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chili made with leftover meat
Isla Marie

Chili Recipe With Leftover Meat

This chili recipe made with leftover meat is a fast, comforting, and budget-friendly meal you can prepare in just 30 minutes. Whether your leftover meat is beef, chicken, turkey, steak, or roast, this recipe transforms it into a rich and hearty chili loaded with beans, tomatoes, and warm spices. Perfect for busy nights, family dinners, or meal prep.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups leftover cooked meat beef, steak, chicken, turkey, pork – chopped or shredded
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 1 can 8 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 can 15 oz kidney beans or black beans (drained)
  • 1 cup broth beef or chicken
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste
Optional Add-ins
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 jalapeño chopped
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp brown sugar
Optional Toppings
  • Shredded cheddar
  • Sour cream
  • Green onions
  • Cilantro
  • Tortilla chips

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife & cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Serving bowls

Method
 

  1. Sauté the Vegetables:
  2. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until soft and fragrant.
  3. Bloom the Spices:
  4. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, and black pepper. Stir for 30–40 seconds to enhance flavor.
  5. Add the Leftover Meat:
  6. Stir in your chopped or shredded leftover meat. Let it warm and absorb the seasonings.
  7. Add Tomatoes and Beans:
  8. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beans. Mix well.
  9. Pour in the Broth:
  10. Add the broth and bring chili to a gentle simmer for 15–20 minutes.
  11. Adjust Consistency:
  12. Too thick → add more broth
  13. Too thin → simmer uncovered or add tomato paste
  14. Serve:
  15. Spoon the chili into bowls and garnish with cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or tortilla chips.

Notes

If your leftover meat is dry, add 1 tbsp butter while sautéing to soften it.
Smoked paprika adds a BBQ-style flavor that works great with leftover steak or roast beef.
Don’t over-simmer — leftover meat can become tough if cooked too long.
Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for more heat.
A splash of Worcestershire boosts umami and makes cheaper cuts taste richer.
For thicker chili, stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste during simmering.
For extra creaminess, add 1–2 tbsp cream cheese at the end.