Are you tired of throwing away leftover chili after a big gathering or a weeknight dinner? Think again! Chili is one of the most versatile ingredients out there, and with these 18 creative recipes, you can turn it into something entirely new and delicious. From classic comfort food twists to innovative breakfast ideas, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll show you how to transform your leftover chili into a variety of tasty dishes that will become family favorites.
Whether you’re in the mood for something savory, cheesy, or sweet, these recipes are sure to inspire. So, go ahead and get creative with your leftover chili – your taste buds (and your fridge) will thank you!
Chili Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Elevate your snack game with this flavorful and fun twist on classic stuffed peppers! This recipe combines the richness of chili, the creaminess of cheese, and the crunch of bell peppers for a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers (any color), seeded and chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 lb ground beef or turkey
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ground beef or turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes with green chilies and season with salt and pepper.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the chili mixture, topping with shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chili Mac and Cheese
A comforting fusion of pasta, chili, and cheese, this recipe is perfect for a cozy night in. This classic comfort food dish is easy to make and sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chili powder
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet; cook until onion is translucent.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
6. Combine cooked macaroni, chili mixture, and cheddar cheese in a large mixing bowl.
7. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; whisk in milk until smooth.
8. Pour the cheesy milk mixture over the pasta mixture and stir until combined.
9. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Chili Cornbread Casserole
A hearty, comforting casserole that combines the warmth of chili with the sweetness of cornbread, perfect for a cozy evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cornbread mix
– 1 cup milk
– 1 egg
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
3. Add onion and garlic to the skillet; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in canned diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
5. In a separate bowl, combine cornbread mix, milk, and egg. Mix well.
6. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the chili mixture, followed by half of the cornbread batter.
7. Repeat layers, finishing with a layer of cornbread on top.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheese and chopped cilantro over the top.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chili Loaded Nachos
Get ready to level up your snack game with this mouth-watering Chili Loaded Nachos recipe! Crunchy tortilla chips smothered in a rich, flavorful chili and topped with melted cheese, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tortilla chips
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 packet of chili seasoning
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Jalapeños, sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Stir in chili seasoning and can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
5. Arrange tortilla chips on a baking sheet and spoon the chili mixture over the top.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese and chopped cilantro over the nachos.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from oven and top with sliced jalapeños, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chili Stuffed Baked Potatoes
A delicious twist on classic baked potatoes, this recipe fills tender spuds with a hearty chili and cheese mixture for a satisfying snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large baking potatoes
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped scallions, diced tomatoes
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake potatoes for 45-50 minutes or until tender.
3. While potatoes are baking, cook ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with spoon as it cooks.
4. Add onion, garlic, chili powder, and cumin; cook until onion is translucent.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes with green chilies; season with salt and pepper.
6. Once potatoes are done, slice them open lengthwise and fill each with a generous helping of the chili mixture.
7. Top with shredded cheese and any desired toppings.
8. Return filled potatoes to oven for an additional 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Chili Quesadillas
Get ready to spice up your snack game with these delicious Chili Quesadillas! A perfect combination of creamy chili, melted cheese, and crispy tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 large tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– Optional toppings: sour cream, diced onions, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, chili powder, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place a tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the chili mixture onto half of the tortilla.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chili. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
7. Place quesadillas on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chili Cheese Fries
Get ready to level up your snack game with this indulgent recipe that combines the best of both worlds – crispy fries and creamy chili cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds French fry-style potatoes, cut into strips
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (16 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Optional: sour cream, chopped onions, or jalapeños for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Fry the potatoes in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
3. In a large skillet, combine diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, and cumin. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes or until heated through.
4. Arrange the fries on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the warm chili mixture over the top.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the chili.
6. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chili Omelette
Start your day with a spicy twist on the classic omelette. This chili-infused recipe combines savory flavors and textures to create a breakfast that will keep you going all morning.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup diced onion
– 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon butter or oil
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat the butter or oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño; cook until vegetables are tender.
4. Pour in the egg mixture and cook until edges start to set.
5. Sprinkle chili powder on half of the omelette; fold the other half over to create a half-moon shape.
6. Cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, until eggs are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes
Chili Shepherd’s Pie
Chili Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
A hearty twist on a classic comfort food dish, this Chili Shepherd’s Pie combines the warmth of chili with the flaky goodness of a homemade crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup mashed potatoes
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, beans, flour, and beef broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until thickened slightly.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. Top with mashed potatoes and dot with butter.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Chili Taco Salad
A flavorful and filling salad that combines the best of chili and tacos, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or lunch on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option)
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 cups mixed greens
– 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add taco seasoning and stir to combine; cook for an additional minute.
4. In a separate pot, heat the black beans and diced tomatoes over medium heat until warmed through.
5. Combine cooked chili mixture with tortilla chips, cheese, and cilantro in a large bowl.
6. Top with mixed greens and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chili Pizza with Cornbread Crust
This unique recipe combines the flavors of chili and pizza with a crispy cornbread crust, perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– Shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
– Optional toppings: jalapeños, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, and salt.
3. Add buttermilk, egg, and melted butter; stir until smooth.
4. Pour batter into a greased 9-inch pizza pan or round cake pan.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Top with chili ingredients (diced tomatoes, ground beef, onion, garlic, chili powder, and cumin).
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
8. Return to oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Chili Stuffed Bell Peppers
Transform ordinary bell peppers into a flavorful and nutritious meal by filling them with a savory chili mixture. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option)
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup cooked chili (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in cooked chili and diced tomatoes.
6. Stuff each bell pepper with the chili mixture and top with shredded cheese (if using).
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Chili Cheese Dip
Get ready to score a touchdown with this creamy, cheesy chili dip that’s perfect for game day gatherings or cozy movie nights!
Ingredients:
– 1 (16 ounce) container of cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup of canned black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup of canned diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 tablespoon of chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese until smooth.
3. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chili powder to the cream cheese. Mix well.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish or a cast-iron skillet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly.
6. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chili Breakfast Burritos
Start your day with a flavorful twist on traditional breakfast burritos by adding spicy chili and melted cheese to scrambled eggs, wrapped in a warm tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chili (homemade or store-bought)
– 6 eggs
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 6 large flour tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced onions, chopped bell peppers, sour cream, salsa
Instructions:
1. Scramble the eggs in a bowl and set aside.
2. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
3. Spoon about 1/4 cup of chili onto the center of each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Add scrambled eggs on top of the chili, followed by shredded cheese.
5. Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the burrito up tightly.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the savory flavors of chili, making for a satisfying and filling meal. Perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening.
Ingredients:
– 4 large sweet potatoes
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork several times and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until soft.
3. While sweet potatoes are baking, cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add chopped onion, garlic, red bell pepper, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook until vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
6. Split cooked sweet potatoes open and fill with chili mixture.
7. Top with desired toppings and serve.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Chili Cheese Enchiladas
A twist on traditional enchiladas, this recipe combines the flavors of chili con carne with melted cheese and soft tortillas.
Ingredients:
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chili con carne
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add diced tomatoes and chili con carne; stir to combine.
4. In a separate pan, warm tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
5. Assemble enchiladas by spooning meat mixture onto a tortilla, then rolling up and placing seam-side down in a baking dish.
6. Top with shredded cheese and chopped cilantro; cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chili Spaghetti
This hearty recipe combines the flavors of Italy with the spice of the Americas. A rich and meaty chili sauce coats al dente spaghetti, creating a unique and satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 pound spaghetti
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add diced tomatoes and red kidney beans to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Combine cooked spaghetti and chili sauce. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chili Cheese Baked Potatoes
Transform plain baked potatoes into a flavorful and satisfying dish with the added richness of chili and cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large baking potatoes
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and poke some holes in each with a fork.
3. Rub the potatoes with a little bit of oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
5. While the potatoes are baking, mix the chili, cheese, sour cream, and cilantro in a bowl.
6. Once the potatoes are done, slice them open lengthwise and top each one with the chili-cheese mixture.
7. Return the potatoes to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes
Summary
Get creative with your leftover chili and transform it into a variety of delicious dishes. From classic comfort foods to unique twists, we’ve got 18 recipes that will make you forget all about reheated bowls. Turn chili into stuffed peppers, mac and cheese, or cornbread casserole for a cozy night in. Or get adventurous with loaded nachos, quesadillas, or cheesy fries. Even breakfast is fair game, with options like omelettes, shepherd’s pie, and breakfast burritos. And don’t forget the sweet treats – chili stuffed bell peppers and cheese enchiladas are a game-changer.