When it comes to leftovers, many of us can’t help but feel a sense of dread. The thought of reheating last night’s dinner for the third or fourth time can be overwhelming. But what if we told you there are ways to breathe new life into those leftover burgers? From classic comfort food dishes to international-inspired meals, we’ve rounded up 20 creative recipes that will make you rethink the way you approach leftovers.
In this article, we’ll dive into a range of ideas for using up leftover hamburgers, from pasta bakes and casseroles to stir-fries, quesadillas, and more. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or something a little more adventurous, we’ve got you covered. So go ahead, get creative with your leftovers, and discover a whole new world of flavors and possibilities!
Leftover Hamburger Shepherd’s Pie
Transform leftover hamburger into a satisfying and flavorful shepherd’s pie, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. This recipe is a great way to reduce food waste and get creative with your meal planning.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover cooked hamburger
– 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn)
– 1/2 cup mashed potatoes
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: grated cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, combine leftover hamburger and mixed vegetables. Heat over medium heat until warmed through.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top of the hamburger mixture.
5. Dot the potatoes with butter and season with salt and pepper.
6. If using cheese, sprinkle on top of the potatoes.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cheesy Hamburger Pasta Bake
A classic comfort food recipe that combines tender pasta, flavorful ground beef, and a rich cheesy sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, macaroni, or rotini)
– 1 lb. ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp. dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until onion is translucent.
5. Stir in tomato sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine cooked pasta with meat sauce mixture; transfer to a baking dish.
7. Top with additional shredded cheese (if desired) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Hamburger Fried Rice
A twist on the classic Chinese dish, this recipe combines cooked hamburger with savory rice, vegetables, and spices to create a flavorful and filling meal. Perfect for using up leftover ingredients!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Push the beef to one side of the pan; add diced onion and minced garlic to the other side. Cook until onion is translucent.
4. Add frozen vegetables and stir-fry until they’re tender-crisp.
5. Stir in cooked rice, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Leftover Hamburger Stuffed Peppers
Turn last night’s leftover hamburger into a delicious and nutritious meal with this simple recipe. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch, these stuffed peppers are a great way to repurpose leftovers.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup leftover cooked hamburger (about 2 cups raw)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced tomatoes for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the tops of the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Add cooked hamburger, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, breaking up any large clumps with a spoon.
5. Stuff each pepper with the hamburger mixture, filling to the top.
6. Place peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Hamburger and Potato Casserole
This classic comfort food dish is a staple for many families, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and satisfies even the heartiest of appetites. With ground beef, potatoes, and a crunchy topping, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup crushed crackers
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
3. Add chopped onion and frozen peas and carrots to the skillet. Cook until onion is translucent.
4. In a separate pot, boil sliced potatoes for 5 minutes or until slightly tender.
5. Combine cooked ground beef mixture, boiled potatoes, shredded cheese, milk, butter, salt, and pepper in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Top with crushed crackers and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spicy Hamburger Quesadillas
Get ready to spice up your quesadilla game with this flavorful recipe that combines the comfort of hamburgers with the crunch of tortillas. These Spicy Hamburger Quesadillas are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
– 1 minced jalapeño pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 4 large tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, jalapeño, and garlic. Cook until browned, breaking up with a spoon as needed.
3. Add taco seasoning and cook according to package instructions.
4. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle shredded cheese on half of it.
5. Spoon cooked hamburger mixture over the cheese, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
6. Fold the tortilla in half and cook for 2-3 minutes or until crispy and melted.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Hamburger and Vegetable Stir-Fry
A flavorful and healthy stir-fry recipe that combines juicy hamburger patties with a colorful medley of vegetables, all cooked to perfection in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color)
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the vegetable oil and cook the hamburger patties until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Remove the patties from the pan and set aside. Leave any juices in the pan.
4. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the pan and stir-fry for 1 minute.
5. Add the mixed bell peppers and broccoli to the pan, stirring frequently. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
6. Return the hamburger patties to the pan and stir in the soy sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Leftover Hamburger Chili
Transform yesterday’s hamburger into a hearty and comforting chili dish with this simple recipe. Perfect for using up leftover ground beef, this chili is a great way to stretch your food budget while still delivering plenty of flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover cooked hamburger
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the onion and garlic over medium-high heat until the onion is translucent.
2. Add the red bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Stir in the cooked hamburger, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the water and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Hamburger and Egg Breakfast Scramble
Start your day with a hearty breakfast scramble that combines savory hamburger with fluffy eggs and crispy veggies.
Hamburger and Egg Breakfast Scramble Recipe
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped bell peppers, or cooked bacon for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Crack in the eggs and scramble them until cooked through.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with optional cheese, bell peppers, or bacon for added flavor.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Loaded Hamburger Nachos
Get ready for a game-day snack that’s sure to please: loaded hamburger nachos! This recipe combines the classic flavors of burgers, cheese, and jalapeños with crispy tortilla chips.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tortilla chips
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Spoon the hamburger mixture over the tortilla chips, followed by shredded cheese and chopped cilantro.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from oven and top with diced jalapeño peppers.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Hamburger and Cheese Stuffed Buns
Elevate your burger game with these soft, buttery buns filled with savory hamburger and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of active dry yeast
– 2 cups of warm water
– 3 tablespoons of sugar
– 4 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, until smooth.
5. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten slightly into disk shape.
6. Place a spoonful of ground beef in the center of each bun. Top with shredded cheese and fold edges to form a pocket.
7. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Leftover Hamburger Pizza
Transform last night’s leftover hamburger into a delicious pizza that’s perfect for lunch or dinner the next day. This easy recipe is a great way to reuse and recycle your leftovers, reducing food waste and saving time in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup leftover cooked hamburger
– 1 pre-made pizza crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup pizza sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread the leftover hamburger evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Spoon the pizza sauce over the hamburger, making sure to cover it completely.
4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pizza.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Hamburger and Bean Soup
This classic soup is a staple of comfort food, packed with flavor from ground beef, beans, and vegetables. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups cooked kidney beans
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped bell peppers or carrots for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, and oregano.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Leftover Hamburger Tacos
Transform last night’s hamburger into a delicious taco meal with this quick and easy recipe. Perfect for using up leftover ground beef, these tacos are a great way to reduce food waste and enjoy a tasty meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup leftover cooked hamburger
– 8-10 taco shells
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– 1/4 cup diced onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salsa, sour cream, and cilantro for toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the leftover hamburger and break it up with a spoon into small pieces.
4. Cook the hamburger for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
5. Warm taco shells according to package instructions.
6. Assemble tacos by spooning the hamburger mixture into the shells, topping with cheese, onion, and jalapeño.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Hamburger and Macaroni Skillet
A hearty and satisfying one-pot meal that combines juicy ground beef with pasta, vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 8 oz macaroni
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
5. Stir in mixed bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes or until tender.
6. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
7. Combine cooked macaroni with the tomato sauce mixture. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Hamburger and Cornbread Casserole
A hearty, satisfying casserole that combines the flavors of juicy hamburgers with sweet cornbread, perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 cup milk
– 2 cups cornbread mix
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and cornbread mix.
5. Combine cooked hamburger mixture with cornbread mixture; stir until just combined.
6. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish; dot top with melted butter.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Leftover Hamburger Sliders
Transform last night’s leftover burgers into scrumptious sliders perfect for a quick snack or meal. This recipe is a great way to reduce food waste and satisfy your hunger.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 leftover hamburger patties
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– 4 small hamburger buns or slider rolls
– Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Split the hamburger buns in half and toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes.
3. Assemble the sliders by spreading mayonnaise on the bottom bun, followed by a leftover patty, a dollop of Dijon mustard, and a sprinkle of cheese (if using).
4. Top with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and any other desired toppings.
5. Place the top bun on each slider.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Hamburger and Veggie Wraps
This recipe combines juicy hamburgers with a colorful mix of vegetables, all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped mushrooms
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 8 large tortillas
– Shredded cheese (optional)
– Lettuce, tomato, and other toppings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into 8 equal-sized patties. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked to your liking.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble wraps by placing a cooked patty on each tortilla, followed by your choice of toppings. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Leftover Hamburger Hash
Transform last night’s leftover hamburgers into a tasty breakfast or brunch dish with this simple recipe. Use up those leftovers and enjoy a satisfying meal!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover hamburger (cooked and cooled)
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 2 tablespoons butter or oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in butter or oil until softened.
3. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the leftover hamburger, peas and carrots, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Hamburger and Rice Stuffed Tomatoes
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed tomatoes, this recipe combines the savory goodness of hamburgers and rice with the sweetness of fresh tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tomatoes, hollowed out
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Stir in cooked rice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Stuff each tomato with the hamburger-rice mixture and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until tomatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get creative with your leftovers! This article presents 20 innovative recipes that transform leftover hamburgers into delicious meals. From classic Shepherd’s Pie to international-inspired dishes like Quesadillas and Tacos, these recipes are easy to make and packed with flavor. You’ll also find comforting casseroles, satisfying stir-fries, and even breakfast options. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a family-friendly dinner, this collection of recipes has got you covered. So next time you have leftover burgers, don’t toss them – turn them into a culinary masterpiece!
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