Saving money on food by cooking at home is fairly simple in theory: instead of going out, you eat at home. But in practice, night after night of cooking (especially if you’re making the same meals again and again) can lead to a snap decision to mix things up by eating out—and that can throw an unexpected wrench in the budget, a bad move if you’re digging your way out of debt or recouping from a bankruptcy filing.

Make Double (or Triple) Portions

When you cook a basic, versatile ingredient (like chicken), make more than you or your family can eat in one night. That way, you have the basic ingredient for several more meals. Many people already do this on Thanksgiving with turkey soup or sandwiches the next day, and it’s fairly easy to apply it to regular life. Encore meals you might consider:

• Soups and stews: These are particularly great because you can toss them on the stove and leave them alone until you’re ready to eat.
• Anything wrapped: Dumplings, sandwiches, fajitas, ravioli—there’s a reason many cultures have wrapped up staples. They’re a great way to revamp leftovers.
• Anything with sauce: Never underestimate the power of spices and sauces to transform a basic food. A simple sauce and new sides can turn leftovers into a whole new meal.
• Anything from the freezer: Okay, this one’s a bit different. Consider freezing an extra portion of a main meal and pulling it out in a week or so, when it doesn’t remind you of yesterday’s meal.

Make a Tradition

Rather than treating leftovers like something you have to eat, make a game out of them. This is particularly useful if you have kids. Reserve one night a week to clean out the fridge and let everyone eat exactly what she wants—as long as it’s a leftover.

This may lead to some pretty creative meals.

Take Turns

If your children are old enough to participate in food planning or preparation, make them part of the process. Even if they’re too young to wield knives, they may be able to help put grapes into a fruit salad, say, or develop a menu.

For example, you might outline the food groups you’d like to include in each meal, then have them pick their favorites. Again, you could end up with some pretty interesting combinations—but at least you won’t be bored!

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