Chili is a classic dish that’s easy to make in large quantities. Unfortunately, sometimes that turns into a large quantity of leftovers. Rather than eat the same chili every night for a week, try adding your leftover chili to other recipes to create new and exciting dishes. Here are some of the simplest and tastiest ways to use up your leftover chili:
You don’t need a BBQ or picnic as an excuse to eat hot dogs. By adding a bit of chili and other garnish, you can instantly dress up a sausage in a bun and use some of your leftovers at the same time. The most popular way to serve chili dogs is with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top. Adding leftover veggie chili to a grilled tofu dog is a delicious vegetarian-friendly alternative with all the same flavor and fun.
What could be better comfort food than two comfort foods combined? For a simple and hearty meal, add some leftover chili to your macaroni and cheese. Whether you cook it from a box or completely from scratch, creamy mac and cheese makes a perfect companion to savory chili. Add a little extra spice with some chopped jalapenos or your favorite hot sauce.
Plain rice is another common leftover food item. Conveniently, it pairs very well with leftover chili. The tried-and-true combination of beans and rice is especially powerful when you mix up your leftover rice with chili and add a garnish of your choice. This makes a cozy, satisfying meal with the bonus of using two leftover dishes in one.
If you love stuffed peppers, you’ll love filling them with your leftover chili. Instead of spending the time and effort to make a brand new filling for your next batch of peppers, just use some chili and top with the cheese of your choice. The flavors and texture of the chili work perfectly as a filling whether you grill or bake your bell peppers.
Taco salad is a highly customizable dish that you can also use your leftover chili for. Instead of cooking a fresh batch of meat, beans or veggies, just add a hefty dollop of chili to your taco salad and enjoy instant flavor. You can use whatever type of fresh greens and veggies you’d like and your choice of chips or container. Top with your favorite garnish like fresh pico de gallo or some cool sour cream and you have an excellent low-effort meal.
Chili itself is a versatile dish, which makes it even better to combine with other foods. No matter what you like in your chili, you can create new favorites by adding your leftovers to a variety of ingredients and meals.
Terese Ferrara is a long-time resident of the Bay Area and has been a partner with the Goss | Ferrara Real Estate Team. She and her husband raised their two daughters in San Jose, where she successfully continues to build her real estate career.
After earning a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University, she went on to teach in the San Jose Unified School District for 9 years. Transitioning to real estate was a logical choice, utilizing her patient demeanor to educate all levels of buyers and sellers. Knowledge and experience demonstrate her vested interest in delivering the highest level of care and professionalism to every client. She consistently strives to exceed her client’s expectations throughout the entire real estate transaction and remains a trusted advisor long after each close.
As a board member on KW Bay Area Estates’ Associate Leadership Council (ALC), she aids in support of culture and professional development strategies for over 180 associates. Terese is also a Director for the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors Foundation, which supports community service initiatives in Silicon Valley.
Terese is the consummate real estate professional dedicated to providing unparalleled service to her clients through ongoing training and education, keeping her on top of the dynamic market and latest real estate trends. Her high-touch approach coupled with honesty and integrity support her commitment to her client’s real estate needs.
