10 Best Ways To Use Leftover Lasagna Filling

Have an abundance of leftover lasagna filling from a long cooking session? Learn the 10 Best Ways To Use Leftover Lasagna Filling so it doesn’t go to waste!

In its traditional form, lasagna filling is a savory blend of ingredients typically composed of rich ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan, delicately seasoned with herbs such as parsley and often paired with meat, like ground beef or sausage, and a robust tomato sauce. Sometimes, variations could include vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms. The purpose of this filling is to create a creamy layer of indulgence between sheets of lasagna pasta, culminating in a dish that’s comforting and delicious.

You might find yourself with an abundance of filling after layering your pasta sheets. Even if you plan perfectly, lasagna can be a rich and heavy dish, and it’s not unusual to have leftovers. Leftover lasagna filling can be just as versatile as the dish itself.

With a little imagination, this glorious mix of cheese and seasonings can morph into entirely new creations. Not only will this help reduce food waste, but it will also add a flavorful twist to your routine meals!

🍴10 Best Ways To Use Leftover Lasagna Filling

1️⃣Stuffed Peppers: Cut bell peppers in half, remove the seeds, and fill them with your leftover lasagna filling, and cooked ground beef, and top with marinara sauce. Bake until the peppers are tender, and the filling is heated through.

2️⃣Quesadillas: Spread lasagna filling between two tortillas, add some additional cheese if you like, and heat on a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.

3️⃣Frittata: Whisk together eggs, lasagna filling, bacon, and diced vegetables. Pour into a baking pan and bake at 350F until the eggs are set and slightly browned.

4️⃣Lasagna Soup: Sauté some onions and garlic in a pot; add canned tomatoes, broth, herbs, and your leftover lasagna filling. Bring to a boil and add crushed lasagna noodles. Simmer until heated through, and the pasta is cooked. Serve with a sprinkle of cheese on top.

5️⃣Stuffed Mushrooms: Remove stems from large portobello mushrooms, fill with the lasagna filling and cooked ground sausage. Top with parmesan cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and the filling is heated through.

6️⃣Lasagna Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, sprinkle the lasagna filling over the chips, top with mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, and bake until the cheese is melted.

7️⃣Lasagna Calzone: Roll out pizza dough into a large circle, spread the leftover lasagna filling on one half of the dough, add sauce and your favorite toppings, then fold the other half over the filling, seal the edges, and bake until golden brown.

8️⃣Savory Pancakes: Mix the lasagna filling with some pancake batter. Cook small portions on a hot griddle until bubbles form on top, then flip and cook until golden brown.

9️⃣Stuffed Zucchini Boats: Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create a “boat.” Fill with the leftover lasagna filling and ground beef. Top with marinara sauce and parmesan cheese. Bake until the zucchini is tender.

🔟Arancini: Combine the lasagna filling with leftover risotto or cooked rice. Form into small balls, coat in breadcrumbs, and fry until golden brown.

👩‍🍳Chef’s Tips & FAQ

Can you freeze the cheese filling for lasagna?

Yes, you can freeze the cheese filling for lasagna. Just make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and it can be safely stored in the freezer for up to three months.

What can I do with leftover lasagna noodles?

Leftover lasagna noodles can be cut into smaller pieces and used in soups, stews, or casseroles. Alternatively, you can use them to make a pasta salad, or simply toss them with some butter or your favorite sauce for a quick meal.

How do you make lasagna filling?

To make a basic lasagna filling, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, an egg, and some chopped herbs like parsley or basil. If you prefer a meat-based filling, cook ground beef or sausage with some onions and garlic, then mix this into your cheese mixture. For a vegetarian option, cooked and finely chopped spinach or mushrooms can be added instead of meat.