Leftover Chili Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How to use chili leftovers? ›

There's some quick science going on here: Aromatics like onions, garlic, chiles, and spices release their volatile oils as they cook, and while they cool they continue to release. Meats release collagen as they cook, but when they cool down, they gelatinize and trap more of those aromatics.

Elevate with Extra Flavor

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

To maximize the shelf life of cooked chili for safety and quality, refrigerate the chili promptly in covered airtight containers. Properly stored, cooked chili will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

There are lots of ideas. You can add chili beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, green pepper, jalapenos, habaneros, serranos, potatoes, hominy, corn, chili powder, cumin, tomato sauce, cayenne peppers, cheese, sour cream, banana pep...

To ensure food safety, it is generally recommended to follow the "2-hour rule" for perishable foods. If chili has been left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature, it is advisable to discard it to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.

The slightly tart flavor will add brightness and complexity to your tried-and-true chili recipe, while the thick texture creates heartiness and a creamy mouthfeel.

Bacteria growth can begin as soon as meat reaches the temperature of 40° Fahrenheit. Meat dishes that are not consumed or refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking should not be eaten. Reheating cooked meat after it has set unrefrigerated for several hours will not make the dish safe to eat. Throw it away.

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

Baked potatoes and chili is a classic combination that everyone loves. Chili also pairs well with baked sweet potatoes, roasted potatoes, potato wedges, fries, and more. Here's how to make an absolutely perfect baked potato every time, from choosing the right type of potato to how long to bake it for.

And to serve

In Mexico, they make a green rice, using a long-grain variety flavoured with salsa verde. Paul also suggests trying an ancient grain such as quinoa or faro, as well as corn tortillas and condiments such as guacamole, salsas and sour cream. “Chilli con carne is very communal,” he says.

Cooking is often about finding a balance between these basic taste sensations, which is why apple cider vinegar can be exactly what you need to make your pot of chili a little brighter. Acids enhance the salty, umami-rich flavors already present in chili, and round out the sweetness, adding intricacy to the dish.

Cornbread, bread sticks, tacos, nachos, baked potato, a salad, pinto beans, navy beans, sweet corn, chili dogs, chili and corn dogs, with chicken bites and crackers with cheese. Elbow noodles or penne. This works as well.

You don't have to be a card-carrying leftovers lover to know that some foods are just better when reheated the next day -- especially chili. You'd be hard-pressed to find a chili that doesn't become even more flavorful after a brief stint in the fridge.

Chili is a crowd-pleaser, but we don't always have a crowd to feed nor know what to do with all those leftovers. We also know chili tastes better the next day but did you know you can freeze it and enjoy those same delicious results later? Freezing works whether you are making all meat or vegetarian chili.