What To Do With Leftover Chilli: BEST Ideas!

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

Do you love chilli con carne, but find yourself getting bored of eating the same old leftovers? 

Are you looking for easy and creative ways to transform your chilli into a meal that the whole family will love? 

You’re in the right place! 

From classic all-American sloppy Joes, to quick chilli cheese grilled sandwiches, you’re about to discover some of the very best uses for that leftover chilli… 

What To Do With Leftover Chilli

Some of the most delicious ways to use up leftover chilli include transforming it into chilli mac and cheese, enchiladas and burritos, or chilli pasta bake. 

You can also use it to create a quick and easy lunch by stuffing it in jacket potatoes or roasted peppers, or adding it to a grilled sandwich with plenty of your favourite cheese. 

If you have a pizza night coming up, why not use your leftover chilli as a fun and creative pizza topping? 

Read on to discover more ideas… 

Chilli Mac and Cheese

Who doesn’t love a good mac and cheese?

Give it a new life by adding your leftover chilli into the mix.

This dish is perfect for a family meal or a game day treat.

Just combine your leftover chilli with cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and some extra grated cheese on top, then bake until bubbly for a heartwarming meal.

Enchiladas and Burritos

Transform your leftover chilli into delicious enchiladas or burritos by simply adding some tortillas and a bit of cheese.

Fill your tortillas with the chilli, fold them up, and place them in a baking dish.

For enchiladas, smother them with enchilada sauce and extra cheese, then bake! For burritos, just wrap in foil and cook them in the oven or griddle until warm and toasted.

Sloppy Joe and Frito Pie

Sloppy Joe and Frito Pie are both classic American dishes that can be easily made using your leftover chilli.

For Sloppy Joe, simply heat the chilli and serve it over a hamburger bun with some grated cheese.

Frito Pie, on the other hand, consists of a layer of corn chips (like Fritos), topped with hot chilli, and sprinkled with cheese, onions, and jalapeños.

Stuffed Peppers and Baked Potatoes

Stuffed peppers and baked potatoes are yet another great way to use up your leftover chilli.

For stuffed bell peppers, hollow out the peppers, fill them with your chilli, add shredded cheese, and bake until tender.

As for the baked potatoes, cut open a steaming potato and stuff it with your leftover chilli, cheese, and perhaps some sour cream for a tasty meal.

Chilli Spaghetti and Pasta Dishes

A great twist on traditional pasta dishes is adding some leftover chilli to them.

Chilli spaghetti is straightforward and absolutely delicious – just serve your chilli over cooked spaghetti and top with grated cheese. You can even try incorporating the chilli into other pasta dishes, such as lasagna or baked ziti, for a new and unique flavour.

Chilli Pizza

Why not spice up your pizza night with a chilli pizza?

Replace your regular tomato sauce base with your leftover chilli, top with your favourite pizza ingredients, and bake until crispy and golden.

It’s a great way to shake up your usual pizza routine.

Chilli Empanadas

For a fun and portable treat, consider using your leftover chilli to make empanadas.

Simply prepare empanada dough, fill each portion with chilli, fold, and seal.

Bake or fry your empanadas for a tasty snack or meal.

Chilli Cheese Grilled Sandwiches

A toasty grilled cheese sandwich can be taken to the next level by adding some leftover chilli.

Assemble your sandwich with your preferred cheese and a spoonful of chilli, then butter the bread and toast it in a pan until crispy and melty.

Chilli Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

For a healthier spin on using your leftover chilli, try stuffing a spaghetti squash with it.

Cook the spaghetti squash until tender, then scoop out the seeds and fill the cavity with your leftover chilli.

Top with some cheese and return it to the oven until everything is warmed through and the cheese has melted.

This dish is both delicious and nutritious!

Appetising Snacks and Sides

Chilli Nachos and Cheese Fries

If you’re looking to get creative with your leftover chilli, why not turn it into some mouth-watering snacks and sides?

With just a few simple steps, you can transform your chilli into tempting chilli nachos or scrumptious cheese fries.

Use your favourite nacho recipe but replace the traditional base layer with your leftover chilli.

Add tortilla chips, a generous layer of grated cheddar cheese, and bake in the oven until the cheese is perfectly melted.

Don’t forget to top it off with a dollop of sour cream, some jalapenos, and a sprinkling of chopped green onions to give your chilli nachos a perfect finishing touch.

For an equally delicious alternative, try making chili cheese fries.

Replace nachos with crispy tater tots or fries, and follow the same steps as above for an appetising, flavour-packed plate of chilli cheese fries.

Both options are perfect for sharing with friends, or as a delightful snack to enjoy yourself! 

For more meal planning ideas, check out what to serve with nachos. 

Leftover Chilli Dips

Chilli Cheese Dip

You can easily create a delicious chilli cheese dip using your leftover chilli.

To get started, simply combine the chilli, a generous dollop of sour cream, and a good helping of shredded cheddar cheese.

If you’re looking to amp up the flavour, go ahead and toss in some diced jalapeños or a few splashes of hot sauce.

Once everything is mixed, warm the dip in the oven or microwave until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Grab your favourite tortilla chips and enjoy this fantastic chilli cheese dip!

Guacamole

Now, who doesn’t love a good guacamole? Using leftover chilli, you can create a spectacular guacamole with a pleasant fiery twist. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 ripe avocados
  • Juice from 1 lime
  • 1/2 cup of your leftover chilli
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Start by mashing your avocados in a bowl, then squeeze in the lime juice.

Add the leftover chilli, diced onion, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Mix everything together to create a delightful guacamole that’s perfect for dipping tortilla chips or spreading on toast.

Salsa Mix

Finally, let’s make a zesty salsa mix using your leftover chilli. For this recipe, simply combine the following ingredients in a bowl:

  • 1 cup of leftover chilli
  • 1 cup of your favourite salsa
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh coriander
  • 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
  • Juice from 1 lime

Give everything a thorough mix, and then adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. This zesty and spicy salsa mix is perfect for spooning onto tacos, using as a topping for your nachos, or simply diving in with a handful of tortilla chips.

Breakfast and Brunch Ideas

Chilli and Eggs

One fantastic way to use your leftover chilli is to incorporate it into a delicious egg dish.

You can easily create scrumptious chilli and eggs to enjoy for breakfast or brunch.

Start with lightly beaten eggs, pour them into a pan over medium heat and add a generous scoop of your leftover chilli.

Give it a good mix, ensuring the chilli distributes evenly throughout the eggs.

Serve the chilli and eggs on a warm plate, and feel free to add your favourite toppings, such as avocado slices, grated cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.

Chilli Breakfast Bowls

Another mouth-watering option is to make chilli breakfast bowls.

These are versatile, wholesome, and packed with flavour. Begin by layering cooked quinoa or rice at the bottom of your bowl.

Then, top it with a layer of your leftover chilli, either traditional beef chilli or even turkey chilli for a leaner option. Follow this up by adding a variety of toppings to enhance the taste and texture of the dish.

Some great choices include:

  • A fried or poached egg
  • Sliced avocado
  • Grated cheese
  • Fresh herbs like coriander or parsley
  • Chopped tomatoes

Feel free to get creative and customise your chilli breakfast bowl. Add any other ingredients you love, such as sautéed mushrooms or spinach, and serve it at your next breakfast or brunch gathering. 

Choosing Cheese and Toppings

When it comes to leftover chilli, choosing the right cheese and toppings can elevate your dish to a whole new level. In this section, we’ll guide you through some of the best choices to make your chilli even more delicious.

First, let’s talk cheese. There are several types of cheese that pair exceptionally well with chilli. Here are a few of our favourites:

  • Cheddar: This classic choice provides a nice sharp flavour that cuts through the richness of the chilli. Its melting properties make it perfect for topping nachos or making a mouth-watering chilli cheese toastie.
  • Monterey Jack: Not as sharp as cheddar, but with a creamy and tangy flavour, Monterey Jack is great for dishes like chilli mac and cheese, where its smoothness works well with the pasta.
  • Mozzarella: If you’re after a milder, creamier taste, mozzarella is the way to go. Its stringy, melty texture is perfect for creating a gooey chilli pizza or a chilli-stuffed quesadilla.
  • Queso Fresco: A soft, crumbly Mexican cheese, queso fresco adds a fresh, tangy twist to your dish. Sprinkle it over your chilli to add a contrasting texture and a touch of authenticity.

Now that you’ve chosen your cheese, let’s think about toppings. A variety of textures and flavours can enhance your chilli experience. Here are some must-haves:

  • Jalapeños: These spicy little peppers not only add a welcome kick of heat but also a pop of colour to your dish. Slice them fresh or use pickled jalapeños for a zingy tang.
  • Hot sauce: Drizzle your favourite hot sauce over the top for an extra hit of spice. Experiment with different types, such as smoky chipotle or tangy habanero, to find the perfect match for your chilli.
  • Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream can help to balance the heat of the chilli, adding a rich, creamy element that complements the dish perfectly.
  • Avocado or guacamole: The creamy, cooling flavour of avocado contrasts beautifully with the heat of chilli. Serve slices of avocado or a scoop of guacamole on the side to add another flavour dimension.
  • Fresh herbs: Chopped fresh herbs, such as cilantro or green onions, add a burst of brightness to your chilli. Sprinkle them generously over the top for a lively, zesty finish.

When choosing the perfect cheese and toppings for your leftover chilli, keep in mind that the best combinations really come down to your personal preferences. Feel free to mix and match and make it your own, because after all, you’re the chef here!

Before you go, you might want to check out some more guides to creating the perfect chilli, including…