You can, and you SHOULD eat leftover bolognese. We are huge proponents of reducing food waste here at The Kitchen Chalkboard. Part of that is eating leftovers.
But that doesn’t mean you need to eat the same meal night after night. It’s best to repurpose leftovers and create a whole new meal.
Here are some creative ways to use up leftover bolognese.
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How To Store Leftover Bolognese
The best way to store leftovers is in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator. These will last for 3-4 days. If you don’t plan on eating it within that timeframe, freezing is a better option.
To freeze, place in a large freezer bag. Make sure to remove all air and label with the contents and the date.
Flatten the bag and put it on a baking sheet in the freezer for more accessible long-term storage. This will help it remain flat. Storing it this way will free up space and make it easier to defrost.
How Long Does Leftover Bolognese Last?
It’s essential to store the leftovers properly. If placed in an airtight container, bolognese sauce should last 3-4 days, according to FoodSafety.gov.
Your senses are the best guide. If the smell is off or doesn’t look good, it’s best to toss it.
Frozen bolognese should last for 3-4 months.
How Do You Revive Leftover Bolognese?
Even if you have correctly stored the sauce, it can solidify.
You’ll need to add some liquid to revive the bolognese. Put the sauce in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat to warm. Slowly add a Tablespoon of fluid to the sauce, stirring after each addition.
It’s best to use an ingredient from the recipe to revive the sauce. A few tablespoons of wine or heavy cream will do the trick. The wine will add more flavor, and the cream will thicken the sauce a bit.
Can You Reheat Leftover Spaghetti Bolognese?
You can reheat leftover spaghetti bolognese. If it’s frozen, place it in the refrigerator overnight to defrost.
Place the sauce in a pot on the stove over medium heat, occasionally stirring to ensure it’s not burning. You may need to lower the heat.
You can also reheat leftovers in the microwave. Be sure to stop halfway and stir to ensure even cooking.
Reduce waste and save money. Check out these simple strategies to repurpose leftovers.
Leftover Bolognese Recipes
Mexican Recipes Using Bolognese
Who says that bolognese needs to stay in Italian dishes only? Use the leftovers as the basis for a tasty Mexican dinner.
Enchiladas
Swap out plain ground beef for bolognese in your favorite recipe. This recipe is a Chalkboard Favorite.
Leftover Bolognese Quesadilla
Bolognese mixed with mozzarella cheese makes a great filling for quesadillas.
Bolognese Tacos
Don’t feel like melted cheese? Try the bolognese in a taco for a fun twist on a Tuesday night favorite.
Leftover Bolognese Breakfast Ideas
These simple leftover bolognese breakfast recipes turn this dinner into a great breakfast.
Omelet
Mix bolognese and eggs to make a hearty breakfast. Include spinach and mozzarella or fontina if you have them on hand.
Hash
It’s not just for leftover corned beef! Add bolognese and chopped potatoes to a skillet for a yummy breakfast. To get breakfast on the table in a flash, buying frozen chopped potatoes or even Trader Joe’s hashbrowns would work.
Pasta Dishes Using Leftover Bolognese
Here are some great ways to use up the bolognese besides the typical version over pasta.
Spaghetti Pie
Spaghetti Pie is like a warm hug. Mix 16 oz. Ricotta cheese with one egg and combine with two cups of leftover bolognese and one pound of cooked spaghetti. Pour into a springform pan and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 25-30 minutes.
Lasagna
Swap the standard marinara sauce in your favorite lasagna recipe for a hearty meal.
Lasagna Roll-Ups
Try the roll-up version if you love lasagna but don’t love the mountain of dishes or long cooking times. Boil the noodles and lay flat to dry. Top with ⅓ cup sauce and a few tablespoons of mozzarella sauce. Place in a 13×9” pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.
Bolognese Stuffed Shells
Fill cooked shells with bolognese sauce and top with shredded mozzarella. Bake for 25-20 minutes in a 350-degree oven.
Lunch Ideas For Leftover Bolognese
Bolognese Sloppy Joes
Place the heated bolognese sauce on a roll for an Italian Sloppy Joe.
Bolognese Wrap
Bolognese, romaine lettuce, and mozzarella cheese wrapped in a large flour tortilla equal lunch perfection!
Salad
Sometimes salads just aren’t filling. That’s not the case when you add bolognese! Top romaine lettuce with bolognese, mozzarella, olives, tomatoes, and oil and vinegar dressing.
Unique Leftover Bolognese Ideas
Sick of the same old dinners? Try these unique ways to use up leftovers!
Leftover Bolognese Soup
Heat a tablespoon or two of olive oil over medium heat and sautee carrots, onion, and celery until soft. Add the bolognese and heat through. Add a few cups of beef broth and a can of tomato soup.
Leftover Bolognese Curry
Completely flip the script with this curry recipe from Eats Amazing. Serve over potatoes, rice, or with Naan.
Leftover Bolognese Pie
Martha Stewart uses leftovers to create a pie with a biscuit topping. She even includes an option for store-bought dough; it doesn’t get easier than that!
Moussaka With Leftover Bolognese
Moussaka can be time-consuming since it has so many components, but using bolognese in place of the meat can shave tons of time off. If you have a large amount of sauce, try this recipe from Food52.
Shepherds Pie
Use this sauce as the basis for a filling Shepherd’s Pie. Add some sauteed peas and carrots and top with mashed potatoes. Bake until heated through and broil for a few minutes to crisp the topping.
Stuffed Peppers
Fill followed out bell peppers with bolognese sauce and rice. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake in a glass dish covered tightly with aluminum foil for 10 minutes in a 350-degree oven. Remove the foil and cook for 15 minutes more.
Bolognese With Rice
Want dinner on the table faster? Serve the sauce with cooked rice and sauteed bell peppers. Using Trader Joe’s frozen rice will have a healthy meal ready in 15 minutes.
Chili
If we have to label it, beans would be a cousin to chili since they have similar ingredients. For this reason, it’s easy to make bolognese into a chili by adding some black and pinto beans.
Calzones
Roll out some store-bought pizza dough and fill it with leftover sauce and mozzarella cheese. Fold it into a half-moon shape and brush the top with an egg mixed with a tablespoon of water. Bake in a 425-degree oven for 20-25 minutes.
Pizza Topping
So many leftovers can be used as a pizza topping, and bolognese is no different—top with cheese, and after it’s cooked through on some spinach.
What Do You Think?
What’s your favorite way to use up the leftover bolognese sauce? Let me know in the comments below; I’d love to hear.
Don’t let other leftovers go to waste! Here are some great ways to create new meals from last night’s dinner.
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