Do you have leftover spaghetti sauce? Do not leave it in the fridge only to be tossed! We love repurposing leftovers here at The Kitchen Chalkboard.
Let’s use the sauce differently!
Whether you want to include chicken or exclude pasta, we’ve got you covered with seven great recipe ideas.
Let’s go to The Chalkboard.
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What’s The Difference Between Spaghetti Sauce And Marinara Sauce?
While both spaghetti and marinara are both tomato-based sauces, there are some differences. Spaghetti sauce typically has meat and veggies, while marinara typically has more herbs and spices. Some spaghetti sauce recipes include marinara as an ingredient.
Use them interchangeably; the ratio is 1:1. Almost all of our recipe suggestions can easily include marinara instead of spaghetti sauce.
How To Store Leftover Spaghetti Sauce
Leftover spaghetti sauce makes excellent leftovers. Once it has cooled down, store it in a plastic or glass container.
Clean glass jars from store-bought sauces work well. Remove the labels and wash them in the dishwasher before first use.
How Long Does Leftover Spaghetti Sauce Last In The Fridge
A quick Google search will give you a wide range of options for how long spaghetti sauce can be stored in the fridge. We’ve seen everything from 2-10 days. Our recommendation is 3-4 days.
There are a lot of factors involved. Meat sauce will not last longer than vegetarian versions. Store-bought sauces often have preservatives, so they have extra days. The USDA guidelines are 5-7 days after opening.
Can Leftover Spaghetti Sauce Be Frozen
Yes, you can freeze leftover spaghetti sauce. Plastic tends to get brittle, and glass can shatter with temperature changes, so we recommend freezer bags.
Pour the sauce into large freezer bags and remove excess air. Once sealed, lay them flat on a baking sheet. Place in the freezer until solid, and then remove the baking sheet.
Freezing this way makes them easier to store and defrost. When you are ready to cook, place the sauce in the refrigerator overnight or in a large pot of water to defrost. The large surface area lowers the defrost time so that dinner will be ready in a snap.
Frozen spaghetti sauce is good for 4-6 months. Be sure to label it clearly,
How To Avoid Spaghetti Sauce Stains On Storage Containers
Heat is the enemy here. It will stain if you pour hot sauce into a plastic container or heat it in the microwave. Let the sauce come to room temperature before placing it in plastic, and do not heat it in plastic containers.
Better yet, if you are refrigerating sauce, use glass. It won’t stain and heats well. Drastic temperature changes can cause the glass to crack, so we don’t recommend freezing it.
Recipes Using Leftover Spaghetti Sauce Without Pasta
- Shakshuka
This dish is also known as eggs poached in tomato sauce. Bring the sauce to a boil in a large frying pan. Make small wells and place an egg in each. Cover and cook until the whites are set. Serve with crusty bread.
- Chicken Parmesan
If your sauce doesn’t have meat, use it as a topping for chicken or eggplant parmesan. Since we are skipping pasta, serve with a side salad.
- Pizza Topping
Use leftover spaghetti sauce instead of the traditional version.
- Stuffed Peppers
Many of us prefer to avoid making stuffed peppers since many elements are involved. Using leftover spaghetti sauce cuts the cooking and prep time down dramatically. We love to use Trader Joe’s frozen rice which is ready in three minutes. Mix the sauce and rice and place inside a bell pepper. Top with your favorite cheese and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 30 minutes.
- Soup
Making spaghetti sauce into soup could not be easier. This Marinara Soup from The Seasoned Mom is on the table in 20 minutes. Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches for a cozy winter dinner.
- Chicken Marinara With Polenta
If you are looking for a way to use leftover spaghetti sauce that involves chicken, this recipe from The Magical Slow Cooker is for you. It’s savory and a departure from a typical pasta dish.
*BONUS* Spaghetti Sauce Casserole
These are meant to be great leftover spaghetti sauce recipes without pasta, but this one is too good to leave off. This Spaghetti Casserole from Lil Luna is a kid’s favorite and uses lots of leftover sauce. You can easily half the recipe if needed.
What Do You Think?
How do you like to use leftover spaghetti sauce? Let me know in the comments below; I’d love to read it.
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