Last Night’s Meatloaf = Tonight’s Shepard’s Pie

So here’s the “haps” it is…short and sweet

I am a HUGE fan of taking last nights leftovers and using them to make something completely new…

Kind of like “She’s All That”… (Please tell me that you are a teenager of the ’90’s and know what I am talking about…if not, I will find another decade appropriate, coming of age, ugly duckling turns prom queen and gets the hot guy movie reference for you)

Take the boring (well, it was fun and tasty last night, but really, who wants leftovers again and again and again???)

and make it extraordinary!!!

And the beauty of it is….

It’s almost all made for you!!!! This cuts down the prep time by like 97%!!! It also cuts down the time that you have to find entertainment for those little rascals who want to “help” you cook by reaching for the ingredients on the cutting board right as you are chopping or trying to pour in the seasoning with the top completely off….

So here you have it…the only way I ever make Shepard’s Pie anymore…quick and simple.

What you need

Meatloaf (preferable last nights so you don’t have to make it now)

Mashed Potatoes (again, last nights would be nice)

Veggies (I use the frozen ones and pour em right on in…super duper quick and easy)

Shredded Cheese

What you do

Cut the leftover meatloaf into slices and throw it into the bottom of a casserole dish (size will depend on just how much you got left over) then chop it up a bit in the bottom of the dish so it’s not in “slices” anymore

Add a layer of veggies (I had leftover carrots so I started with those)

Then I threw in some frozen corn and peas…I like variety in my life….

well, with most things…I don’t in fact like variety when it comes to my hubs….I adore the one and only I have!!!

Add the mashed potatoes…

and the cheese…mmmm…..cheese….

and throw it in a preheated 400 degree oven for about 30-45 minutes (if you have just taken the stuff out of the fridge it may be more like 45 minutes to an hour)

Take it out, spoon it onto some plates and indulge in the goodness that is super duper easy comfort food!!!

Happy cooking!!!

Ingredients

Leftover meatloaf

Leftover mashed potatoes

Leftover Veggies

Shredded Cheese

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Loosely chop leftover meatloaf and place in the bottom of a baking dish (size will vary depending upon how much leftover stuff you have). Place the leftover veggies in a layer over the meatloaf. Layer the leftover mashed potatoes over the veggies and smooth out on top. Toss shredded cheese over the top of the mashed potatoes and place in the oven. Bake for about 30-45 minutes, depending on size, until the center is hot. Serving size will vary depending on how much leftover stuff you have. Enjoy!

Reinvent Your Leftovers

Ok. Raise your hand if you eat leftovers….and I am not talking about the yummy leftover spicy chicken chipotle pasta that you indulged in last night at Cheesecake Factory.

I am talking about eating last night’s food again. And again. And again until it’s gone.

I’m not a waster and I absolutely abhor throwing away food so my family gets to eat meals until they disappear.

Boring! I know. But, in an effort to quell familial unrest and uprising, I have started to get creative.

And here is the beauty…you can too!!!

Are you ready? Here is what you need:

Last nights leftovers
An Imagination

Here is my example:
Last nights veggie stir fry that I really don’t feel like eating again cause its just not that great reheated.

Add some cheese, fajita/taco seasoning, tortillas… (and if you are me….lots and lots and lots of Tapatio)

and some sour cream and you have a fajita quesadilla!!! That. Just. Happened!!!

It was delicious by the way 😉

I plan meals for the week and intentionally plan some meals using the previous nights leftovers. Here are a few examples of “reinventions” that you could use:

Turn last nights Chili into:
– Taco meat
– Burritos
– The base for Tamale pie
– Filling for Stuffed Bell Peppers

You get the point right?

Ooh another one of my favorites that’s sooooo easy – make meatloaf and mashed potatoes one night and use them the next night with some cheese and frozen veggies for Shepard’s Pie.

Seriously, get creative and you will be amazed at not only how much money you can save on groceries but at how much your family will adore you even more.

You might even be able to get your husband to take out the trash without asking!!!  (I haven’t taken the trash out in….I don’t even remember how long!!! I know I have an amazing husband!)

Or get the kids to go to bed without a fight!!!! Could there be such a world????

Have fun reinventing your leftovers, and please, If you have any great “reinventions”, comment and share them with us 🙂