Recipes Using Chili
Trying to figure out what to do with leftover chili? We’ve got more than two dozen delicious recipes using chili from snacks and appetizers to main dish recipes like sandwiches and casseroles.
The best thing about chili is that it feeds a crowd… but if you don’t have a crowd you may be asking yourself what to do with leftover chili. The good news is that chili freezes wonderfully.
However, there are so many great ways to turn your leftover chili into new meals and snacks. The only thing stopping you is your imagination!
You’ll love this collection of recipes using leftover chili!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions readers sometimes as about recipes using chili, and specifically leftover chili.
There are so many amazing toppings and side dishes that pair well with chili. Check out our article on What to Serve with Chili for more than 20 ideas!
It is important to let chili cool completely before storing it.
Room-temperature chili should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge.
To freeze chili, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. To avoid freezer burn, place the container into a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to label it before placing it into the freezer.
Properly stored, chili will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator and 4-6 months in the freezer.
Recipes Using Chili
Wondering what to do with leftover chili? Wonder no more. We have more than two dozen recipes using chili as the main ingredient that are sure to make your mouth water! this list goes well beyond just nachos.
1. Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole
Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole from Juggling Act Mama:
Crispy tots and melty cheese make this one of my favorite easy leftover chili recipes.
I love it when I can make a whole new meal out of leftovers!
2. Chili Cheese Toasts
3 Ingredient Chili Cheese Toasts from Eazy Grub:
With less than 10 minutes to prep, these toasts are like spicy French bread pizzas!
They make for speedy, easy lunches, snacks, and even dinners with a side salad.
3. Chili Stuffed Peppers
Chili Stuffed Peppers from Juggling Act Mama:
This easy recipe combines leftover chili with white or brown rice, and lots of cheese (it’s a great way to use leftover rice, too!)
Place the stuffed bell peppers into a casserole dish and bake until golden brown on top!
4. Chili Spaghetti Pie Casserole
Leftover Chili Spaghetti Pie Casserole from Smarty Pants Kitchen:
This recipe is good ‘ole fashion comfort food!
Layer a baking dish with the pasta, leftover chili, and cheddar cheese for a great meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
5. Chili Pot Pie
Chili Pot Pie aka Chili Cornbread Casserole from Juggling Act Mama:
Chili and corn bread go hand in hand which is why this is one of my favorite meals. Just spoon cornbread batter over your chili leftovers and bake.
Garnish with green onions and serve hot for a hearty and delicious meal the whole family will love.
6. Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Stuffed Poblano Peppers from Diethood:
Need a game day snack in a hurry? Grab some leftover chili to make this easy recipe.
Stuff your roasted green poblano peppers with leftover chili and top with cheese for a spicy two-bite appetizer.
7. Cheesy Chili Potato Skins
Chili Potato Skins from Juggling Act Mama:
Take chili fries to a whole new level with these potato skins.
It’s an easy weeknight meal or a fun game day appetizer.
Top with crushed crushed corn chips for crunch if you like.
8. Chili Dog Tater Tot Casserole
Chili Dog Tater Tot Casserole from Bowl Me Over:
Everything you love about chili dogs in one casserole dish!
With hot dogs, tater tots, cheese, and leftover chili, this is a meal the whole family will love.
The best part is you only need 30 minutes from start to finish!
9. Easy Chili Cheese Dip
Easy Chili Cheese Dip from The Suburban Soapbox:
This easy 3-ingredient dip is loaded with hearty chili leftovers and melted cheese. It’s perfect for tailgating, game nights, and parties.
The best part is that it’s ready in about 20 minutes!
10. Chili Lasagna
Chili Lasagna from Create Kids Club:
If you love lasagna, this recipe is for you.
Grab some oven-ready noodles, your favorite leftover chili to make this easy 30 minute meal that uses seasoned sour cream instead of ricotta cheese!
11. Chili Cheese Grilled Sandwich
Chili Cheese Grilled Sandwich from Dizzy Busy & Hungry
You might just need a fork and knife to eat this gooey chili grilled cheese sandwich!
It’s a fantastic meal when you don’t really feel like cooking.
12. Chili Cheese Fries
Chili Cheese Fries from Noshing with the Nolans:
These Chili Cheese Fries will have the gang coming in screaming to the table!
Add your favorite chili toppings like sour cream, avocado or pickled red onions.
13. Chili Baked Potatoes
Chili Baked Potatoes from Baking Mischief:
If you made a big pot of chili and don’t know how to use up leftovers, this a delicious way to make another meal of it.
Grab some big baking potatoes and your favorite toppings for chili and get cooking!
14. Chili Nachos
Chili Nachos from Spend with Pennies:
Whether you use leftover chili or canned chili, this recipe is a cinch. Grab your tortilla chips and a baking sheet, along with different toppings and you’re good to go!
You’ll also love our waffle fry nachos.
15. Chili Cheese Sloppy Joes
Chili Cheese Sloppy Joes from Dinner then Dessert:
Warm chili, a toasted bun, and gooey cheese – what could be better?
Your family will come flying to the dinner table when you serve this easy meal.
16. Chili Cheese Burrito
Chili Cheese Burrito from Love Bakes Good Cakes:
Use leftover ground beef chili – or any kind of chili – to make mouthwatering chili cheese burritos the next day!
These are like sloppy joes (by which I mean messy) but oh-so very delicious!
17. Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes from The Vegan Atlas:
These easy chili-stuffed sweet potatoes make a satisfying dinner served with a simple salad.
You can even make these in the microwave!
18. Chili Mac and Cheese
Chili Mac and Cheese from The View From Great Island:
Mac and cheese lovers rejoice! This chili mac recipe is perfect for those who also love chili, too.
A big bowl of this warm chili macaroni and cheese is perfect for cold nights.
19. Chili Cheese Dogs
Chili Cheese Dogs from Two Kids and a Coupon:
If you’re trying to figure out what to do with leftover chili, this is the answer!
Grab your air fryer to whip up this super easy weeknight dinner (or game day snack!)
20. Frito Pie
Frito Chili Pie from Love Bakes Good Cakes:
This is a whole new way to enjoy an easy dinner using leftover chili and corn chips. You’ll love this hearty meal.
It’s one of my favorite recipes using chili!
21. Chili Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Chili Spaghetti Squash Casserole from Eat the Gains:
Looking for a low carb recipe? This baked spaghetti squash casserole is a tasty meal that’s gluten-free and serves a crowd!
22. Chili Cheese Dip
Chili Cheese Bean Dip from Project Meal Plan:
Turn your bean chili into a cheesy dip with just 4 ingredients. Talk about a good use of leftover chili!
Plus, you can make this right in your slow cooker or instant pot.
23. Corn Muffin Chili Cups
Corn Muffin Chili Cups from Juggling Act Mama:
Next time you have leftover chili, whip up some corn bread muffins and make these two-bite snacks. They’re perfect for movie night!
24. Chili Taco Salad
Wendy’s Original Taco Salad from An Affair from the Heart:
One of my favorite ways to use leftover chili is to make a salad.
The warm chili on a bed of cool and crunchy greens and shredded cheese totally hits the spot!
25. Chili Cheese Fries Pizza
Chili Cheese Fries Pizza from Bake Me Some Sugar:
Can’t decide on what to do with leftover chili? How about chili cheese French fries AND pizza?! This is a super fun way to enjoy your leftover chili!
26. Chili Polenta Skillet Pies
Chili Polenta Skillet Pies from Culinary Ginger:
Top your leftover chili with shredded cheese and polenta for a complete meal that’s sure to please.
27. Walking Taco Casserole
Walking Taco Casserole from Juggling Act Mama:
The great thing about chili is that you can use it as a filling for all kinds of casseroles. Swap out the ground taco meat and beans mixture for your leftover chili and make your family this delicious and easy weeknight meal.
28. Spaghetti Chili
Chili Spaghetti from Lil’ Luna
Try this mid-western classic – just add cooked spaghetti noodles, broken into thirds, to your leftover chili. Add your favorite toppings, and fresh green salad, or some cheesy cornbread and you’ve dinner.
29. Cream Cheese Chili Dip
Cream Cheese Chili Dip from Juggling Act Mama:
This is the perfect game day or party snack and a great way to use up leftover chili. The best part is that you can whip it up in about 10 minutes. What’s not to love about that?
Serve with your favorite chips for dipping or with veggie sticks, pretzel bites, bagel chips, or pizza dough breadsticks.
Did we miss one of your favorite recipes using chili? Leave me a comment below!
Our Favorite Chili Recipes
Next time you’re looking for an amazing chili recipe, try one of these delicious recipes:
