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Nutrition Revive your leftovers: quick, nutritious meals with beef and lamb

Revive your leftovers: quick, nutritious meals with beef and lamb

With the year in full swing and schedules busier than ever, it’s tempting to let healthy eating slide. But the good news? You don’t need to start from scratch every day to eat well. Leftovers, especially from nutrient-rich New Zealand beef and lamb, can be your secret weapon for creating satisfying, energy-boosting meals in no time. Packed with high-quality protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, these meats aren’t just delicious, they help to maintain focus, support energy levels, and keep you going strong throughout the day. Whether it's roast lamb, grilled steak, or leftover beef mince, turning last night’s dinner into a fresh, delicious meal is easier than you think. Read on for quick, creative ways to give your leftovers a second life.

Leftover roast lamb

a table topped with wraps, meatballs and salad with yoghurt dressinga table topped with wraps, meatballs and salad with yoghurt dressing

Fill a wrap with leftover roast lamb, leafy greens and a spoonful of hummus or tzatziki for a Middle Eastern-inspired lunch. The hummus adds creaminess while keeping things light and fresh.


a bowl of salad with spinach , mushrooms , red peppers , onions and couscous on a table .a bowl of salad with spinach , mushrooms , red peppers , onions and couscous on a table .

Toss leftover lamb and roast vegetables with couscous and a tasty pesto dressing. Add some toasted nuts and fresh mint for extra flavour and texture.


three tacos with meat , vegetables and guacamole on a white background .three tacos with meat , vegetables and guacamole on a white background .

Toss leftover lamb and roast vegetables with couscous and a tasty pesto dressing. Add some toasted nuts and fresh mint for extra flavour and texture.


Leftover steak

a person is holding a bowl of food with meat , vegetables and noodles .a person is holding a bowl of food with meat , vegetables and noodles .

Load a bowl or container with salad, rice or noodles, edamame beans and thinly sliced steak. Drizzle with soy sauce and garnish with toasted nuts or nori for a flavour-packed bowl of goodness.


a white bowl filled with noodles , meat and vegetables with a fork in it .a white bowl filled with noodles , meat and vegetables with a fork in it .

Thinly slice your leftover steak and stir-fry it with fresh or frozen vegetables (broccoli, onion, green beans, etc.) and a homemade sauce. Serve it over rice or noodles with a sprinkle of cashews for a quick and delicious meal.


a person is holding a sandwich in their hands .a person is holding a sandwich in their hands .

Layer your steak between slices of crusty bread with leafy greens, salsa Verde and a dollop of onion relish for a satisfying sandwich that’s full of flavour.


Leftover beef mince

a plate of food is sitting on a wooden table .a plate of food is sitting on a wooden table .

Transform your beef mince into a savoury breakfast biscuit - think a cheese scone with an extra hit of protein. It’s a perfect meal to start your day or a satisfying snack between meals.


three burritos are sitting on a white plate with lime wedges .three burritos are sitting on a white plate with lime wedges .

Roll it up in a tortilla with your favourite veggies, beans and a drizzle of sauce for a filling, portable lunch. For a crispy finish, toast it in the oven or air-fryer.


a person is holding a sandwich with avocado and meat on a plate .a person is holding a sandwich with avocado and meat on a plate .

Spread your leftover beef mince over a slice of toast with avocado and chilli oil for a hearty, comforting lunch with a kick.


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Posted by Beef + Lamb New Zealand