Leftover Chili Recipes (2024)

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Try some of these Leftover Chili Recipes to turn chili into another tasty dish. 20 recipes using leftover chili.

We have so many fabulous ideas for leftover chili you will love. It is super easy to use chili for another dish. Chili is one of our favorite main dish recipe and these recipes to use up the leftovers.

Your family won’t even realize they are eating leftovers. I just love when I can turn something into a new dish without much work. Not only does this save me time but it saves us money too. Plus, we all get to eat lots of great food.

Table of Contents

  • How to Store Leftover Chili
  • How to Freeze Leftover Chili
  • 1. Chili Dogs
  • 2. Make Chili Mac
  • 3. Make Breakfast Bowls
  • 4. Chili Baked Potato
  • 5. Make Nachos
  • 6. Cincinnati Chili
  • 7. Frito Chili Cheese
  • 8. co*ck pot Chili mac and Cheese
  • 9. Chili Cheese Dip
  • 10. Cowboy Pork Chops
  • 11. Ground Beef Enchiladas
  • 12. Beef and Bean Chimichangas
  • 13. Easy Chili Cheese Dip
  • 14. Chili Stuffed Peppers
  • 15. Make Burritos
  • 16. Make Tator Tot Casserole
  • 17. Chili Nachos
  • 18. Hamburger Casserole
  • 19. Chili Sloppy joes
  • 20. Taco Salad
  • Try our Popular Chili Recipes

How to Store Leftover Chili

Place the chili inside an air tight container in the refrigerator. Make sure the container has a good lid.

It will keep up to 3 to 4 days.

How to Freeze Leftover Chili

Freezing chili is a great way to make it last longer. Allow it to cool completely and then place inside a freezer container.

The chili can be frozen up to 4 to 6 months. You can find even more tips on freezing chili.

You are going to love these simple but delicious recipes using leftover chili. These recipes are so good that your family will actually look forward to leftovers.

Go ahead and make a list of what you plan to try first. There are so many yummy ideas for using leftover chili.

1. Chili Dogs

This is probably one of our favorite ways to use leftover chili. You can make chili cheese dogs for another wonderful meal. Kids will love hot dogs served this way.

Leftover Chili Recipes (2)

The Best Hot Dog Chili Recipe

Learn how to make the best hot dog chili recipe around. With only a few ingredients, you will be making homemade chili from now on.

See the Recipe

2. Make Chili Mac

This pasta dish is so hearty with the chili and can easily feed a crowd. It has lots of beef, beans and more.

3. Make Breakfast Bowls

Serve your chili on top of eggs and hashbrowns to make an amazing breakfast bowl.

4. Chili Baked Potato

Top any leftover chili on your favorite baked potato. Add cheese and sour cream and you have an easy complete dinner.

Leftover Chili Recipes (3)

Air Fryer Baked Potato

We have the best ever air fryer baked potato recipe. This is a must try and such an easy and tasty side dish for busy weeknights.

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5. Make Nachos

Instead of using taco meat, spread leftover chili meat on tortilla chips to make oven nachos. Such an easy dinner idea! These nachos are loaded with black beans, melted shredded cheese, and topped with tomatoes.

Leftover Chili Recipes (4)

Oven Nachos

Oven nachos are delicious and perfect to feed a crowd. You can fix sheet pan nachos in minutes and everyone can enjoy their favorite toppings!

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6. Cincinnati Chili

Instead of making traditional spaghetti, mix in spaghetti noodles with your leftover chili. It is a delicious easy dinner idea with a fun twist on the classic spaghetti.

Leftover Chili Recipes (5)

Cincinnati Chili

How to make the tastiest Cincinnati Chili Recipe. This simple recipe is delicious and makes a quick weeknight dinner,

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7. Frito Chili Cheese

Whether you need a Game Day meal or quick weeknight dinner, Frito Pie is always a good idea. Leftover chili served on Fritos Corn Chips and topped with cheese is sure to be a hit.

Leftover Chili Recipes (6)

Crock Pot Frito Chili Pie

From Game Day to family dinner,Crock Pot Frito Chili Pie Recipe is versatile and delicious. Try this easy Slow Cooker Frito Pie recipe to feed a crowd.

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8. co*ck pot Chili mac and Cheese

The slow cooker makes Chili Mac and Cheese even easier. Instead of adding beef, just add leftover chili to this tex mex recipe.

Leftover Chili Recipes (7)

Crock Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Crock Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe is the best of both worlds. Everything you love about chili and mac and cheese combine for a tasty meal that is easy.

See the Recipe

9. Chili Cheese Dip

Try this easy appetizer anytime you need a delicious snack. It is even easier with leftover chili. Each bite is so cheesy and tasty. This dip is delicious dipped with French Fries and tortilla chips.

Leftover Chili Recipes (8)

Crockpot chili cheese dip

Crockpot chili cheese dip is the perfect appetizer or snack and so easy. The crock pot does all of the work and you need only 3 ingredients.

See the Recipe

10. Cowboy Pork Chops

Skip the canned chili and use leftover chili to make Cowboy Pork Chops. It is so easy in the crock pot.

Leftover Chili Recipes (9)

Cowboy Crockpot Pork Chops

Cowboy Crockpot Pork Chops Recipe is packed with amazing flavor. You will love how quick and easy Slow cooker pork chops and potatoes comes together. The potatoes and pork chops are so yummy! Try Cowboy slow cooker pork chops recipe. Cowboy pork chops is the best dinner. Cowboy pork chops dinner recipe is so simple.

See the Recipe

11. Ground Beef Enchiladas

Use leftover chili for the stuffing of ground beef enchiladas in a casserole dish topped with enchilada sauce. This is such a nice time saver.

Leftover Chili Recipes (10)

Ground Beef Enchiladas

Make this Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe when you need a quick but delicious dinner idea. Get all the flavors of enchiladas in just minutes.

See the Recipe

12. Beef and Bean Chimichangas

Leftover chili would be the perfect stuffing for Beef Chimichangas. The flavor is amazing and you will save a ton of time.

Leftover Chili Recipes (11)

Beef chimichanga recipe

Your family will love this crispy and delicious Beef chimichanga recipe. This dinner idea is simple, frugal and a great way to stretch your meat budget.

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13. Easy Chili Cheese Dip

Leftover chili combined with cheese makes a great dip. Spice things up with jalapenos on top for a chili cheese bean dip.

Leftover Chili Recipes (12)

Chili cheese dip

Chili cheese dip recipe is the perfect appetizer when you are craving comfort food. It is the best dip and so inexpensive to make.

See the Recipe

14. Chili Stuffed Peppers

Instead of using ground beef, try using leftover chili in stuffed peppers. This is so easy and works great in the bell peppers.

Leftover Chili Recipes (13)

Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers

Need an easy crock pot recipe? Try this delicious Crock pot Stuffed Peppers recipe that is better than the traditional stuffed peppers recipe.

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15. Make Burritos

Use your leftover chili to make amazing beef burritos. This easy weeknight meal is even easier using leftovers.

Leftover Chili Recipes (14)

Beef Burrito Recipe

This Beef Burrito Recipe is a delicious grab and go meal perfect for busy weeknights but special enough for family dinner. Try this freezer friendly meal.

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16. Make Tator Tot Casserole

Add leftover chili to this recipe instead of ground beef. It is so flavorful in this casserole with tater tots.

Leftover Chili Recipes (15)

Cheeseburger Tator Tot Casserole Recipe

Try this easy Cheeseburger Tator Tot Casserole Recipe. An Easy Tator tot Casserole recipe that is loaded with cheese and packed with flavor.

See the Recipe

17. Chili Nachos

Instead of adding ground beef to nachos, use chili. This recipe is so tasty and easy to make.

Leftover Chili Recipes (16)

Oven Nachos

Oven nachos are delicious and perfect to feed a crowd. You can fix sheet pan nachos in minutes and everyone can enjoy their favorite toppings!

See the Recipe

18. Hamburger Casserole

Chili is amazing in this easy hamburger casserole instead of the ground beef. This casserole is one of the best comfort foods. Just toss everything in a baking dish.

Leftover Chili Recipes (17)

Hamburger Casserole

Hamburger casserole recipe is the best combination of hearty ground beef, pasta and a creamy sauce. You can serve this with little prep work on busy nights.

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19. Chili Sloppy joes

Sloppy joes are a favorite. Reheat chili to make sloppy joes.

Leftover Chili Recipes (18)

Sloppy Joes Recipe

This Sloppy Joes is so easy to make and taste way better than sloppy joes in a can. How to make sloppy joes with ketchup and just two more ingredients.

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20. Taco Salad

Top each Taco Salad with with leftover chili for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Even better topped with cheddar cheese and green onions.

Leftover Chili Recipes (19)

Crock Pot Taco Salad Recipe

Crock Pot Taco Salad Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. You can enjoy this meal with very little work and hardly any clean up.

See the Recipe

Try our Popular Chili Recipes

Leftover Chili Recipes (20)

Crockpot Chili

Quick and easy Crockpot Chili Recipe – Try this easy slow cooker chili recipe that the entire family will love. Easy Crock pot recipes.

See the Recipe

Leftover Chili Recipes (21)

Wendy’s Chili Recipe

This simple Wendy's Chili Recipe is easy to make and the best copycat recipe. The entire family will love this easy copycat chili recipe.

See the Recipe

Leftover Chili Recipes (22)

Crock pot Cowboy Chili Recipe

Everyone loves chili and this Crock Pot Cowboy Chili Recipe does not disappoint. Loaded with hearty beef, beans, and more, this chili recipe is a must try.

See the Recipe

Leftover Chili Recipes (23)

Easy Quick Chili Recipe

Make this easy quick chili recipe. We call it the amazing chili, because it is that good. Make this easy chili recipe with beans or without beans.

See the Recipe

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Crockpot Butter Chicken

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Crockpot Meatball Subs

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Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

About the Author

Leftover Chili Recipes (32)

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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Leftover Chili Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to amazing chili? ›

Elevate with Extra Flavor

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

How long is leftover chili good for? ›

Any type of chili can stay safe to eat in the fridge for up to 4 days. As long as it was stored correctly in an airtight container, it's safe to freeze anytime within that time frame. Before freezing, it's a good idea to check if the chili looks or smells off.

Why does leftover chili taste better? ›

Allowed to rest over time, long protein chains break down into shorter ones, meaning those complex carbs and scratches become simple sugars, which have a noticeably sweeter taste.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

Here are some of the most common (and most effective) flavor boosters to add to your chili recipe.
  • Booze (Beer, Wine, or Liquor) ...
  • Liquid Smoke. ...
  • Brine or Vinegar. ...
  • Soy Sauce. ...
  • Fish Sauce. ...
  • Worcestershire Sauce. ...
  • Coffee or Espresso Powder. ...
  • Chocolate.
Aug 23, 2021

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

How do you salvage chili? ›

Sour cream, Greek yogurt, and even cheese help. Remove some of the chili. If things still aren't moving in a milder direction, start by removing a quarter of the volume of the chili (and save it as a chili starter for your next batch) and add in another can of beans and diced tomato.

What can I do with lots of fresh chili? ›

Whenever you find yourself with some leftover fresh chilli, don't just leave it to shrivel up. Freeze it, pickle it, dry it out or turn it into a hot, spicy chilli oil that'll last you ages and ages.

Can you eat 8 day old chili? ›

According to the FDA Food Code, all perishable foods that are opened or prepared should be thrown out after 7 days, maximum. No leftovers should survive in your fridge for longer than that.

Does Wendy's use leftover hamburger for chili? ›

He even asked himself, “what do you do with the leftover hamburger?” The answer was simple: combine the beef we use for our hamburgers with a hearty helping of vegetables, chili beans and a dash of spice.

What do u eat chili with? ›

Best Side Dishes for Chili
  • Rice. A scoop of steamed rice alongside your chili can work wonders. ...
  • Cornbread Casserole. It's hard to mention chili without thinking of cornbread. ...
  • Baked Potato or Sweet Potato. ...
  • Fresh bread. ...
  • Garlic Bread. ...
  • Salads. ...
  • French Fries, Sweet Potato Fries or Onion Rings. ...
  • Biscuits.
Nov 3, 2023

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.

Why do people put sour cream in chili? ›

The slightly tart flavor will add brightness and complexity to your tried-and-true chili recipe, while the thick texture creates heartiness and a creamy mouthfeel.

Does chili taste better in the crockpot? ›

Chili is perhaps the ideal slow-cooker dish because its flavor improves with a long, slow simmer.

What makes can chili taste better? ›

Professional chefs shared their favorite ways to turn a can of chili into a tastier option. Cocoa, beer, and cinnamon are ingredients that'll boost the flavor of your dish. Fresh toppings are an easy way to add new flavor and texture to the premade meal.

What ingredient will change your chili forever? ›

Another ingredient that will change your chili forever is chocolate. It balances out the spicy edge with its signature bittersweet tone. Together, they infuse the chili with a unique complexity. It's a taste sensation like no other, weaving together contrasting elements that still work in perfect harmony.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

It's hard to imagine Mexican chilli con carne without cumin. This spice is commonly used in Mexican cuisine and pairs nicely with hot peppers to round out the flavours of the dish. Cumin's fragrance and warmth helps to create a balanced palate, with its deep earthiness and lemony hint brightening up any chilli recipe.

Why would you put vinegar in chili? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

References

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