I’m always looking for delicious things to do with leftover chili!
Whether your chili of choice is of the classic T-Rex or Vegetarian variety, you’re bound to wind up with a leftover bowl or two. Let’s make something fabulous out of the extras!
7 Delicious things to do with Leftover Chili
Here are some tasty suggestions on how to jazz up leftover chili to make the second helping as exciting as the first!
This is part of my “love your leftovers” series to help you find awesome, plant-forward ways to use up last night’s leftovers. These recipe revamps are fun and delicious!
1. Breakfast Bowls
Brunch like a champion with a chili-spiked breakfast bowl featuring fluffy scrambled eggs, melted cheese, crispy tater tots and a mountain of toppings.
I make these with my vegetarian quinoa chili all the time as a protein-packed weekend brunch! Use whatever you have on hand for an ultra-tasty way to start your day!
2. Chili Dogs
Tis tradition! Use your favorite frankfurter, turkey dog, or snag a vegetarian-friendly dog — they’re actually really tasty! Pile on the chili and even some cheese for good measure.
I like mine with a dollop of guacamole on top and a scoop of fresh pico de gallo.
3. Dip it!
One of my all-time favorite uses for extra chili is to make an easy peasy chili cheese dip the following day. You can do this with any type of chili (it even works with vegan chili – woot!) and can make as much or as little as you’d like. This one is particularly awesome for all your game day shenanigans!
4. Chili Cheese Fries. Because, duh.
Like I mentioned earlier, chili + potatoes = pure unadulterated deliciousness. It’s science. Heat up leftover chili and pour it over freshly baked french fries or tater tots. Top with grated cheese and pop back in the oven to melt for a few minutes, then pile on all your favorite toppings! I love adding pico de gallo.
5. Stuff it in a Spud
This is my solution to just about every leftover situation known to man. Leftovers from taco night? Stuff it in a spud! Didn’t finish breakfast? Stuff it in spud! Craving last night’s chili? Stuff it in a spud! Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are particularly glorious. You’re welcome.
No sweet potatoes handy? Try a russet potato or you can even stuff your chili into a roasted spaghetti squash for the most epic of re-purposed recipes.
6. Turn it into a Sloppy Joe!
Bonus points if you make your bun out of cornbread. Cue excessive swooning.
7. Scoop it on a Salad
Yes, really! Have you ever had a taco salad? It’s glorious! Hearty chili means you won’t even need a salad dressing. Simply add all the fresh veggies your heart desires and then smother them in a mountain of toppings. The fact that it’s sitting on a bed of green goodness basically cancels out any calories from the cheese you just doused it with.*
*lies I willingly tell myself
Tasty Chili Recipes to Try
- Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili
- NEW! Red Lentil Quinoa Chili
- Healthy Turkey Chili (Stove Top + Slow Cooker)
- Vegan Lentil Chili (Instant Pot + Slow Cooker)
- Vegetarian Quinoa Chili
- Black Bean Quinoa Chili
- T-Rex Crock Pot Taco Chili
If you get a chance to try any of these delicious things to do with leftover chili, let me know!
Leave some love in the comment form below or tag your photos with @peasandcrayons on Instagram so I can happy dance over your creation. I can’t wait to see what you whip up!
Dear Jenn, we had chili for lunch yesterday. It is packed for work lunch as usual but you have just given me completely new perspective. The only “problem” I have is which option to use 🙂 Thank you so very much !