You can do a multitude of things with food leftovers. They’re your creative culinary friend that gives you freedom to experiment with different flavours, spices and textures so that nothing goes to waste.

From aromatic curries to tangy chillis, these spicy leftover recipes will transform your meat and vegetable leftovers into mouthwatering dishes the whole family will enjoy.

Up Your Leftover Game with Spicy Leftover Recipes

Let’s be honest, leftovers often taste better the next day, even when reheated just as they are.

But we know you better than that. You’ll want to repurpose your leftovers so that nobody recognises them the second time around.

If you’re into fiery food, you’ll love these delicious spicy leftover recipes that elevate mealtimes to a whole new level. All you’ll need are basic kitchen skills, some staple cupboard ingredients and a little clever camouflaging. Hey presto! Luscious, low-cost leftover dishes you’re guaranteed to love

1. Blazing Butter Chicken

Who doesn’t love a good curry to satisfy the taste buds? This blazing butter chicken recipe will liven up midweek dinners or weekend meals – and you only need some leftovers and a handful of ingredients to deliver the fragrant heat you desire.

Using leftover chicken from a roast or earlier meal, a can of Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Tomato Soup, a dollop of tandoori paste, plus some Asian spices and cupboard ingredients, you can knock this up in barely 20 minutes. Serve with rice, naan bread, chutney and your favourite side dishes.

2. Tangy Beef Taco Bake

There’s something incredibly satisfying about family taco nights. They’re like a social and culinary event rolled into one as you dig in and help yourself to this Mexican-inspired classic.

To make this tangy beef taco recipe, all you need to do is swap the mince beef for some sliced-up beef leftovers, combine with a few other ingredients, and bake in the oven until bubbling. You can adjust the heat by tossing in some extra jalapenos or a sprinkle of chilli flakes, the decision is yours. Best served with flour or corn tortillas, a squeeze of lime juice, grated cheese and some chopped coriander.

3. Chunky Summer Vegetable Chilli

This meat-free chunky summer vegetable chilli recipe is a delicious alternative to traditional chilli con carne. It’s quick and easy to make, costs very little and is a popular spicy leftover recipe that vegetarians and meat eaters will want to devour.

While it’s perfectly fine to make this chilli with fresh ingredients, it’s equally delicious when leftover vegetables are used. Simply combine your leftover potatoes, peppers and butternut squash with onions, garlic, spices, a can of Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Tomato Soup and some kidney beans to create a spicy, satisfying meal in no time at all.

4. Sizzling Seafood Risotto

Need to use up those leftover prawns from last night’s dinner? You’re going to love this sizzling seafood risotto recipe that will transport you to the Mediterranean coastline with each delicious mouthful.

Just fry some garlic and onion with your leftover prawns then add Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Tomato Soup, water and a fish stock cube. Finally stir in your paella rice and chilli, then simmer until cooked. The beauty of this recipe is you can add as much of or as little chilli as you like, depending on your heat tolerance.

5. Curried Chicken and Vegetable Biryani

Bursting with aromatic Asian flavours and highly satisfying, this curried chicken and vegetable biryani is a perfect spicy leftover recipe for any day of the week.

All you need to do is replace the raw chicken breasts in the recipe with leftover chicken from the fridge and follow the same method. This involves frying onions and garlic, adding peppers and curry powder to taste along with water plus a can of Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup. Finally, drizzle the turmeric mixture over the top and cook for a few more minutes until done. Garnish with chopped coriander and serve with rice of your choice.

6. Piquant Pepperoni and Tomato Pasta

Got some leftover pepperoni from pizza night? Lucky you! Make sure nothing goes to waste with this piquant pepperoni and tomato pasta recipe that’s ready in 15 minutes and great for smaller budgets.

Simply fry the leftover pepperoni, onions, peppers and mushrooms together before adding garlic and fresh chillis to your liking. After a few minutes, add a can of Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Tomato Soup while you cook your favourite pasta in a separate saucepan. When everything is cooked, combine all the ingredients in one bowl and serve immediately with a sprinkle of parsley to garnish.

7. Spicy Sausage Meatball Goulash

This cracking spicy leftover recipe is perfect for those extra sausages that nobody could finish at last night’s barbecue. Spicy sausage meatball goulash is quick, easy and can be injected with fiery heat by adding hot sauce or fresh chillis during the cooking process.

Remove the skin from your leftover sausages, cut into meatball-size pieces, and sprinkle generously with hot, smoky paprika. Fry some onions and red peppers until softened, then add the sausage pieces, a can of Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Tomato Soup, plus kidney beans. Cook until the flavours have combined and serve with fluffy rice.

8. Devilish Chicken Curry Delight

Looking for a low-cost alternative to an expensive takeaway? Our devilish chicken curry delight recipe perfectly hits the spot. It’s cheap and simple to make, and you’ll be begging for second helpings as soon as your plate is clean.

What you do is replace the raw chicken with your leftover chicken before frying onion, garlic and ginger with some pungent spices like cumin, chilli powder and garam masala. Finally, stir in a can of Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Tomato Soup and some single cream, bring to the boil, and simmer for 15 minutes until the sauce becomes thick and rich. Serve with rice, naan bread, chopped coriander and a squeeze of lime.

Are There Any Mild Alternatives to Spicy Leftover Recipes?

Yes, you don’t have to give your leftovers a powerful spicy punch to make a delicious family meal. In fact, leftovers are a versatile ingredient in a variety of dishes that have no spicy heat at all.

For example, this simple festive leftover pie recipe is packed with leftover turkey, gammon and vegetables from a typical Christmas dinner. All you do is mix them together with a can of Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup, plus a few other ingredients and bake in the oven. Or you could adapt this pork chop with mushroom sauce recipe so that you use up any leftover pork by combining it with a can of Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup.

Regardless of your spice preference, leftovers should always be regarded as a low-cost option when planning your weekly meals.

Got Your own Spicy Leftovers Recipes You’d Like to Share With Us?

If you’re resourceful in the kitchen and use leftovers in your meals, we’d love to hear about your favourite recipes. Just take some photos and tag us on social media!