Tired of the same old spaghetti and meatballs? Don't let that delicious leftover spaghetti sauce go to waste! With a little creativity, you can transform those leftover jarred or homemade sauces into a variety of quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meals. From comforting classics to exciting new dishes, we've got the best recipes to help you use up every last drop. Get ready to elevate your leftovers game!
Quick & Easy Recipes Using Leftover Spaghetti Sauce
These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast. They're all adaptable to your taste and what you have on hand – a key ingredient in any great homemade cooking experience.
1. Spaghetti Sauce Stuffed Shells
This comforting classic is surprisingly easy to make and a fantastic way to use up a larger quantity of sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 (15 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
- 1 1/2 cups leftover spaghetti sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Fill each cooked pasta shell with the ricotta mixture.
- Arrange the stuffed shells in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the shells.
- Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden brown.
2. Speedy Spaghetti Sauce Pizza
This recipe is a fun and easy option perfect for a quick dinner, especially when using pre-made pizza dough.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade!)
- 1 cup leftover spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, etc.)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven according to pizza dough instructions.
- Spread the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the leftover spaghetti sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and your favorite pizza toppings.
- Bake according to pizza dough instructions, or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Hearty Spaghetti Sauce and Sausage Skillet
This one-pan wonder is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas that are also incredibly satisfying. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (can substitute with some of your leftover sauce for extra flavor!)
- 1 cup leftover spaghetti sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, crushed tomatoes, leftover spaghetti sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or polenta.
Tips & Variations for Your Leftover Spaghetti Sauce Recipes
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to any of these recipes for a little extra heat.
- Add vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by adding extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a blend.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage from the skillet recipe for a vegetarian option.
- Freeze for later: Leftover sauce can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving, will vary based on ingredients and recipe):
- Spaghetti Sauce Stuffed Shells: Calories: 350-400, Protein: 15-20g, Fat: 15-20g
- Speedy Spaghetti Sauce Pizza: Calories: 300-400, Protein: 10-15g, Fat: 15-20g
- Hearty Spaghetti Sauce and Sausage Skillet: Calories: 400-500, Protein: 20-25g, Fat: 20-25g
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Let your creativity flow and experiment with different combinations to discover your own favorite ways to use up leftover spaghetti sauce. Enjoy your delicious and resourceful meals!