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by Regina | Leelalicious 9 Comments
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Transform your leftovers with this Chili Mac! Turn them into a completely new, delicious meal with leftover chili recipes and let's get eating!
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.
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
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!
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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry elbow pasta
- 2 cups leftover chili
- ⅓ 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?
Other Pasta Recipes
Keep it going on the carb-y pasta trail with these similar recipes!
- Bacon Wrapped Scallops Pasta - Video
- Butternut Squash Pasta
- 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.
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Leda Buller
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
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
Lisa Wellenstein
Easy peesy and sooooo good!Reply
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
Melissa Belanger
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
Regina
We usually make a version of this http://anomadsdream.com/slow-cooker-sweet-potato-chili/
Not always with sweet potatoes, and usually without using a recipe which is probably the reason we always have so much 😉Reply
