? We’re looking at a bunch of foods that have gotten so expensive, we’re just shaking our heads and putting them back on the shelf. From breakfast staples to quick dinner fixes, let’s talk about the stuff that’s not making the cut anymore and how whipping up alternatives at home might just be the wallet-friendly (and fun) way to go.
See them here: 10 Foods That Have Priced Themselves Out Of Our Shopping Carts Lately
Gina Matsoukas
Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
