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When you’re mixing up a big pot of chili to feed all the family during the week, sometimes it’s easy to get the quantity wrong and you end up with far too much leftover. Or, perhaps you’ve used it as an opportunity to batch cook and save some time later on in the week. Either way, there are a whole host of recipes using leftover chili to make the most of this delicious dish so you need never throw any away. From chili pot pie to chili casserole, discover our tastiest leftover chili recipe ideas below.
Chili burritos
First up in our list of recipes made with chili leftovers is a mighty chili burrito, otherwise known as a wet burrito. Smothered in chili sauce, and taking inspiration from a chili enchilada, this is a fun way to use up the rest of your chili. Dollop with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa for the full Mexican cuisine experience. Of course you’ll need to master the art of folding a burrito for this one. Our top tips for getting the best burrito fold is to make sure it’s warmed through first, and, to secondly ensure you don’t overfill the burrito, to prevent it falling apart and spilling over. Then it’s all in the roll and tuck! Serve your chili burrito alongside a fresh salad and a generous grating of Cheddar cheese over the top to melt into the sauce and form a cheesy, creamy crust.
Leftover chili casserole
A casserole really is one of the world’s most versatile dishes. It essentially refers to a baked one-pan dish, where all the ingredients have come together to form a harmony of flavors. For this reason, you can make a casserole with pretty much any leftover dish or ingredients that you may have in your kitchen. If you have a chili already made, then you’re halfway there to making a delicious chili casserole for a midweek meal. Simply stir cooked pasta into your chili, and then spread a mix of yogurt, cheese, and eggs over the top. Season and bake in the oven for around 20 minutes until the top turns nice and crispy. This dish can be ready on the table in under half an hour when made with leftover chili, and is sure to fill all your friends and family up.
Chili dip
Chili can be served by itself as a dip for nachos and tortilla chips. Whether you’re hosting friends for a game night or watching the big match, any leftover chili can be easily transferred to a sauce pot and handily served as a dip on its own. If you want to take it to the next level, you can also add ingredients like cream cheese, diced tomatoes, and green peppers for an even tastier flavor experience. A helping of sour cream and a sprinkling of chives on the top elevates the presentation further, if you’re cooking to impress. We like a chili dip when made with a classic Texas chili, without beans, as it’s filling enough with the addition of tomatoes and green peppers. But you can of course add beans if that’s your preference.
Chili pot pie
A chili pot pie is a tasty way to use up leftover chili and it’s quick and easy to prepare for a midweek dinner. A real crowdpleaser, this will keep everyone happy from the kids to the adults. The best way to make this pot pie is to use cornbread for the topping instead of other pastry variants. The sweetness of the corn pairs brilliantly with the rich and hearty flavors of the chili, and can be easily made at home. You’ll simply need to top your chili with a cornbread mix prior to putting it into the oven, and wait for it all to heat through and turn golden and crisp on top. Easy as pie.
Chili mac 'n' cheese
During the colder months, there are few dishes that scream comfort food more than a classic mac ‘n’ cheese. But have you ever tried mixing it in with a chili? When it’s raining and cold outside, this is the recipe to have up your sleeve to make the most of your chili leftovers. With your homemade chili ready, you’ll need to stir in cooked macaroni pasta with a generous helping of cheese, and let it all simmer together and warm through. Cheesy, creamy, indulgent, and meaty, there’s little that’s not to like about this leftover recipe.
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