20 Leftover Chili Recipes (2024)

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Published on October 6, 2023
Posted by Melissa

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Chili is one of our favorite winter comfort meals. Whether it’s authentic Texas chili, chili with beans, vegetarian chili, turkey chili, or spicy 5-alarm chili there’s often a dilemma: what to do with the leftovers? Instead of reheating the same bowl of chili, why not get creative and transform those leftovers into mouthwatering meals that will surprise your taste buds? Here are twenty leftover chili recipes that are not only easy to prepare but will also make you look forward to having extra chili on hand.

20 Leftover Chili Recipes (1)

Table of Contents hide

How To Store Leftover Chili

What To Do With Leftover Chili

More Leftover Recipe Ideas to Try

How To Store Leftover Chili

Storing leftover chili properly is essential to maintain its flavor and safety for future consumption. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to store leftover chili:

Allow the Chili to Cool: Before storing, let the leftover chili cool down to room temperature. Hot food can raise the temperature inside the refrigerator, potentially affecting other items.

Choose the Right Container: Use airtight containers or resealable plastic bags designed for food storage. Ensure they have a tight seal to prevent air from entering. Divide the chili into smaller portions if you plan to use it in smaller servings.

Label and Date: Label the container or bag with the contents (“Chili”) and the date when it was prepared. This helps you keep track of how long it’s been stored.

Fill Containers Properly: Leave some space at the top of the container or bag because chili may expand when frozen. This prevents the container from cracking. If using a bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it.

Store in the Refrigerator: If you plan to use the leftover chili within 3-4 days, place it in the refrigerator. Keep it in the main part of the fridge, not in the door where temperatures can fluctuate.

Store in the Freezer (for Longer Storage): If you don’t plan to use the chili within a few days, store it in the freezer for longer shelf life. Freeze chili in a container or bag suitable for freezing. Consider using a vacuum sealer for even better preservation. It’s a good idea to portion the chili into single servings before freezing if you anticipate using it individually. Chili can typically be safely stored in the freezer for 2-3 months.

Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover chili, thaw it in the refrigerator if it’s frozen. You can also reheat it from frozen, but it will take longer. Reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until it’s thoroughly heated. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Avoid Thawing and Refreezing: If you’ve frozen leftover chili, try to use it all at once when you decide to thaw it. Repeated freezing and thawing can affect the texture and quality of the chili.

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What To Do With Leftover Chili

Leftover chili can be incredibly versatile and can be transformed into various dishes. Here are some creative leftover chili recipes:

Chili Cheese Nachos

These loaded and delicious Chili Cheese Nachos have tortilla chips that are layered with melted cheese and leftover chili. They're perfect for game day, parties, or any time you’re craving some seriously good nachos!

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20 Leftover Chili Recipes (4)

Chili Cheese Dog

There’s nothing quite as hearty and delicious as a solid, loaded Chili Cheese Dog, where a hot dog bun is piled with hot dog, chunky and flavorful chili, and gooey cheese. It’s the classic American sandwich, or shall I say, experience, that you can find at lots of diners across the country, ball par…

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20 Leftover Chili Recipes (5)

Chili Cheese Grilled Sandwich

This Chili Cheese Grilled Sandwich is a great way to use up leftover chili. The crispy, buttery, grilled bread combined with the melty, gooey, cheesy filling results in the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich!

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20 Leftover Chili Recipes (6)

Chili Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms (Vegan)

These Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are loaded with bean chili and baked to perfection. A tasty appetizer or main for Thanksgiving.

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20 Leftover Chili Recipes (7)

Chili Cheese Scramble

Prepare a batch of Texas-style chili using our starter, then spoon it over scrambled eggs for a hearty Southern breakfast.

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20 Leftover Chili Recipes (8)

Walking Taco Recipe with Fritos!

Walking taco frito chili pie is so easy and perfect for parties, meals on the go and more. Enjoy chili pie with corn chips for a quick meal.

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20 Leftover Chili Recipes (9)

Chili Cheese Wedges Recipe

30 Minute Chili Cheese Wedges – The most comforting cheese fries! Pile your homemade chilli and melty cheese on these steak fries for a quick and filling appetizer.

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20 Leftover Chili Recipes (10)

Easy Dinner Idea: Silly Chili Macaroni

Looking for an easy dinner recipe that children will love? Give this simple Silly Chili Macaroni a try! It’s a favorite of kids and adults!

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20 Leftover Chili Recipes (11)

Hot Tamale Recipe

This amazing untraditional Hot Tamale Recipe uses Beef Short Ribs cooked Sous-Vide, Hatch Green Chiles, and topped with chili and cheese.

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20 Leftover Chili Recipes (12)

Chili Cheese Hasselback Potatoes- Butter Your Biscuit

These chili cheese hasselback potatoes are perfect for a meal on their own or game day appetizer. Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with chili.

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20 Leftover Chili Recipes (13)

Chili Stuffed Peppers

Leftover chili stuffed peppers are delicious, flavorful, and the easiest way to make stuffed peppers, with only three ingredients and five minutes of prep.

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20 Leftover Chili Recipes (14)

BBQ Chili Cheese Lasagna: 2 Meals in One! (Make Ahead)

This will be your new favorite lasagna! Barbecue Chili Cheese Lasagna is really two meals in one, and a great make ahead meal for busy weeknights!

thereciperebel.com

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Crock Pot Chili Cheese Dip

This Crock Pot Chili Cheese Dip is the perfect appetizer for any gathering, whether you’re hosting a party or just having a cozy night in.

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20 Leftover Chili Recipes (16)

Southwest Omelette with Chili and Cheese

Want a quick & easy breakfast (or breakfast for dinner)? This chili cheese Southwest omelette recipe is ready in minutes with whatever you have in the fridge.

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20 Leftover Chili Recipes (17)

Layered Chili Dip

Warm, cheesy, and deliciously creamy over all! The rich flavors of this 6 ingredient Layered Chili Dip is simple to make and sure to be a crowd pleaser!

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20 Leftover Chili Recipes (18)

Stuffed Chili Baked Potatoes

These Stuffed Chili Baked Potatoes are the perfect weeknight meal for the busiest days. They are super easy, filling, comforting, packed with flavor, and you can prep everything ahead of time or use leftover chili or store bought to make it extra quick!

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Chili Cheese Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Melty cheddar and tangy chili make this a squash for squash haters. Who can turn down chili and cheese?! Make it your own by using any chili you want (perfect for leftovers!)

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Chili Polenta Skillet Pies

Chili Polenta Skillet Pies make great use of the leftoverturkey chili. Your family will feel special as everyone gets their own serving.

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20 Leftover Chili Recipes (21)

Frito Pie

Get ready to dig into the ultimate comfort food with this mouthwatering Frito Pie recipe, featuring layers of crunchy Frito corn chips, hearty homemade chili, and gooey melted cheese!

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Leftover Chili Spaghetti Pie Casserole

Leftover chili nestled on a bed of baked spaghetti noodles and topped with cheddar cheese. Quick easy leftover chili recipe!

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More Leftover Recipe Ideas to Try

Looking for more leftover recipe ideas? Try these other favorites:

  • 20 Leftover Cornbread Recipes – Leftover cornbread is just waiting to be transformed into delicious dishes. Whether you’ve got a few crumbled bits or an entire skillet, don’t let this golden treasure go to waste. From savory stuffing and crispy croutons to savory casseroles and sweet desserts, these recipes make the most of every last crumb of your cornbread.
  • Leftover Turkey Pot Pie with Puff Pastry – This one-pan recipe is an easy comfort food recipe made with tender turkey, veggies, and delicious gravy topped with a flaky, buttery puff pastry crust. It’s perfect for those Thanksgiving leftovers.
  • Cranberry Pecan Turkey Salad – This easy recipe combines lefover shredded turkey (or chicken) with the sweet zing of cranberries and the satisfying crunch of pecans, making it an ideal post-holiday dish. Enjoy it in sandwiches, wraps, or atop fresh greens for a delicious meal.

Let’s Connect! If you make this recipeor any other recipe on Casual Epicure, please don’t forget torate the recipeand leave a comment below. It helps others who are considering making our recipes and we love hearing about your cooking experiences. And if you snapped some shots, share them onInstagram, and be sure to tag @casual.epicureso we can feature them in our stories.

2 thoughts on “20 Leftover Chili Recipes”

  1. 20 Leftover Chili Recipes (23)

    Dizzy, Busy and Hungry

    February 4, 2024 at 12:56 am

    20 Leftover Chili Recipes (24)
    All of these recipes look so good, I am going to try them all. I always look forward to leftover chili and now, I have 20 ways of using it.

    Reply

    1. 20 Leftover Chili Recipes (25)

      Melissa

      February 4, 2024 at 2:54 pm

      We love leftover chili, too. Hope you enjoy all these recipes.

      Reply

Leave a Comment

20 Leftover Chili Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to amazing chili? ›

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.

Why is leftover chili so good? ›

The meat releases collagen and gelatinizes into a thicker, more luxurious texture. Same deal with vegetarian chili; the starches in beans break down, adding richness and viscosity. Plus, during that overnighter, the flavors soak into each other for a chili that's greater than the sum of its parts.

How long is leftover chilli good for? ›

To maximize the shelf life of cooked chili for safety and quality, refrigerate the chili promptly in covered airtight containers. Properly stored, cooked chili will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

How do you thicken leftover chili? ›

Make a cornstarch slurry: Mix together 1 tablespoon each of cornstarch and cold water, stirring well to remove any lumps. Then, stir the slurry into your chili and let it simmer for another 10 minutes to fully thicken.

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.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What makes chili taste better? ›

A cup of strong, brewed coffee will work wonders for your pot of chili, imparting a deep, roasted flavor that will make the chili taste like it simmered away all day long. For maximum flavor, reduce the coffee along with a blend of tomato paste, aromatic veggies and spices like we do in our Spicy Vegetarian Chili.

Is it safe to eat chili that was left out all night? ›

To ensure food safety, it is generally recommended to follow the "2-hour rule" for perishable foods. If chili has been left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature, it is advisable to discard it to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.

Does chili taste better the longer you simmer it? ›

A low and slow cook time—at least an hour total—is key for drawing out the most flavor in a pot of chili. Yes, a quick chili is most welcome on weeknights, but it won't have quite the same results. A slow cooker works wonders, but if you're short on time, try a pressure cooker.

What do Mexicans eat with chilli? ›

And to serve

In Mexico, they make a green rice, using a long-grain variety flavoured with salsa verde. Paul also suggests trying an ancient grain such as quinoa or faro, as well as corn tortillas and condiments such as guacamole, salsas and sour cream. “Chilli con carne is very communal,” he says.

Do you serve chili with rice or pasta? ›

No, there is a reason why white (longer grain, eg basmati) rice is the go-to chilli accompaniment. That is because in its light, clean, toothsome blandness, it is the perfect palate-cleansing foil for that relatively heavy meat sauce.

What is the best cheese to put on chili? ›

The most popular cheese to serve with a steaming bowl of chili is cheddar cheese, personal preference would dictate whether it be mild, medium or sharp cheddar. Monterey or pepper Jack cheese would be another good choice. And, then there are slices of American processed cheese that melts like no other cheese around.

Is reheated chili good? ›

You don't have to be a card-carrying leftovers lover to know that some foods are just better when reheated the next day -- especially chili. You'd be hard-pressed to find a chili that doesn't become even more flavorful after a brief stint in the fridge.

Can you freeze chili leftovers? ›

Chili is a crowd-pleaser, but we don't always have a crowd to feed nor know what to do with all those leftovers. We also know chili tastes better the next day but did you know you can freeze it and enjoy those same delicious results later? Freezing works whether you are making all meat or vegetarian chili.

Can you eat leftover chilli cold? ›

Yes, cold chili might not sound that appetizing, but I'm also not suggesting you eat an entire bowl of it. If you happen to prepare a large batch chili and keep it in the fridge to eat over the course of the week, occasionally having a spoonful of cold chili can be deeply satisfying.

Can you cook chilli then reheat? ›

REHEAT IN THE OVEN

Put your chilli con carne in an oven proof dish add a little water and stir it in well so the sauce isn't thick but not too runny. Adding the water will stop your meat drying out and burning in the oven. Cover your dish with some foil and put it your preheated 180'C oven.

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