20 Ways to Use Leftover Chili

By

Melanie Fincher

Published on September 24, 2020

chili dip with fritos on white plate — Photo: Tiffany J.

It takes little effort to throw a pot of warm, comforting chili together on the stove. Once you've done that, the options are endless. Chili is the dish that keeps on giving — use it to make chili dogs, chili fries, and so much more. Looking for ways to use up your leftover chili? Here are 20 leftover chili recipes that give new life to this classic dish.

01 of 20

Fabulous Wet Burritos

Fabulous Wet Burritos — lachiquis

A wet burrito is just a burrito that's slathered with red chili sauce, similar to an enchilada. The sauce on these burritos is made with a mixture of chili, tomato soup, and enchilada sauce. "This is quick and easy, and can use ingredients most people have on hand," says reviewer charlene.

02 of 20

Chili Dog Casserole II

plate of chili dog casserole with green beans on the side — JANICER8

In this "chili dog" casserole tortillas are used instead of hot dog buns. Reviewer Casey M describes it as, "Comfort food in a different arrangement."

03 of 20

Emily's Excellent Taco Casserole

Taco casserole with diced tomatoes on top — Rock_lobster

"This is a super speedy dinner I like to make when it is getting late and I haven't cooked yet. Chili, corn chips and cheese are topped with lettuce and tomato," says recipe creator your mom. "Spice it up with your favorite salsa. Vegetarian chili can be found with the regular chili — it is often labeled as 'fat free'."

04 of 20

Cowboy Stew I

Chili Stew with cheese and sour cream — Leslie Sullivan

A can of cream-style corn, chili, baked beans, tomato sauce, and diced green chiles (plus a little ground beef) come together to make one hearty stew. Talk about a "pantry-staple dinner."

05 of 20

Chili Dip

chili dip with fritos on white plate — Tiffany J.

Cream cheese, chili, and canned tomatoes with green chile peppers make a spicy and flavorful dip that's perfect for game day, movie night, or any night.

06 of 20

Cowboy Mexican Dip

a tortilla chip covered in cheesy dip is held between two fingers — Paula

Use two leftovers in one to make this easy dip: Tamales and chili. " I made it for my teenage son's party. Everyone loved it," says reviewer Lynn Small. "It was gone in no time!"

07 of 20

Triple Bypass

Triple Bypass — Steph V

A layer of chili is topped with a layer of tater tots and sprinkled with bacon, cheese, and green onions...yes, really. Reviewer Seana Hon says, "Just what I expected, gooey, cheesy, greasy, yumminess."

08 of 20

Chili Bean Dip

chili dip with scallions and shredded cheese — Baking Nana

"I've been making this for years and everyone loves it," says reviewer BCORTE. This dip is a simple blend of chili, cream cheese, chives, and cheddar cheese.

09 of 20

Leftover Dog Pile

This is a classic comfort-food dish in its simplest form. "This is an easy way to make a meal with leftover chili," says recipe creator Cheesecakemama.

10 of 20

Chili Cheese Fries

very close up on a pile of chili cheese fries — Soup Loving Nicole

This All-American recipe comes together in just 25 minutes. "We had leftover chili and my husband loves chili cheese fries so we just had to try this...We got out a couple of forks and a couple of drinks and it was gone in no time..." says reviewer Jillian.

11 of 20

Speedy Chili Pot Pie

Chili with cornbread — Faith N

Few things go together like cornbread and chili. This recipe makes it even easier to enjoy them together by serving them in pot-pie form.

12 of 20

Slow Cooker Chili Queso Dip

Slow Cooker Chili Queso Dip — Pictured: Slow Cooker Chili Queso Dip. Soup Loving Nicole

"This recipe is easy to throw together and goes over great at potlucks. Doubling the recipe makes the perfect amount to fit in my 5-quart slow cooker," says recipe creator Heather Santos. "Turn up the heat by using hot salsa and jalapeños. Serve with tortilla chips."

13 of 20

Wacky Mac

Pasta with chili, bell peppers, and corn — fabeveryday

In this recipe, chili is stirred in with pasta, chili, corn, and green bell pepper to make an easy weeknight dinner. "Great served with a simple salad or bread and butter," says recipe creator PRAISELDR.

14 of 20

Spam Pizza Burgers

Spam Pizza Burgers — bd.weld

Why have spam, pizza, or burgers when you can have all three? Recipe creator C Bogardus says, "Lunch meat, cheese and chili are blended and baked onto buns to make delicious pizza-like treats. Quick and simple. Delicious! The whole family will enjoy."

15 of 20

Debbie's Frito® Pie

Debbie's Frito Pie — Soup Loving Nicole

This take on Frito® pie is made by baking a mixture of corn chips and chili together. "I love this recipe because it can be prepared ahead and frozen," says recipe creator Debbie's Goodies.

16 of 20

Five Can Soup

Soup with beans, corn, and tomatoes — Tammy Lynn

As the name suggests, this soup is made up of five different canned foods: chili, corn, vegetable beef soup, tomato soup, and diced tomatoes with green chile peppers. "Hard to believe how yummy this was," says reviewer Roxanne Hill. "5 minutes and done!"

17 of 20

Pecos Pasta

Pasta with chili on white plate — Molly

Recipe creator Dianne Van Huss describes this recipe as, "A fast dish to prepare when you are short on time, but still need to provide a hot, nutritious meal." Macaroni, prepared chili, bell peppers, and corn are combined in this easy meal.

18 of 20

Gluten Free Mexican Lasagna

Gluten Free Mexican Lasagna — Soup Loving Nicole

A mixture of chili, black beans, and onions is layered between a layer of tortillas and Cheddar cheese in this simple "lasagna." Reviewer Soup Loving Nicole says, "This was super fast, simple, and excellent. It reheats nicely too."

19 of 20

Granny Franny's Persimmon Curry Chili

Chili with sour cream in cream bowl — Linda T

This recipe takes whatever chili you have prepared, and brings it to a whole new level. Recipe creator Rhonda McCoy Grady says it best: "It was a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, warming us up right before the holidays. This fast and easy recipe is definitely one to consider when you are overloaded with all the persimmons someone brought into the office to share."

20 of 20

Bethany's Frito® Pie

Folks in the Lone-Star State will be all too familiar with this hodge podge of corn chips, Cheddar cheese, onion, and chili: "This was a real favorite when I was a kid, and it still is. With the Frito-Lay® Company being based in Dallas, this dish is about as Texan as you can get," says recipe creator Bethany Warner.

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