15 ways to use up your leftover bolognese
Made up too much bolognese? Don’t waste it, you can easily turn your classic mince dish into a variety of deliciously simple meals.
Start by cooking a large batch of the saucy mince mixture and, after enjoying it with your favourite pasta, use the rest to re-create new dinners everyone will love.
From pies to bakes, here are a few tricks to revamp your bolognese sauce. Freeze any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months.
01
Pizza with leftover bolognese
Transform two traditional Italian dishes into an epic hybrid dinner. Pizza and pasta are often associated, this delicious bolognese pizza recipe simply takes that to the next level.
02
Sweet potato stuffed with leftover bolognese
Whip up a fulfilling dinner with a fluffy, baked sweet potato stuffed with rich, leftover bolognese. Add melted cheese and sour cream to the mix and you’ve got yourself a new family favourite.
03
Spaghetti bolognese garlic bread toastie
Is there anything better than an oozy, chock-full-of-cheese toastie? You betcha! Just add leftover spaghetti bolognese and you’ve got a real winner!
04
20-minute nachos
There's nothing like nachos to bring the family together at meal times. Add your leftover bolognese to this easy, cheesy nachos recipe for a fast and fabulous family dinner.
05
Easy beef zucchini lasagne
In need of comfort food? Add your leftover bolognese to this easy beef and zucchini lasagne recipe for a fresh twist on the classic Italian dish and watch it disappear come dinner time.
06
Easy empanadas
A simple take on a classic Argentinian recipe, add your leftover bolognese to this tasty beef empanadas recipe for the perfect snack.
07
Beef & coleslaw pockets
Enjoy your leftover bolognese with crunchy coleslaw wrapped in a fluffy tortilla. Follow this easy recipe and have tasty tortilla pockets in your hands in 20 minutes.
08
Moroccan beef pilaf
Turn your leftover bolognese into a spicy and delicious Moroccan beef pilaf. Perfect as a side dish or as a nutritionally approved meal.
09
Savoury mince pie
Cooler days call for hearty meals – and this recipe is just the ticket. What could be more comforting than a savoury mince pie with crusty garlic bread? Add your leftover bolognese to this recipe for a satisfying dinner.
10
Quick beef & vegetable stew
For a warming weeknight winner add your leftover bolognese to this quick beef and vegetable stew recipe which the whole family will love and won’t break the budget.
11
Cottage pie
Just spoon your mince mixture into a baking dish, top with a creamy mash and sprinklings of cheese, then grill or bake. You can even stir in extra veggies like tinned corn or frozen peas for extra nutrition. Or try a sweet potato or pumpkin mash for a tasty low carb twist.
12
Chilli con carne
Add a touch of Mexican flavour by reheating your mince mixture and stirring in spices such as paprika, cayenne or chilli flakes. Add a tin of red kidney beans and serve with rice and fresh coriander. A homemade tomato salsa or guacamole will jazz it up even more.
13
Baked potato
Ever tried leftover mince mixture on a baked potato? Give it a whirl and you’ll never look back - topped with extra grated cheese and dollops of sour cream, it’s a winning combination.
14
Savoury muffins
Bored of the same old lunches? Use your leftover bolognese to make savoury muffins, perfect for school or the office. Mix your sauce with small pasta shells, add more grated veg and combine with an egg. Spoon into muffin cases and bake.
15
Bolognese pie
Rethink your traditional bolognese - use cooked spaghetti to make a pie crust in the base of a pie dish (just toss with a beaten egg and some parmesan and spread evenly), fill with the bolognese sauce, top with cheese and bake.
Safe storage tips for leftover bolognese
When cooking your bolognese, saving leftovers is easier if you keep your pasta and sauce separate, and only combine when serving up. Leftover plain pasta may be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Simply drizzle a little bit of olive oil on top and give it a quick toss before storing to keep the noodles from sticking together. Cooked bolognese sauce can last for up to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container, or for up to 3 months in the freezer.