Leftover chili is the best! Here are 22 recipes that will make you love your leftovers even more. From a delicious breakfast burrito to a hearty chili dog, there's something for everyone in this roundup. So get cooking and enjoy your leftovers!
Chili is one of those amazing dishes that just gets better with time. The flavors have a chance to meld and develop, making for an even more delicious meal the second time around. Plus, it's the perfect dish for busy weeknights because it can be made in advance and reheated in a snap. So, if you find yourself with a bit of leftover chili, put it to good use with one of these five super easy leftover chilli recipes.
It was a lot of fun coming up with these leftover chili ideas and I'm sure you'll find some delicious recipes in this list that will help you make an easy dinner in no time! Some of these recipes will seem like complete magic as they turn regular chili into something different and more exciting!
For these tasty leftover chili recipes, you can use homemade chili or even store bought if you prefer.
Toppings to use in Recipes with Leftover Chili
For any of the recipe ideas in this post, you can add your favorite chili toppings!
You can add any of these toppings to the recipe ideas in this post for a little extra yumminess! There are so many ways to use leftover chili Here are some ideas:
- Shredded cheese, such as cheddar, parmesan, Monterey jack or queso
- crumbled queso fresco
- nacho cheese
- Your favorite salsa
- crushed tortilla chips
- sour cream or Greek Yogurt, for a lighter option
- shredded lettuce
- thinly sliced red onion
- Lime wedges/lime juice
- pico de gallo
- black beans or refried beans
- slices green onion
- chopped fresh cilantro
- sliced jalapeño peppers
- ancho peppers
- guacamole
- hot sauce
- diced tomatoes
- corn
I hope you enjoy these recipes! ❤️ If you give it a try, please let me know how it turned out for you in the comments section at the bottom of the page or share a pic of your om noms on Instagram and tag @dishesanddustbunnies! ❤️
Recipes using Chili Leftovers
Easy Chili Macaroni and Cheese
This twist on a classic comfort food dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. To make chili mac and cheese, simply mix your leftover chili with cooked macaroni noodles and shredded cheese, then pop it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with a side of green beans or a salad for a complete meal.
Chili Cornbread Casserole
This casserole is the perfect blend of savory and sweet, and it makes for a hearty dish that will stick to your ribs. To make it, layer your leftover chili on the bottom of a casserole dish, then pour the prepared cornbread batter on top. Bake at 350 degrees until everything is hot and bubbly, then serve immediately.
Chili Cheese Fries
Who doesn't love chili fries? They're the perfect game-day snack or weeknight dinner when you're short on time. To make them, simply top a bag of frozen french fries with your leftover chili and shredded cheese, then pop them in the oven or microwave until everything is hot and melty. Serve with ranch dressing or ketchup for dipping, if desired.
Instead of fries you could also use tater tots!
Chili Pita Pizzas
For a tasty meal, these personal pizzas are a fun way to use up leftover chili, and they make for an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love. To make them, start by spreading some pita bread rounds with chili. Top with shredded cheese and your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, etc.), then bake at 350 degrees until the pitas are crispy and the cheese is melted. Serve immediately.
You can also make larger sized chili pizzas by using store bought pizza dough!
Chili Burritos
These burritos are packed with flavor and make for a quick and easy meal on busy weeknights. To make them, start by spreading some flour tortillas with leftover chili. Top with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and anything else you might like to add, then roll them up tightly and place in a greased baking dish seam-side down. Bake at 350 degrees until everything is hot and bubbly, then serve with sour cream or salsa on the side. Make a breakfast burrito version of this delicious recipe by adding scrambled eggs!
Chili Cheese Grilled Sandwich
Make a delicious variation on the classic grilled cheese sandwich by adding some of your leftover chili. On on top of your bread, layer cheese, then spread some chili, then add another layer of cheese of choice, then top with the second slice of bread. Grill as usual. Add a little sour cream on top for an extra zing.
Chili-Topped Baked Potato
For a hearty and satisfying meal, top baked potatoes with chili and all your favorite toppings. Add a little shredded cheese, diced onions, and sour cream for extra deliciousness.
Leftover Chili Nachos
Top nachos leftover chili, shredded cheddar cheese and diced tomatoes. Make sure your chili is hot enough when you put it on top of your nachos so the cheese will melt! Melted cheese is a must! Serve with sour cream and guacamole.
Chili Quesadillas
A quick and easy lunch or dinner, these quesadillas are packed with flavor. Simply make your quesadillas as usual, but instead of using chicken or steak, add some leftover chili!
Chili Cheese Bean Dip
Make a simple chili cheese bean dip by mixing together chili, shredded cheese, and a can of refried beans in a baking dish. Heat in the oven until warmed through. Serve with tortilla chips for dipping.
Layered Chili Cheese Dip
Make this delicious cheesy dip for your next party! Chili and cheese are made for each other!
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer leftover chili on the bottom. Mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, onion, bell pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper together in a bowl; spread over chili. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over top and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips or your favorite chips!
Chili Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuff peppers with leftover chili and top with shredded cheese for a delicious and easy meal. Enchilada sauce is nice added to these stuffed peppers! Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees.
Chili Empanadas
Make leftover chili empanadas by mixing chili with shredded cheese, diced onion, and cilantro. Then, spoon the mixture into pre-made empanada dough circles. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Chili Frito Pie
Frito pie is always a crowd pleaser, and you can easily make it with your leftover chili. Simply layer chili, Fritos or corn chips, and shredded cheddar cheese in a baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Chili stuffed sweet potatoes
A healthier option that is still packed with flavor. Bake some sweet potatoes, then stuff them with chili and top with shredded cheese and green onions.
Chili Dogs
Use leftover chili as a topping for your hot dogs, and add cheese to make a chili cheese dog!
Chili Tacos
Mix your leftover chili with some shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and chopped onions. Serve inside a soft taco shell or on top of nachos.
Chili soup
Mix chili with some beef broth to make a delicious soup.
Leftover Chili Potato Nachos
Topping nachos with leftover chili is always delicious, but have you considered using crispy baked slices of potatoes instead? Simply, slice some potatoes and place them on an oiled baking sheet, drizzle more oil over top and sprinkle with some salt. Bake at 400°F until crispy and golden. Arrange some crispy potato slices on a plate, then top with hot chili, some shredded cheddar cheese and other toppings such as salsa, sour cream, cilantro, sliced jalapeños, etc.
Chili and Rice Bowl
Top leftover rice with chili and some of your favorite chili toppings and you'll have yourself a quick meal!
Chili Sloppy Joe
Toast some buns and fill them with some chili to make sloppy joes! Add cheese or whatever toppings you like!
Chili Zucchini Boats
Take a zucchini, slice it in half, use a spoon to scrape out the seeds (discard). Top with leftover chili and shredded cheese, then bake in the oven for about 20 minutes until the zucchini is tender.
So there you have it—five delicious recipes to help you use up any leftover chili you may have hanging around! From classics like chili macaroni and cheese to new favorites like chili pita pizzas, there's something here for everyone to enjoy. So next time you find yourself with some extra chili on hand, be sure to give one (or all!) of these recipes a try
