There can never be too much spaghetti sauce, right? As a result, nine times out of ten, we create more spaghetti sauce than is required. That’s when it strikes you! You invested time, money, and effort on that sauce, therefore it cannot go to waste! The issue then becomes, what do you do with leftover spaghetti sauce?
You may make filled eggplants, tortellini soup, chicken Parmigiana, tuna and zucchini mini lasagnas, tomato risotto pie, Thai fish curry, and more creative and tasty recipes with your spaghetti sauce.
Now that I’ve given you some ideas for what you can do with that beautiful sauce from last night’s spaghetti meal, let me show you how a little ingenuity and some added ingredients can transform a dish into something new. After reading the suggestions below, I’m sure you’ll be looking for leftover spaghetti sauce on purpose.
Contents
- What to do With Leftover Sauce? 21 Ideas
- Stuffed Eggplant
- Tortellini Soup
- Chicken Parmigiana
- Peas with Poached Eggs
- Tuna and Zucchini Mini Lasagnas
- Meatball Casserole
- Tomato Risotto Tart
- Chicken/Shrimp Curry
- Baked Beans
- Lasagna Skillet
- Thai Salmon Curry
- Buffalo Chicken Wings
- Shrimp Bake
- Roasted Vegetable Casserole
- Pizza
- Butter Chicken
- Dip for Cheese Sticks
- Creamy Spicy Spaghetti
- Meatloaf Glaze
- Mashed Potato Pie
- Nachos Toppings
- How Long Does Leftover Spaghetti Sauce Last?
- FAQs
- What can I eat with spaghetti sauce instead of pasta?
- What can you eat with marinara sauce besides pasta?
- What can I do with an open jar of spaghetti sauce?
- How long is leftover spaghetti sauce good for in the fridge?
- What can marinara sauce be used for?
- Can I freeze spaghetti sauce?
- What is the difference between marinara sauce and spaghetti sauce the same?
- What’s the difference between marinara sauce and regular pasta sauce?
- Can you eat marinara sauce like soup?
- Can spaghetti sauce go bad?
What to do With Leftover Sauce? 21 Ideas
Did you realize that leftover spaghetti sauce tastes much better the next day? All of the herbs and spices in it will integrate with the tomato, resulting in a better sauce the next day. Let me offer you some suggestions on what to do with that beautiful remaining sauce.
Stuffed Eggplant
You’ll just need your favorite vegetables (or whatever veggies you have on hand), leftover spaghetti sauce, bechamel sauce, sausage, mozzarella, and eggplant to prepare this recipe. If you choose, you may make the dish vegetarian by omitting the meat.
Begin by slicing the eggplant in half and scooping out the insides. Chop the bits you removed and save them for the vegetable filling. Season your eggplant with salt and set it aside to rest.
Cook your onions and garlic in olive oil in a skillet till golden, then add the vegetables. If you’re adding meat, start with that and then go on to the veggies. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. When the veggies are nearly done (remember, they will continue to cook in the oven), add the remaining sauce and bechamel.
Pat the eggplant dry, fill it with the vegetable mixture, top with mozzarella, and bake for 25 minutes at 390 F. Serve hot with a green salad.
Tortellini Soup
Tortellini soup is an easy recipe that is excellent for a rainy day! And just seven ingredients are required (including any leftover sauce). Begin by heating a skillet with olive oil, minced garlic, finely sliced onions, and chili flakes. Pour in your spaghetti sauce and broth (vegetable or chicken). Allow to boil before adding and cooking the tortellini according to package directions.
When done, finish with heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. It just takes twenty minutes.
Chicken Parmigiana
This Chicken Parmigiana couldn’t be simpler! Cook and rest your breaded chicken breasts. Pour the remaining sauce onto an oven-safe dish, place the chicken on top, and top with mozzarella (I use a full 8 oz. ball) and parmesan. Toss for 3-4 minutes in the oven to melt the cheese, and you’re done!
Peas with Poached Eggs
Peas with Poached Eggs are definitely something you’ll pass over, but trust me, once you taste them, you won’t forget them. Add the onion edges to the heated olive oil, followed by the remaining sauce and peas (fresh or frozen). Season with salt and pepper and let it boil for 5 to 7 minutes, adding water if necessary.
Make few holes with a spoon for your uncooked eggs and poach them for 5 minutes with the lid covered.
Tuna and Zucchini Mini Lasagnas
Begin by combining the tuna and the leftover spaghetti sauce. Spray a muffin pan with vegetable oil and place a zucchini slice in each hole. Sprinkle with mozzarella and top with a tablespoon of tuna and sauce. Rep the procedure.
Cook for 20 minutes at 390°F and enjoy this nutritious snack.
Meatball Casserole
Layer the cooked meatballs on top of the leftover spaghetti sauce in a casserole dish. Cover with your preferred cheese and bake until the cheese melts. Sprinkle with parsley and serve over spaghetti, bread, or even by itself (I won’t judge).
Tomato Risotto Tart
Another fave of mine! While the ragu sauce is cooking, make a tomato risotto using the remaining spaghetti sauce. Line an oven-safe bowl with parchment paper, then add half of the rice, the ragu, and the mozzarella and provolone cheeses. Cover with the leftover risotto and bake until dry (about 15-20 minutes).
Chicken/Shrimp Curry
Cut the onions, bell peppers, and chile into thin slices, then mince the garlic and ginger. Fry in one tablespoon olive oil until the onions and pepper are tender. Allow to cook cubed chicken or shrimp. Pour in an equal amount of leftover spaghetti sauce and coconut milk. Allow for a 10-minute simmer on low heat. Serve with lime and basmati rice.
Baked Beans
Fry onions, garlic, and fresh chiles in olive oil and paprika. Blend in a food processor with some roasted peppers and any remaining sauce. Return to the pan and bring to a boil. Allow beans and cooked pancetta (if used) to boil for 5 minutes longer.
Season with salt and pepper, top with fresh rosemary leaves, and bake for 30 minutes. Serve with toasted bread and a glass of white wine.
Lasagna Skillet
This lasagna skillet is probably the reason you’ll never cook a true lasagna again. It’s simple to create and delightful to eat.
Fry your chopped onions and garlic, then add your minced beef and fry it to perfection, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and oregano. Allow to boil after adding your leftover sauce and some chicken broth. Cook for 10 minutes after adding your pasta (which may be broken lasagna sheets or any other kind of pasta you have on hand). Add some mozzarella and you’re good to go.
Thai Salmon Curry
In a pan with coconut oil, sear your seasoned fish. Set aside the fish. To cook, add your finely chopped garlic, onions, and bell peppers to the pan. Pour in the remaining sauce and veggie broth. Allow to cook with some chopped kale. Pour in the coconut milk and cook for around 10-15 minutes. Return the fish to the pan and serve with fresh basil and rice.
Buffalo Chicken Wings
What should I do with the remaining spaghetti sauce and chicken? Buffalo wings!
Coat your chicken wings in a mixture of leftover spaghetti sauce, spicy sauce (in the same proportions as before), and a spoonful of honey. Bake for 40 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit, and you’re done. It would be difficult to make it easier.
Shrimp Bake
In an oven-safe dish, combine sliced yellow pepper, red onion, zucchini, broccoli, chile, garlic, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and bake for 30 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from the oven and stir in the remaining sauce and uncooked shrimp (peeled and butterflied). Return to the oven for a further 10 minutes. Serve with mashed potatoes and capers on top.
Roasted Vegetable Casserole
Begin by browning the garlic and onions in heated olive oil. Allow the eggplants, peppers, and mushrooms to simmer. Toss in your leftover spaghetti sauce, cover with a lid, and cook for 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and place in an oven-safe dish. Cover with cubed goat cheese and breadcrumbs and bake at 450 F for 30 minutes, or until the top is crispy.
Pizza
Pizza is certainly the first item that springs to mind, although it is not the most imaginative. Prepare your pizza dough and form it into the desired shape. Spread your remaining sauce on top, then top with your toppings and a generous amount of mozzarella (I usually rip a fresh mozzarella ball apart for added taste), and finish with a sprinkling of rosemary. Bake for 20-25 minutes and sprinkle with olive oil once done.
Butter Chicken
The first step is to prepare the chicken. I like to cook mine on the grill to add a smokey taste to the meal. Melt some butter in a casserole dish and add chopped onions, garam masala, chili powder, finely minced ginger and onion, and one cinnamon stick. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, stir in the remaining spaghetti sauce, water, and heavy cream. Allow the prepared chicken to boil for 10-15 minutes. Serve with jasmine rice and the magical ingredient butter.
Dip for Cheese Sticks
Is there a simple way to use up leftover spaghetti sauce? Serve with chili flakes and oregano as a dip for your Cheese Sticks.
Creamy Spicy Spaghetti
You may not have intended to utilize your leftover spaghetti sauce to create additional spaghetti, but this meal is stunning.
Fry your garlic in olive oil in a skillet, then add little chile oil. Add your spaghetti sauce, a splash of pasta water, and salt to taste. Allow it to cook for 3 minutes. Mix egg yolks, parmesan cheese, and black pepper on the side. To the sauce, add your cooked pasta and the egg mixture. If required, add additional pasta water to make it creamier.
Meatloaf Glaze
Meatloaf is already a beautiful meal, but it is transformed into paradise when glazed. Simply follow these instructions to make a next-level glaze with your leftover spaghetti sauce: Cook your meatloaf in a dish with two oranges and a full clove of garlic, each sliced in half.
Remove the oranges and garlic from the oven after 25-30 minutes.
Squeeze the oranges to get the juice. Take caution since they will be quite hot. Remove the skin off the garlic and smash it. Bring the mixture to a boil in a skillet, then add one tablespoon of hoisin sauce and your leftover spaghetti sauce. Allow to simmer.
Glaze your meatloaf with this delectable mixture and bake for 10 minutes longer.
Mashed Potato Pie
Mashed Potato Pie is another one of my all-time favorite comfort meals. Mashed potatoes, a filling, breadcrumbs, and one egg are all you need. But how does this connect to the remaining spaghetti sauce? It’s simple; you’ll utilize it for the filling! You may use it to make a ragu, a salmon and herb sauce, or, the simplest of all, combine it with tuna!
Cover the bottom of an oven-proof casserole dish with half of your mashed potatoes. Cover with the remaining mashed potatoes and the reserved sauce filling. Glaze with egg wash (egg yolk with a splash of water), then coat with breadcrumbs. Cook for 20-25 minutes in the oven!
Nachos Toppings
This dish may be prepared with or without meat. I’ll share the one with meat, but you may leave it out of your nacho toppings if you choose.
To begin, heat olive oil in a skillet and add minced meat and chopped onions. When the meat is brown, add spices (salt, pepper, and minced garlic) and your leftover spaghetti sauce, along with a splash of water (for a creamier sauce). Cook for another 2-3 minutes after adding the butter beans.
Place the nachos on a baking sheet, then top with the beef and bean sauce and a liberal quantity of mozzarella cheese. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese begins to melt. Serve with pico de gallo, cilantro, guacamole, and sour cream, and share with your guests.
How Long Does Leftover Spaghetti Sauce Last?
Leftover Spaghetti Sauce may be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days and frozen for up to 4 months. So, if you’re still unsure what to do with leftover spaghetti sauce, just freeze it!
FAQs
What can I eat with spaghetti sauce instead of pasta?
So, here are six ways to utilize spaghetti sauce (without purchasing pasta) for your culinary enjoyment.
1: Make some pizza. Spaghetti sauce may also be used to make pizza sauce! …
2: Make Parmesan Eggplant or Zucchini.
3: Prepare Taco Salad.
4: Drizzle over the vegetables.
5: Make the dip.
6: Make some chili.
Make your own homemade lasagna noodles.
What can you eat with marinara sauce besides pasta?
Other Than Pasta, Here Are 10 Ways to Enjoy Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce with eggs. PIN IT. Caty Schnack.
Vegetable Dipping Sauce. PIN IT. Rae Steinbach.
French Fries, Mozzarella Sticks, and Marinara. PIN IT.
Ramen Topping. PIN IT.
On Top of Baked Potatoes. PIN IT.
With Grilled Cheese. PIN IT.
Soft Pretzel Dip. PIN IT.
Marinara Mac n’ Cheese. PIN IT.
What can I do with an open jar of spaghetti sauce?
Barilla suggests refrigerating an opened jar of sauce for 3-5 days. The leftover sauce may be frozen at any point during the next 3-5 days; just transfer it to a freezer-safe container and it will keep for up to 3 months.
How long is leftover spaghetti sauce good for in the fridge?
How Long Will Pasta and Sauce Last in the Fridge? You’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered how long spaghetti sauce lasts in the fridge. Homemade pasta sauce can keep three to four days in the fridge, while store-bought sauce will last up to four days.
What can marinara sauce be used for?
Alternatively, veggies.Marinara sauce may be used as a spaghetti sauce, with any sort of pasta, or as a dipping sauce. Spaghetti sauce takes all of the same basic components and takes them to the next level by adding meats and vegetables.
Can I freeze spaghetti sauce?
So, can I put spaghetti sauce in the freezer? Pasta sauce may be frozen. Simply place your sauce in a freezer bag or container to preserve its genuine flavor for up to six months. When you’re ready to use it again, just take it out of the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
What is the difference between marinara sauce and spaghetti sauce the same?
Pasta sauce is more strong and sophisticated, with a larger ingredient list and rich taste. Marinara sauce is often devoid of meat (unlike spaghetti sauce), giving it a thinner texture. Marinara is a typical dipping sauce, although pasta sauce is not.
What’s the difference between marinara sauce and regular pasta sauce?
While the two sauces share many components, the key distinction is in their consistency and taste depth. Marinara is more vibrant, thinner, more tomato-forward than tomato sauce. Tomato sauce is thicker, creamier, and more akin to gravy, which is why some Italians refer to it as “Sunday gravy.”
Can you eat marinara sauce like soup?
Marinara in a jar may be used.
According to Food & Wine, if you have a jar of your favorite marinara sauce or even leftover pasta sauce from the night before, you can make it into a great soup.
Can spaghetti sauce go bad?
While pasta sauce may be stored for five to six days after opening, dairy-based sauces, such as Alfredo, should be used within three to four days. How long does unopened spaghetti sauce last? If properly kept, unopened tomato pasta sauce in a jar may last 12 to 18 months.