I love when there is Chili leftover in my refrigerator. The flavors blend together even more, making that warm and comforting bowl of food even better than the first day.
Chili can be used for other foods, as a topping or as a base. Whether you like your chili spicy or mild, these ideas will give you methods in which to use the chili after the big game.
Chili can be used to make an appetizer, a lunch or even a hearty and filling dinner meal that the family will love. Top the chili with your favorite cheese, green onions and sour cream and you are set!
1. Game Day Chili
This is the perfect recipe for the cool Autumn days, or the cold winter evenings.
It is loaded with beans, meat, spices, onions and more, your chili can be topped with any number of items from sour cream to light cheese. Almost anything can be added as a topping for chili.
Loaded with beans, chili is a fantastic meal filled with fiber. Some like their Chili super spicy, and some like it just mild so they can taste all the other flavors.
2. Gnocchi Chili
This recipe makes a dish that is comforting, filling and cozy. When you add in some fluffy gnocchi, your leftover chili will stretch further and you can feed more people.
Dumplings and chili is not a common thought among most people, it is however, one of the best ideas there is. Who would’ve thought that dumplings and chili would pair up so well?
This is a must try recipe if you like unique but tasty dishes.
3. Cheesy Leftover Chili Burritos
Chili Burritos is one of the simplest ideas for a meal. They are so easy to make when you use leftover chili.
These great little handheld items can easily be frozen by wrapping in plastic or foil and placing them in the freezer. The chili for these burritos could be with beans or without, the Chili could be vegan.
Anyway you look at it, Chili burritos topped with a handful of cheese is just what the cold weather ordered.
4. Leftover Turkey Chili
Who says Chili has to be made with beef? This recipe for using Turkey Chili that is leftover is just as flavorful as beef, but a slight bit healthier too.
Obviously, you can substitute Chicken for the turkey, or any other type of ground meat, I would suppose. The leftover Turkey Chili is just as good the second day, if not better.
You can use leftover Turkey Chili in the same way you would beef chili, vegetarian chili or sausage chili.
5. Baked Chili Dogs
This is actually a recipe I turn to when I have chili and hotdogs left from a previous meal. This works to use day old buns also.
The baking process is so simple, you just assemble the chili dogs as you would to serve them, but, instead you line them up in a baking dish and top with even more cheese.
When they are done, they can be eaten by picking up, or using silverware. The crusty aspect of the bun adds to the chili dog, and I absolutely love the crispy touch.
6. Chili Cheese Dip
This is truly one of the best dips that I have ever tasted.
When I can prevent the waste of leftover chili by combining it with cream cheese and shredded cheese and then kick it up a notch with a splash or two of hot sauce or cayenne pepper, it is the easiest way to create an appetizer or a simple meal.
I generally top the dip with cilantro or parsley to make it a winning dip!
7. Chili Mac
This is a dish that I actually snarled at the first time I saw it. When I made that first recipe, I was not pleased, but after a little changing it here and there, it became the perfect dish.
I was one of those people that said pasta and chili do not combine well. I admit, I was wrong, this dish is truly spectacular.
It is even really easy to put this dish together, no long and drawn out process.
8. Chunky Beef Chili
I love to call this dish Chunky chili only because I do kind of cheat.
If I have some chili leftover, I can use that but then combine with a little more stew meat, tomatoes and beans, along with the onions and celery and have a completely new dish.
If need be, I just cook up more vegetables with the stew meat and then add a can of diced tomatoes, throw it together with leftovers and I am set for a crowd.
9. Homemade Vegetarian Chili
This pot of chili is quick to make by following the recipe. However, I do cheat once in a while and use up the vegetables and beans that may be sitting in the refrigerator.
Either way you cook this dish, you will be pleasantly surprised by the taste and the ease with which it is made.
Top this with a vegan cheese and you are set to go. A great warm up on a cold night.
10. Chili Cheese Dog Bake
Another take on a classic dish and one of the perfect ways to use up any leftovers from Chili night.
With this dish I am able to combine two of my favorites, which is why this works as a leftover dish.
I can use Chili from one night and crescent dogs from another night, I place them all in one dish like the recipe shows and wow the ease of this dish is amazing.
11. Texas Style Chili Con Carne
Although this is a form of chili, it will seem to be more like a beef stew.
The recipe uses thick chunks of meat, a thick and savory sauce and the flavor is immense.
They say in Texas go big or go home, this chili goes big! Big in ingredients, big on flavor and big on the ease in making this dish. It is also a big favorite around my dinner table.
This one is a winner!
12. Chili Cheese Empanadas
These would be my newest favorite dish to make. I combine a flaky crust with a stuffing that is thick and rich in chili flavor.
I add some shredded cheese and bake them until they are a golden brown color. These can be made and eaten as an appetizer, as a lunch or as a dinner.
They are filling and perfect for a chilly day or evening. I can’t think of a better way to eat chili other than stuffing an empanada with it.
13. The Best Short Rib Chili
Again, there is no mandate stating that meat for Chili must be ground beef. I would be lying if I said this recipe did not surprise me.
Using big chunks of Short Rib meat in this recipe is going large in every way. This recipe is so good it would fill the cowboys on the ranges every night.
This dish of Short Rib Chili and some flaky biscuits and I am sure that I would be in heaven.
14. Frito Chili Casserole
We have all heard about how good Fritos and Chili are supposed to be.
Well, trust me, once you taste it, you will be making chili more often just so you can use the leftover chili to make Frito Chili Casserole.
This is definitely not your momma’s Frito chili dip, this is a multi-layered casserole with chili, Fritos, and tons of cheese. This is one that will fill you up and keep you happy!
15. Weeknight Chili Tater Tot Casserole
Tater Tot Casserole is a tasty and filling dish, however, after many years it does get boring.
There comes a time when you need to change things up a little and make the old new again. That is what this dish is. Old ideas made with new methods.
The leftover chili is simply placed into a casserole dish, Tater Tots cover the entire area and then a great dose of cheese over the tater tots.
16. Chili Cornbread Casserole
A warm pot of chili on the stove simmering, the smell of cornbread cooking in the oven, is there anything better?
There sure is! This Chili Cornbread Casserole is the way to enjoy the meal now. Spread that thick and rich chili in the bottom of a baking dish and slather a batch of cornbread batter over the top.
Let it bake in the oven and enjoy the flavor and the ease of this one.
17. Cincinnati Chili
What? Have you ever heard of Cincinnati Chili? Oh my, I am glad you are here for this one!
Chili is a big deal in Cincinnati. You see, in Ohio, it gets cold! You need food that will stick to your ribs and fill you up for lengthy periods of time.
This recipe does just that! This dish is simply unbelievable! A plate of spaghetti noodles, A big scoop of Chili, topped with onions and cheese and sprinkled with oyster crackers.
18. Paleo Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
This dish is warm, filled with tons of protein and hearty.
I have always loved putting chili on top of baked potatoes. This, however, was a new one for me. I am so glad too, because the taste of that delicious Sweet Potato with a good dose of spicy chili on top is the bomb!
This is the perfect way to use up that small amount of Chili you have sitting in the refrigerator, and having the baked potato as well.
To realize that I was able to use a healthier potato and still enjoy one of my favorites was a blessing!
19. Chili Pasta Casserole
This recipe is for those game nights, or actually any night that you want delicious food without a lot of work.
Now you can follow the recipe and make the chili in the recipe, or you can do like I prefer and use up the leftover chili sitting in the refrigerator.
I boil up a pot of medium shell pasta and then combine the two. It is a perfect combination. The shells are large enough to hold the chili sauce, making it even better.
20. Lentil Chili Vegan
When you want all the taste of a good chili, the healthy aspect of vegan and the great taste of lentil, this is the recipe to use.
Lentil Vegan Chili is one of the best vegan style chilis that I will continue to make for my family. The taste that you get with this recipe is the best!
This recipe is complete with lentil and vegan ground beef which means a huge dose of protein in every serving.