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    Oh My Veggies » Vegetarian Recipes

    4 Ways to Use Leftover Chili

    Published: Mar 26, 2015 · by Nicole · Updated: Feb 10, 2021 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    4 Ways to Use Leftover Chili
    Let’s face it: nobody ever made a little pot of chili. I live in a two person household, yet I’m always compelled to make chili in massive batches. It’s big food, and when you’re not feeding a big group, you can end up with leftovers for days, which is great – I mean, vegetarian chili is a wonderful thing, but even the most delectable of chilis can get a bit boring after a few days. How do you make leftover chili unboring? Repurpose it! Here are four ideas so scrumptious that you’ll want to make an extra massive batch of chili, just so you can try out every single one.

    Use it as Stuffing

    kitchen-treaty-chili-cheese-stuffed-spaghetti-squash
    Vegetarian chili is loaded with both bulk and flavor, which makes it perfect for rounding out stuffable veggie ingredients to transform them into delicious and hearty main courses. Kitchen Treaty did just that in this recipe by filling an otherwise plain spaghetti squash with spicy vegetarian chili and topping it off with melty cheese. You can apply the same idea to things like zucchini, peppers, eggplant, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, like Pancake Warriors did here.

    Use it as Sauce

    vegan_cincinnati_chili
    Vegetarian chili tends to be packed with fiber and protein, thanks to the veggies and beans that typically act as main ingredients in place of meat. This means it does a great job of balancing out otherwise carby main dishes like pasta, so you stay full and satisfied. This vegan Cincinnati chili uses lentils atop whole wheat spaghetti. If mac and cheese is your pasta dish of choice, try some chili mac.

    Bake it into a Casserole

    chili_polenta_pot_pie
    I always think of casseroles as being a lot of work. This isn’t the case when your main ingredient is already waiting for you in the fridge, in the form of some leftover chili. Making a chili casserole can be as simple as throwing some chili in a baking dish and topping it with pastry, cornbread, or polenta, like in this recipe. This chili cheese bake from Back to Her Roots makes a whole new meal out of leftover chili by baking it with a flaxbread crust.

    Dress Up Your Snacks

    she-likes-food-vegan-chili-cheese-fries
    It’s pretty much a rule that you can’t finish off all of your leftover chili without devoting at least some of it towards snacking. These vegan chili cheese fries from She Likes Food are a great way to turn your favorite chili into a snack. Want an even quicker and easier snack? Just grab a bag of chips and use your leftover chili as a dip, like Oh She Glows did in this recipe.

    « Mango Tempeh Lettuce Wraps - Vegetarian Wraps
    Meal Plan: Rustic Polenta Casserole, Vegetable and Bean Pizza & More »

    Cooking Tips & Hints, Recipe Round-Ups 4 ways series

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Joe says

      March 26, 2015 at 12:57 pm

      I love a chili omlet!

      Reply
      • Alissa says

        March 29, 2015 at 6:13 pm

        Awesome idea! My husband loves omelets, so I'll keep that in mind for him. Thanks Joe!

        Reply
    2. Julia | Orchard Street Kitchen says

      March 26, 2015 at 2:26 pm

      These are all great ideas! I love making a big batch of chili, so it's nice to have some other creative options for the leftovers. I especially love the look of that Cincinnati chili. I bet serving chili on some quinoa would be delicious, too.

      Reply
      • Alissa says

        March 29, 2015 at 6:14 pm

        I've tried quinoa in chili and loved it, so I bet it would be good to serve the leftover over quinoa too. Thanks Julia!

        Reply
    3. Izzy @ She likes food says

      March 26, 2015 at 3:39 pm

      I always make so much extra chili just to ensure I will have a bunch to use as leftovers! Thank you so much for including my chili cheese fries in here 🙂

      Reply
      • Alissa says

        March 29, 2015 at 6:15 pm

        You're welcome! Your chili cheese fries look fantastic!

        Reply
    4. Melanie says

      March 26, 2015 at 5:52 pm

      I always make burritos out of my leftover chili. Spoon it into flour tortillas, top with cheese, bake and serve with sour cream, guacamole, etc.

      Reply
      • Alissa says

        March 29, 2015 at 6:17 pm

        Yum! Haven't tried that one, but definitely will with my next batch of chili. 🙂

        Reply
    5. Jeni says

      March 29, 2015 at 11:17 am

      Yum. These are such great options! I usually turn my leftover chili into an easy breakfast by topping it with a poached egg and some fresh slices of avocado.

      Reply
      • Alissa says

        March 29, 2015 at 6:22 pm

        That sounds like an awesome breakfast! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Adam Paul says

      March 31, 2015 at 12:55 pm

      The above all sound great! My favorite uses for extra are:

      1) Frito Pie
      2) Chili Empanadas

      Reply
      • Alissa says

        April 01, 2015 at 8:22 pm

        I definitely have to give chili empanadas a try now! Sounds awesome!

        Reply

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    Nicole is a life long vegetarian and the author of the popular vegan cookbook, Weeknight One Pot Vegan Cooking. She loves sharing her recipes and showing the world just how easy and delicious meatless meals can be!
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