Leftover Chili Mac 'n' Cheese Recipe » LeelaLicious (2024)

You are here:Home » Dinner

by Regina | Leelalicious 9 Comments

See Recipe Pin Recipe

Transform your leftovers with this Chili Mac! Turn them into a completely new, delicious meal with leftover chili recipes and let's get eating!

Leftover Chili Mac 'n' Cheese Recipe » LeelaLicious (1)

Somehow it happens to us all the time. Konradand I set on a crockpot full of hearty, comforting chili. And it's absolutely delicious for dinner, and lunch the next day, and maybe even dinner for another time.

But after the third meal we are usually chili-ed out. Sure, we can freeze leftovers for later - somehow though, we are not freezer meal people. More often than not we just forget about those frozen leftovers until months later.

You'd think we learn that a 6-quart slow cooker filled to the top is just too much for two people. And although Olivia is eating like a champ, her portions don't really make a dent into 6 quarts of chili. Still, we seem to make a full crockpot every time.

Leftover Chili Mac 'n' Cheese Recipe » LeelaLicious (2)

Make New Meals with Leftover Chili!

Finally I figured out a solution - using leftover chili to create a completely new meal. Chili Mac 'n' Cheese is our new favorite.

Elbow pasta tossed in chili 'sauce' with melted gooey cheese. If this doesn't spell comfort food I don't know what would.

Prepare This Dish Like a Pro

A couple tips for best practice. Firstly, I always check my noodles at least two minutes before the package instructions say. That way, I can see where they're at and I usually stop them so they don't over-cook. That means taking it off of the heat, and tossing them in a strainer with cold water.

Secondly, You can add some green herbs to top the dish and make it pretty.

Lastly, I'll say that any type of pasta works here, and for the sake of the dish, we chose mac noodles. You, however, can do whatever you dang well please.

More Chili Leftover recipes:

I've collected lots of more ideas for transforming leftover chili

  • 25+ Leftover Chili Recipes

Leftover Chili Mac 'n' Cheese Recipe » LeelaLicious (3)

Chili Mac 'n' Cheese

5 from 15 votes

Transform your leftovers with this Chili Mac! Turn them into a completely new, delicious meal with leftover chili recipes and let's get eating!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dry elbow pasta
  • 2 cups leftover chili
  • cup shredded cheese or more to taste

Instructions

  • Cook elbow pasta according to directions and drain.

  • Add cooked pasta to a skillet together with leftover chili and heat through.

  • Stir in shredded cheese until melted and serve.

Keyword Chili Mac

Tried this recipe?Please leave a comment below! Share a picture on social media with tag #leelalicious !

Pin Leftover Chili Mac 'n' Cheese Recipe for later?

Leftover Chili Mac 'n' Cheese Recipe » LeelaLicious (4)

Other Pasta Recipes

Keep it going on the carb-y pasta trail with these similar recipes!

  1. Bacon Wrapped Scallops Pasta - Video
  2. Butternut Squash Pasta
  3. Beetroot Pasta - Risotto Style

Random Questions

Can you reheat cooked mac and cheese?

Yes, you can reheat cooked mac and cheese. Use the stovetop or the microwave for reheating, and add a splash of milk or cream if necessary to restore moisture and creaminess.

How do you reheat chili mac?

Reheat chili mac on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

How do you make leftover mac and cheese better?

To improve leftover mac and cheese, consider adding fresh ingredients like herbs or vegetables, or giving it a new twist by incorporating different cheeses or spices.

What's the difference between chili mac and goulash?

While both dishes contain similar ingredients like meat, beans, and pasta, goulash typically includes paprika and other seasonings, while chili mac often features chili seasoning and is topped with cheese.

RECEIVE YUMMY HEALTHY RECIPES VIA EMAIL!

Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply

  1. Leda Buller

    Leftover Chili Mac 'n' Cheese Recipe » LeelaLicious (5)
    I had nothing take to a potlock except chile, so I googled "recipes chili leftovers" and Voila! these recipes came up and saved the day! I opted for the Mac and Chili to used as a casserole! Yummy!

    Reply

    • Jennifer @ Leelalicious

      I'm so glad Leelalicious could provide you with a yummy option for your potluck! 🙂

      Reply

  2. Sandra Knittel

    This bsounds good I'll give it a try. I am also a fan of reimagining my leftovers, with me I usually make too much Mac and cheese. To witch I like to remake it to what a lot of people call cheeseburger mack and cheese. For the two of us I usually make a box of Kraft Mac and cheese and I always deal it up a notch by adding extra sharp cheddar cheese and a little shredded mozzarella and some parmesan cheese to. We will usually eat about half of to pan. The next day I'll take half a lb. Of 80/20 hamburger and cook it first with onions and mixed sweet peppers till the burger is cooked through and the veg's are crisp tender then I'll add the leftover Mac and cheese with a little extra milk and butter cooking untill well mixed and heated through completely. This we'll eat for a couple of days, I really enjoy this mixture of foods.

    Reply

    • Jennifer @ Leelalicious

      Those sound like some delicious ways to reinvent Kraft mac and cheese! I hope you love this chili mac and cheese just as much. Happy cooking! 🙂

      Reply

  3. Lisa Wellenstein

    Leftover Chili Mac 'n' Cheese Recipe » LeelaLicious (6)
    Easy peesy and sooooo good!

    Reply

  4. jacquee | I Sugar Coat It!

    This takes me right back to school days! YUMMMMM.

    Reply

    • Regina

      Happy to trigger a walk down memory lane 😉

      Reply

  5. Melissa Belanger

    Leftover Chili Mac 'n' Cheese Recipe » LeelaLicious (7)
    Chili mac and cheese is one of my favorites too! I mean, it's chili and cheese. You can't go wrong. But, somehow Marc and I never have leftovers. I suppose we don't make 6 qts. of chili, but maybe we should! I am totally jealous of all the yummy things you're making with these leftovers. Have you shared this giant chili recipe yet? Because we would love to try it!

    Reply

Leftover Chili Mac 'n' Cheese Recipe » LeelaLicious (2024)

FAQs

How to use chili leftovers? ›

What to Do With Leftover Chili
  1. Oven-Roasted Breakfast Hash. Bored with your breakfast routine? ...
  2. Baked Chili Mac. Combine hearty macaroni noodles with your leftover chili to create this super-tasty casserole. ...
  3. Easy Chili Fries. ...
  4. Chili Tacos. ...
  5. Zesty Chili Bowl with Cucumber-Mint Relish. ...
  6. Southwest Vegetable Soup.
Feb 3, 2023

What to add to chili? ›

When making chili, don't forget to load up on veggies for an added layer of flavor and texture. Some classic options include fresh garlic, bell peppers, and onions. The vegetables will add a noticeable crunch and pop of color to your recipe. Fresh herbs like cilantro, basil or parsley can also enhance the flavor.

Is mac and cheese good for leftovers? ›

Leftover macaroni and cheese can be transformed into a new tasty meal or side-dish. Follow the instructions below to get a creamy, revived dish, and add some flair at the end to make it extra special.

Why is leftover chili so good? ›

Aging creates roundness in the flavor profile and mellows the distinct notes into a synchronous tapestry of intermingling tastes. Allowed to rest over time, long protein chains break down into shorter ones, meaning those complex carbs and scratches become simple sugars, which have a noticeably sweeter taste.

How long is leftover chili good for in the refrigerator? ›

Generally, freshly cooked chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Do you serve chili with rice or pasta? ›

You need crampons, not a spoon, to conquer this rapidly solidifying, stodge-mountain of carbs, meat and thick sauce. No, there is a reason why white (longer grain, eg basmati) rice is the go-to chilli accompaniment.

How do Mexicans serve chilli? ›

The dish may be served with toppings or accompaniments; grated cheese, diced onions, and sour cream are common toppings, as are saltine crackers, tortilla chips or corn chips, cornbread, rolled-up corn or flour tortillas, and pork tamales. Chili can also be served over rice or pasta in dishes such as chili mac.

What is the most common thing to eat with chili? ›

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.

What gives chili the most flavor? ›

A cup of strong, brewed coffee will work wonders for your pot of chili, imparting a deep, roasted flavor that will make the chili taste like it simmered away all day long. For maximum flavor, reduce the coffee along with a blend of tomato paste, aromatic veggies and spices like we do in our Spicy Vegetarian Chili.

What brings out the flavor in chili? ›

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.

How to doctor up leftover mac and cheese? ›

The easiest way to make any dish of mac and cheese feel brand new? Top it with a fresh layer of cheese and herbed breadcrumbs, then bake it in the oven. The bubbling cheese and crisp, golden breadcrumbs will make you forget that you're eating yesterday's meal.

Why can't you reheat mac and cheese? ›

Be careful not to overheat the mac and cheese, which will cause the proteins and fat in the cheese to separate, and which will also make the pasta mushy. If you made a stovetop version of mac and cheese, and you want to reheat it in the oven, it's not ideal, but it will work.

How do you keep leftover macaroni and cheese creamy? ›

The #1 secret to creamy reheated mac and cheese

"Stir in about 2 Tbs. of milk per 1 cup of mac and cheese and reheat," he says. The milk loosens up the pasta and helps create the creamy sauce as it's reheating. Heavy cream works well in this case too and adds an extra touch of richness to the mac and cheese.

Is it OK to eat leftover chili? ›

How long will chili stay fresh in the refrigerator? The USDA guidelines say cooked leftovers like meats and stews are safe for 3 to 4 days in a fridge. Your question was about freshness, so I'd go with 2 or 3 days.

What to serve with chili instead of rice? ›

  • Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes.
  • Cornbread and Biscuits.
  • Veggie Fries.
  • Tangy Slaws.

Is reheated chili good? ›

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.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Mrs. Angelic Larkin

Last Updated:

Views: 6770

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Mrs. Angelic Larkin

Birthday: 1992-06-28

Address: Apt. 413 8275 Mueller Overpass, South Magnolia, IA 99527-6023

Phone: +6824704719725

Job: District Real-Estate Facilitator

Hobby: Letterboxing, Vacation, Poi, Homebrewing, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Cabaret

Introduction: My name is Mrs. Angelic Larkin, I am a cute, charming, funny, determined, inexpensive, joyous, cheerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.