If you have leftover chili on hand, you can enjoy it as-is or transform it into something new. Below are 11 of the Best Leftover Chili Recipes to make weeknight dinners simple and delicious.
Chili is one of the most adaptable dishes in your meal rotation. You can swap proteins for vegetables, scale a large batch to feed a crowd, and easily adjust seasonings. Leftovers are especially handy because they can be repurposed into new meals with minimal effort.
What Can I Do with Leftover Chili?
Whether your chili is vegetarian, made with turkey, or a classic beef version, it’s perfect for many dishes. Spoon it into tacos, serve it over nachos, turn it into a cozy casserole, or use it as a filling in a lasagna-style bake. The possibilities are endless—feel free to experiment with tortillas, potatoes, pasta, or baked vegetables to create satisfying weekday meals.
Best Leftover Chili Recipes
Chili Cheese Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Roast a halved spaghetti squash, fluff the strands, and fill it with warmed chili and shredded cheese for a wholesome, one-dish meal. Use vegetarian chili for a Meatless Monday option or turkey chili for a lighter take.
Chili Tacos
For an easy Taco Tuesday, warm your choice of tortillas or crunchy shells, fill with leftover chili, and add toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, onions, and salsa. Quick to assemble and loved by the whole family.
Leftover Chili Casserole
This method couldn’t be simpler: spoon chili into individual ramekins or a baking dish, top with a cornbread or biscuit mixture, bake until golden, and serve. It’s a fast, comforting dinner ready in about 30 minutes.
Chili Enchiladas
Combine leftover chili with tortillas, cheese, and enchilada sauce for a flavorful bake. This dish comes together quickly and pairs well with sour cream, avocado, or a simple salad.
Baked Vegetarian Chili Cheese Dip
Heat chili with cream cheese or shredded cheese, bake until bubbly, and serve with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables. This three-ingredient appetizer makes game day easy and crowd-pleasing.
Spicy Loaded Tater Tot Chili Nachos
Top crispy tater tots with warm chili, diced tomatoes, bacon, and melted cheese for a playful family dinner. Serve with sour cream or jalapeños for extra kick.
Chili Lasagna
Swap traditional lasagna filling for chili to create a Mexican-inspired layered bake. Use lasagna noodles, chili, cheese, and a few fresh toppings for a hearty twist that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
Sweet Potato Chili Fries
Bake or air-fry sweet potato fries until crisp and top with warmed chili for a satisfying, veggie-forward meal. Add chopped green onions, cilantro, or a drizzle of lime crema to brighten the dish.
Chili Cheese Dogs
Make classic chili cheese dogs by warming hot dogs, toasting buns, topping with chili and shredded cheese, and briefly broiling until the cheese melts. These work great cooked in the oven, air fryer, or over a campfire.
Leftover Chili Pie
Layer chili in a baking dish, top with cornbread batter or biscuit dough, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until golden. Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced weeknight dinner.
Quick Chili-Topped Sweet Potatoes
Roast whole sweet potatoes, split them open, and spoon in chili for a filling, vegan-friendly meal when using plant-based chili. Add toppings like avocado, green onions, or a squeeze of lime for contrast.
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Leftover Chili Cheese Dog Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup leftover chili
- 4 hot dogs
- 4 buns
- ½ cup cheese
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F.
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Place hot dogs in the oven and cook 5–7 minutes.
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While the hot dogs cook, heat the leftover chili in a skillet or microwave until hot.
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Remove hot dogs, place them in buns, and spoon chili over each one.
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Top with cheese, then return the assembled dogs to the oven.
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Bake 2–3 more minutes until the cheese melts and buns turn slightly crisp.
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary with ingredients and preparation methods.
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