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    Home » Recipes » Soups and Stews » Chili Recipes

    Recipes Using Chili

    [published_or_updated] · by Angela Paris · Leave a Comment[affiliate_disclosure]

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    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.

    Recipes Using Leftover Chili - what to do with leftover chili square collage image with text overlay.
    Tasty leftover chili recipes: the best ways to make new dishes out of leftover chili!
    Jump to:
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Recipes Using Chili
    • 1. Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole
    • 2. Chili Cheese Toasts
    • 3. Chili Stuffed Peppers
    • 4. Chili Spaghetti Pie Casserole
    • 5. Chili Pot Pie
    • 6. Stuffed Poblano Peppers
    • 7. Cheesy Chili Potato Skins
    • 8. Chili Dog Tater Tot Casserole
    • 9. Easy Chili Cheese Dip
    • 10. Chili Lasagna
    • 11. Chili Cheese Grilled Sandwich
    • 12. Chili Cheese Fries
    • 13. Chili Baked Potatoes
    • 14. Chili Nachos
    • 15. Chili Cheese Sloppy Joes
    • 16. Chili Cheese Burrito
    • 17. Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
    • 18. Chili Mac and Cheese
    • 19. Chili Cheese Dogs
    • 20. Frito Pie
    • 21. Chili Spaghetti Squash Casserole
    • 22. Chili Cheese Dip
    • 23. Corn Muffin Chili Cups
    • 24. Chili Taco Salad
    • 25. Chili Cheese Fries Pizza
    • 26. Chili Polenta Skillet Pies
    • 27. Walking Taco Casserole
    • 28. Spaghetti Chili
    • Our Favorite Chili Recipes
    • 💬 Comments

    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.

    What Can You Eat With 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!

    How Do You Store Leftover Chili?

    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.

    How Long Does Leftover Chili Last?

    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!

    1. Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

    Close up of cheesy Chili TaterTot Casserole with a wooden spoon.

    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!

    • Cheesy Slow Cooker Mexican Casserole on a plate with a fork.
    • Cheesy John Wayne Casserole on a plate with a fork.
    • Close up of cheesy Chili TaterTot Casserole with a wooden spoon.
    • Close up of a fork in Hashbrown and Ground Beef Casserole.
    See more Beef Casseroles →

    2. Chili Cheese Toasts

    3 Ingredient Chili Cheese Toast on a slate cutting board.

    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 in a baking dish.

    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

    Slice of 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

    Close up of chili cornbread casserole on a white plate with a fork,

    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.

    • Close up of Ham Pot Pie on a plate witha fork.
    • Close up of Chicken Bubble Biscuit Casserole in a bowl with a spoon.
    • Close up of Beef Pot Pie in a bowl with a spoon.
    • Two green bowls filled with Homemade Turkey Pot Pie.

    6. Stuffed Poblano Peppers

    Stuffed Poblano Peppers on a baking tray.

    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

    Close up of Potato Skins with Chlii and Cheese.

    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

    Fork holding a cheesy bite of 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!

    • Close up of serving spoon full of Walking Taco Casserole.
    • Close-up of Philly Cheesesteak Casserole with a serving spoon.
    • Ground Beef Casserole Recipes collage image with text overlay.
    • Carnitas Casserole: a slice of Mexican Pulled Pork Casserole on a plate with tomatoes.
    See more Beef Casseroles →

    9. Easy Chili Cheese Dip

    Easy Chili Cheese Dip tipped with slices of jalapeno pepper.

    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

    Close up of 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!

    • Slow Cooker Angel Chicken Pasta being scooped from a slow cooker.
    • Chicken Caesar Pasta on a white plate.
    • Close up of Steakhouse Pasta Dish with serving spoon.
    • Close up of Lasgana Soup in a bowl.
    See more Pasta →

    11. Chili Cheese Grilled Sandwich

    Chili Cheese Grilled Sandwich on a black plate.

    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 on a plate.


    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.

    • Hand holding a chip with Cream Cheese Corn Dip.
    • Roasted Cowboy Butter Cauliflower Bites on a baking sheet.
    • Layered Taco Dip Recipe in a casserole dish.
    • Chocolate Hummus with coconut and mini chocolate chips with strawberries.
    See more Appetizer →

    13. Chili Baked Potatoes

    Close up of 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 on a sheet tray with chopped tomatoes and jalapenos on top.

    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 sandwich on a plate.

    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

    Close up of Chili Cheese Burrito with onions.

    Chili Cheese Burrito from Love Bakes Good Cakes:

    Use leftover ground beef chili to make mouthwatering chili cheese burritos the next day!

    17. Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

    Close up of 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

    Top down view of Chili Mac and Cheese in a pot.

    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

    Top down view of 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

    Close up of 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

    Top down view of Chili Spaghetti Squash Casserole with slices of avocado.

    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

    Top down view of 4 Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip and chips.

    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.

    • Dips for Parties square collage with text overlay.
    • Close up image of egg nog dip with cinnamon sugar pie crust dippers on a plate along side a bottle of eggnog.
    • Apple Toffee Dip in a small bowl surrounded by pear and apple slices.
    • Cheesy Spinach Dip with garlic bread rolls in a cast iron skillet.
    See more Dips →

    23. Corn Muffin Chili Cups

    Close up of 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

    Top down view of 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!

    • Close up of Asian Purple Cabbage Slaw with serving utensils.
    • Apple Feta Salad with walnuts in a bowl with a fork.
    • Close up of Taco Salad with Doritos in a wooden bowl.
    See more Salads →

    25. Chili Cheese Fries Pizza

    Top down view of 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

    Top down view of 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

    Serving spoon scooping 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

    Bowl of chili spaghetti with bread.

    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.

    Did we miss one of your favorite recipes using chili? Leave me a comment below!

    Recipes Using Leftover Chili - what to do with leftover chili collage image with text overlay.
    Which one of these recipes using leftover chili will you make first?!
    Pin for Later

    Our Favorite Chili Recipes

    Next time you're looking for an amazing chili recipe, try one of these delicious recipes:

    • instant pot beef chili
    • slow cooker chicken chili
    • sweet and spicy chili
    • leftover turkey chili
    • crockpot chuck wagon chili
    • vegan chili
    • pumpkin chicken chili
    • Best Chili Side Dishes square collage image with text overlay.
    • Top down view of Leftover Turkey Chili in bowls with spoons.
    • Close up image of pumpkin chicken chili in a white bowl, topped with cheese.
    • Close up of Slow Cooker Chicken Chili in a bowl with sour cream, cheese, and chips.
    • Close up of Instant Pot Beef Chili topped with sour cream and chives.
    See more Chili Recipes →
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    Welcome! I'm Ang'e - the Juggling Act Mama! I love sharing quick and easy recipes, creative DIY projects, and fun family travel with you. Like many of you, I am a multi-tasking mama juggling priorities which is why here I offer solutions to tame your hectic lifestyle.

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