When it comes to lunch meat, many of us fall into a routine of making the same old sandwiches day in and day out. But the truth is, there are countless ways to use lunch meat beyond the classic sandwich. From soups to salads, pasta dishes to pizza, and even as a topping for baked potatoes, the possibilities are endless. In this article, we’ll explore some creative ways to use lunch meat, and provide you with the inspiration you need to take your meals to the next level.
Adding Lunch Meat to Soups and Stews
One of the easiest ways to use lunch meat is to add it to soups and stews. This is a great way to add protein and flavor to your meals, and can be done with a variety of different types of lunch meat. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Italian-Style Soup
- 1 cup of diced salami
- 1 cup of diced ham
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all of the ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the soup has reached the desired consistency. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Chicken Noodle Soup with a Twist
- 1 cup of diced turkey breast
- 1 cup of diced chicken breast
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
- 8 ounces of egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine the diced turkey and chicken breast in a large pot and cook over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is translucent. Add the chicken broth, milk, thyme, and basil, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the soup has reached the desired consistency. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Using Lunch Meat in Salads
Lunch meat can also be used to add protein and flavor to salads. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Classic Chef Salad
- 2 cups of mixed greens
- 1 cup of diced ham
- 1 cup of diced turkey breast
- 1 cup of diced cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of chopped hard-boiled egg
- 1/4 cup of chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons of salad dressing
Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Spinach and Feta Salad with Salami
- 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup of sliced salami
- 1/4 cup of chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons of salad dressing
Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Adding Lunch Meat to Pasta Dishes
Lunch meat can also be used to add protein and flavor to pasta dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Spaghetti Carbonara with Bacon
- 12 ounces of spaghetti
- 6 slices of bacon, diced
- 2 cups of mixed greens
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside. Add the mixed greens to the skillet and cook until wilted. In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, bacon, and greens. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the spaghetti mixture and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Fettuccine Alfredo with Ham
- 12 ounces of fettuccine
- 1 cup of diced ham
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions. In a large skillet, cook the diced ham over medium heat until browned. Remove the ham from the skillet and set aside. Add the heavy cream and butter to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss to combine. Serve hot, topped with the diced ham.
Using Lunch Meat as a Pizza Topping
Lunch meat can also be used as a topping for pizza. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Meat Lover’s Pizza
- 1 cup of pizza sauce
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of diced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup of diced sausage
- 1/2 cup of diced bacon
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Roll out the pizza dough and place on a baking sheet. Spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese, diced pepperoni, sausage, and bacon. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Salami and Mushroom Pizza
- 1 cup of pizza sauce
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of sliced salami
- 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Roll out the pizza dough and place on a baking sheet. Spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese, sliced salami, and mushrooms. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Adding Lunch Meat to Baked Potatoes
Lunch meat can also be used as a topping for baked potatoes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Loaded Baked Potato with Bacon and Cheddar
- 2 large baking potatoes
- 6 slices of bacon, diced
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1/4 cup of chopped chives
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until tender. Top with the diced bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped chives.
Southwestern Baked Potato with Salami and Pepper Jack
- 2 large baking potatoes
- 1/2 cup of sliced salami
- 1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until tender. Top with the sliced salami, shredded pepper jack cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
In conclusion, lunch meat is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes beyond the classic sandwich. Whether you’re looking to add protein and flavor to soups and stews, salads, pasta dishes, pizza, or baked potatoes, lunch meat is a great option. With a little creativity, you can take your meals to the next level and make lunch meat a staple in your kitchen.
What are some creative ways to use lunch meat in salads?
Lunch meat can be a great addition to salads, adding protein and flavor. Some creative ways to use lunch meat in salads include using it as a topping for a spinach salad with cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette, or mixing it with mixed greens, crumbled blue cheese, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. You can also try using different types of lunch meat, such as salami or prosciutto, to add unique flavors to your salads.
When using lunch meat in salads, it’s also a good idea to consider the texture and flavor of the meat. For example, if you’re using a thinly sliced lunch meat, you may want to pair it with crunchy vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. If you’re using a more robust lunch meat, like salami, you may want to balance it out with some creamy elements, like avocado or goat cheese.
Can I use lunch meat in soups and stews?
Yes, lunch meat can be a great addition to soups and stews, adding protein and flavor. Some creative ways to use lunch meat in soups and stews include using it as a substitute for bacon in a potato soup, or adding it to a hearty beef stew for extra flavor. You can also try using different types of lunch meat, such as ham or turkey, to add unique flavors to your soups and stews.
When using lunch meat in soups and stews, it’s also a good idea to consider the cooking time and method. For example, if you’re using a thinly sliced lunch meat, you may want to add it towards the end of the cooking time, so it doesn’t become too tough or overcooked. If you’re using a more robust lunch meat, like salami, you may want to simmer it for a longer period of time to allow the flavors to meld together.
How can I use lunch meat in pasta dishes?
Lunch meat can be a great addition to pasta dishes, adding protein and flavor. Some creative ways to use lunch meat in pasta dishes include using it as a topping for a pasta salad with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, or mixing it with cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and parmesan cheese. You can also try using different types of lunch meat, such as pepperoni or sausage, to add unique flavors to your pasta dishes.
When using lunch meat in pasta dishes, it’s also a good idea to consider the type of pasta and sauce you’re using. For example, if you’re using a light and delicate pasta, like angel hair, you may want to pair it with a lighter lunch meat, like turkey or ham. If you’re using a heartier pasta, like pappardelle, you may want to pair it with a more robust lunch meat, like salami or pepperoni.
Can I use lunch meat in casseroles?
Yes, lunch meat can be a great addition to casseroles, adding protein and flavor. Some creative ways to use lunch meat in casseroles include using it as a substitute for ground beef in a taco casserole, or adding it to a broccoli and cheese casserole for extra flavor. You can also try using different types of lunch meat, such as ham or turkey, to add unique flavors to your casseroles.
When using lunch meat in casseroles, it’s also a good idea to consider the other ingredients and flavors in the dish. For example, if you’re using a strong-flavored lunch meat, like salami, you may want to balance it out with some milder ingredients, like pasta or rice. If you’re using a milder lunch meat, like turkey or ham, you may want to add some extra seasonings or spices to give the dish more flavor.
How can I use lunch meat in wraps and sandwiches?
Lunch meat can be a great addition to wraps and sandwiches, adding protein and flavor. Some creative ways to use lunch meat in wraps and sandwiches include using it as a filling in a wrap with avocado and sprouts, or mixing it with cheese and vegetables for a unique sandwich. You can also try using different types of lunch meat, such as roast beef or chicken, to add unique flavors to your wraps and sandwiches.
When using lunch meat in wraps and sandwiches, it’s also a good idea to consider the type of bread or wrap you’re using. For example, if you’re using a delicate wrap, like a tortilla, you may want to pair it with a lighter lunch meat, like turkey or ham. If you’re using a heartier bread, like a baguette, you may want to pair it with a more robust lunch meat, like salami or roast beef.
Can I use lunch meat in breakfast dishes?
Yes, lunch meat can be a great addition to breakfast dishes, adding protein and flavor. Some creative ways to use lunch meat in breakfast dishes include using it as a topping for scrambled eggs or an omelette, or mixing it with cheese and vegetables for a breakfast burrito. You can also try using different types of lunch meat, such as bacon or sausage, to add unique flavors to your breakfast dishes.
When using lunch meat in breakfast dishes, it’s also a good idea to consider the other ingredients and flavors in the dish. For example, if you’re using a strong-flavored lunch meat, like salami, you may want to balance it out with some milder ingredients, like eggs or cheese. If you’re using a milder lunch meat, like turkey or ham, you may want to add some extra seasonings or spices to give the dish more flavor.
How can I use lunch meat in appetizers and snacks?
Lunch meat can be a great addition to appetizers and snacks, adding protein and flavor. Some creative ways to use lunch meat in appetizers and snacks include using it as a topping for crackers or crostini, or mixing it with cheese and vegetables for a unique dip. You can also try using different types of lunch meat, such as prosciutto or salami, to add unique flavors to your appetizers and snacks.
When using lunch meat in appetizers and snacks, it’s also a good idea to consider the other ingredients and flavors in the dish. For example, if you’re using a strong-flavored lunch meat, like salami, you may want to balance it out with some milder ingredients, like crackers or cheese. If you’re using a milder lunch meat, like turkey or ham, you may want to add some extra seasonings or spices to give the dish more flavor.