25+ Easy Recipes Using Leftover Chili

If you have leftover chili from last night’s dinner, do not let it go to waste! With a little creativity, you can transform that leftover chili into delicious new dishes that will have your family asking for more. I have collected over 25 easy and kid friendly recipes that use leftover chili. They will bring new life to your original chili night! From hearty pasta dishes to savory casseroles, these recipes will not only save you time, but you can say goodbye to boring leftovers because these recipes are anything but that! Let’s dive into some tasty ways to repurpose what was once a bowl of chili into a completely new meal!

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When thinking about what to make with your chili leftovers, practically any recipe can be subbed with chili if there is beef already in the recipe. It’s a very easy swap! Leftover chili recipes are so underrated, but before we get ahead of ourselves, I should share a couple of my favorite chili recipes that I make time and time again. You can’t go wrong with my easy crockpot ground beef chili – it is thick, chunky and simply the best! If you have chicken you need to use up, this instant pot chicken chili is also crowd favorite and very family friendly.

Family Friendly Ways to Use Up Leftover Chili

Need an easy weeknight dinner recipe that’s also family-friendly? These recipes are a great way to use up leftover chili and satisfy everyone at the dinner table!

• Chili Cheese Dogs – You can use leftover chili that you already have on hand, or you can try slow cooker hot dog chili. Either way, everyone loves this comfort food!
• Chili Mac and Cheese – Using my Grandma’s macaroni and cheese recipe, just simply fold in your leftover chili, add some toppings and you’re done!
• Chili Stuffed Baked Potatoes – A simple and filling meal that can be customized with your family’s favorite toppings. Instant Pot Baked Potatoes are another option.
• Chili Quesadillas – Spread chili onto a tortilla, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and top with another tortilla. Cook in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
• Chili Cheese Fries – Chili fries are a hearty and satisfying snack or meal that kids will devour.

Appetizers Made With Leftover Chili

Spice up your appetizers with these quick, easy and mouthwatering recipes that take leftover chili and turn it into irresistible party bites.

• Chili Cheese Dip – Use your leftover chili instead of the refried beans that are called for in this recipe. Serve with corn chips.
• Chili-Stuffed Jalapeños – Remove the seeds and membranes from jalapeños, stuff them with chili, top with cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.

Quick Recipes Using Leftover Chili

Short on time but craving big flavors? These quick and easy recipes made with leftover chili are here to save the day especially for busy weeknight dinners!

• Chili Stuffed Bell Peppers – The original recipe uses ground chicken, but you can easily swap that with your leftover chili. Top with cheese and bake. So easy!
• Chili Nachos – Layer tortilla chips with leftover chili, cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream for a delicious nacho dish.
• Cheesy Tater Tot Chili Casserole – I would omit the green beans and swap out the beef for your chili.
• Chili Corn Chowder – Mix leftover chili with corn, broth, and cream for a comforting corn chowder with a kick. You could even use my corn chowder soup recipe.
• Loaded Chili Tacos – Use the chili as a filling for tacos, along with your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream. The beans and other chili ingredients make for a mouthwatering dinner.

Casserole Recipes Using Leftover Chili

There are many ways to use up your leftover chili, but you can really shake up your casserole game with these flavorful recipes that repurpose leftover chili into comforting one-dish wonders!

• Loaded Baked Potato Casserole – We loved chili stuffed baked potatoes, but this is another delicious way to use up leftovers. Instead of using the chicken that this recipes call for, just use the chili. Easy peasy.
• Chili Cornbread Casserole – Make a batch of buttermilk cornbread batter. Layer the bottom of a 9×13 dish with the leftover chili. Drop the cornbread batter over the top. Bake in the oven, and when done, top with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, chopped green onions, and shredded cheese, then serve.
• Chili Pot Pie – Chili pie is a favorite around here. Bake your favorite boxed or homemade cornbread in a deep casserole dish and follow the instructions in the recipe.
• Hashbrown Casserole – Layer shredded hash browns, leftover chili and cheese and bake until bubbly and golden. Serve this with mexican cornbread or a green salad and everyone will be happy.
• Chili Enchilada Casserole – Use the chili as your meat base.

Pasta Recipes Made with Leftover Chili

These flavorful recipes featuring leftover chili as the star ingredient are a great way to create a completely different meal with yesterday’s dinner:

• Chili Pasta – Swap out the hamburger with leftover chili.
• Chili and Mushroom Casserole
• Spaghetti Noodles and Chili – Have you heard of Skyline Chili? It’s a Cincinnati “thing” and the chili isn’t traditional, but it’s served over spaghetti and let me tell you IT.IS.AMAZING.
• Chili Cheese Lasagna Skillet – For a tex-mex inspired dish, use the leftover chili as your meat base for this lasagna!

Breakfast Recipes Using Leftover Chili

Start your day with a kick with these breakfast recipes that transform leftover chili into delicious morning meals:

• Jalapeño Popper Breakfast Casserole – Follow the instructions, but add the chili on top of your egg mixture, before you add the cream cheese.
• Chili Eggs – Make your favorite eggs on the stove and serve your chili right over the top.
• Cornbread Waffles – This is such a fun way to use up your chili!
• Leftover Chili Burritos – Scoop chili, cooked rice and Monterey jack cheese onto your tortilla. Add topping likes sour cream, tomatoes etc.
• Chili Omelet – All you need are 2 eggs, 1/4 cup leftover chili, 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese and Salt and pepper, to taste. After you prepare the base of the omelet, layer your chili and cheese on one half and then fold the other egg half over.

If you’re looking for recipes that use up your leftover chili, this list should give you a great head start. If you need more chili recipes, check these different recipes out. I have everything from traditional to creamy.

If you have a tried and true leftover chili recipe, make sure and let me know in the comments!