Transforming Leftover Green Bean Casserole into 10 Creative Dishes

The holidays often leave us with leftovers of our favorite dishes like green bean casserole. This classic Thanksgiving and Christmas side combines green beans cream of mushroom soup and crispy fried onions baked to creamy, comforting perfection. But what do you do when you have leftover green bean casserole lingering in the fridge? Don’t let it go to waste! Get creative and give your leftover casserole new life with these 10 tasty recipes.

1. Blend Into a Creamy Green Bean Soup

One of the easiest ways to use up leftover green bean casserole is to puree it into a smooth soup. Simply combine 2-3 cups of the casserole with 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth in a blender Blitz until completely smooth and creamy. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and gently heat on the stovetop until warmed through Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkling of fresh chives. The crispy fried onions add great texture and crunch to this quick soup.

2. Stuff Into Hollowed Out Mini Bell Peppers

Mini bell peppers make perfect edible vessels for leftover green bean casserole. Cut your mini peppers in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and membranes. Stuff each half with a heaping spoonful of the casserole mixture. Top with a little shredded cheese then bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until the peppers are tender. The crispy onions give a fab crunch contrast to the tender pepper boats.

3. Fold Into a Hearty Frittata

A frittata is a great way to get protein powered up by leftover green bean casserole. Beat 6 eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper then stir in 2-3 cups of the casserole. Pour the mixture into a greased oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until puffed and set. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy this protein-packed casserole frittata for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

4. Mix With Rice for a Quick Pilaf

Jazz up plain rice with your leftover green bean casserole to make a flavorful pilaf. Simply heat 1 cup of cooked rice in a skillet along with 1 cup of the casserole mixture. Saute until the rice is hot and absorbs the flavors. Top with sliced almonds or pecans for crunch. For extra richness, use risotto rice or a rice medley instead of plain long grain.

5. Sandwich Between Quesadilla Halves

Quesadillas get a flavor boost from leftover green bean casserole. Simply spread about 1/2 cup of the casserole mixture over one half of a large tortilla then top with 1/4 cup shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla over and grill or pan fry until golden on both sides. The crispy onions give these quesadillas fabulous texture. Serve with sour cream or guacamole for dipping.

6. Fold Into an Omelet for Breakfast

Give breakfast an upgrade by adding leftover green bean casserole to an omelet. Beat 3 eggs with salt, pepper and herbs then pour into a hot skillet. Cook until the eggs start to set then spread the casserole mixture over half of the omelet. Use a spatula to fold the plain egg side over the casserole filling. Cook for another minute until the omelet is set. Serve up this protein and veggie packed omelet any morning!

7. Bake Into Mini Pot Pies

Transform leftover green bean casserole into individual pot pies for a hearty snack or light meal. Portion the casserole mixture into four ramekins or small oven-safe dishes. Top each with a square of puff pastry or pie crust. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is golden brown. Let cool 5 minutes before enjoying these cute pot pies.

8. Mix With Pasta for a Cheesy Bake

Combine your leftover green bean casserole with cooked pasta shells, rigatoni or ziti for an easy cheesy bake. In a baking dish, layer 2 cups pasta, 1-2 cups casserole and 1/2 cup shredded cheese. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly. For extra flavor, stir in cooked, crumbled bacon or Italian sausage. This satisfying casserole pasta bake is perfect for using up leftovers.

9. Shape Into Crispy Croquettes

For a fun spin on fried green beans, shape your leftover casserole into crispy croquettes! Mix 2 cups casserole with 1-2 cups breadcrumbs or panko until a paste forms. Scoop tablespoon sized amounts and shape into patties or logs. Coat in flour then pan fry in oil until deeply golden on both sides. These crunchy baked onion crusted croquettes make a tasty appetizer or side!

10. Layer Into a Hearty Shepherd’s Pie

Give shepherd’s pie a flavor twist by using leftover green bean casserole as the filling. Simply layer the casserole over ground meat in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes then bake at 375°F for 30 minutes until bubbly and browned. The crispy onions add fab texture contrasted with the creamy potato topping. This shepherd’s pie puts those leftovers to delicious use!

With a little creativity, leftover green bean casserole can be revamped into all kinds of tasty dishes so it doesn’t go to waste. Which recipe will you try first? Let us know how you give leftover holiday casseroles delicious new life in your kitchen!