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chili made with leftover steak
Isla Marie

Chili Recipe With Leftover Steak

This chili recipe made with leftover steak is thick, smoky, and bursting with flavor. Using pre-cooked steak saves time while still giving you a rich, restaurant-style chili that tastes slow-simmered. Perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or using up leftover grilled, pan-seared, or smoked steak.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Dish, One Pot Meal
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups leftover cooked steak chopped or shredded
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 jalapeño optional for heat
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 1 can 8 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 can 15 oz kidney or black beans, drained
  • 1 –1.5 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste
Optional Flavor Boosters
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp chipotle powder
  • 1/2 tsp brown sugar
Optional Toppings
  • Shredded cheddar
  • Sour cream
  • Cilantro
  • Green onions
  • Crushed tortilla chips

Equipment

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

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Steak:
  2. Cut leftover steak into bite-sized pieces so it blends smoothly into the chili.
  3. Sauté Aromatics:
  4. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook until soft and fragrant.
  5. Bloom the Spices:
  6. Add chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and pepper. Stir 30–40 seconds to enhance flavor.
  7. Add the Steak:
  8. Add the chopped steak and mix so it coats in spices and aromatics.
  9. Add Tomatoes & Beans:
  10. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beans.
  11. Add Broth & Simmer:
  12. Add broth and let the chili simmer for 15–20 minutes to blend flavors.
  13. Adjust Thickness:
  14. To thin → add more broth
  15. To thicken → add tomato paste or simmer uncovered
  16. Serve:
  17. Scoop into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, green onions, or cilantro.

Notes

Don’t boil the chili — leftover steak can turn tough. Keep it to a gentle simmer.
Smoked paprika + chipotle powder give a deep smoky flavor.
If using grilled steak, reduce smoked paprika (grill char already adds smoky taste).
Add 1 tbsp butter when sautéing if your leftover steak is dry.
Worcestershire adds extra umami and boosts the meaty richness.
For extra veggies, add corn, carrots, or zucchini.
Make it creamy by stirring in 1–2 tbsp cream cheese before serving.