Some of the best family recipes come from creative improvisation. Like that day you find leftover spaghetti sauce in the fridge, and an idea sparks: why not transform it into a delicious chili? This chili recipe makes perfect use of extra spaghetti sauce, turning it into a comforting, hearty meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Hearty Chili with Leftover Spaghetti Sauce combines rich tomato flavors, warm spices, and savory beans for an easy, wholesome dish. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or when you need to serve a crowd on a budget. Plus, it saves time and reduces food waste by giving your spaghetti sauce a whole new life!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey (adds hearty protein; feel free to swap for plant-based crumbles if vegetarian)
- 2 cups leftover spaghetti sauce (adds rich tomato flavor)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans (drained and rinsed; for extra fiber and heartiness)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (adds sweetness and crunch)
- 1 small onion, diced (for a flavorful base)
- 1 tsp chili powder (for a touch of spice)
- 1/2 tsp cumin (adds warmth and depth)
- Salt and pepper to taste (season to preference)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and cornbread on the side
Tools & Equipment
For a smooth cooking process, gather the following tools:
- Large pot or Dutch oven: To cook the chili and develop flavors.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and breaking up the ground meat.
- Chef’s knife: For chopping vegetables like onions and bell peppers.
- Cutting board: A stable surface for preparing ingredients.
- Measuring spoons and cups: To measure seasonings and liquids accurately.
Having these tools on hand will help you prepare the chili with ease and ensure consistent results.
How to Make Hearty Chili with Leftover Spaghetti Sauce
Step 1: Brown the Ground Meat
First, set a big saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until it’s browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. If you’re using plant-based crumbles, cook according to the package instructions. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Bell Pepper
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook till they start to soften, three to four minutes. This step adds a natural sweetness to the chili and complements the spaghetti sauce flavors.
Step 3: Add Leftover Spaghetti Sauce and Beans
Pour in your leftover spaghetti sauce, then add the kidney beans. Stir well to combine everything. The spaghetti sauce serves as the tomato base, infusing the chili with its seasoned richness, while the beans bring a satisfying texture.
Step 4: Season the Chili
Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. The chili powder and cumin will give your chili a classic warmth, enhancing the flavors of the spaghetti sauce. If you like it spicier, feel free to add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavors
Cut the heat to low; cover; allow the chili simmer for twenty to thirty minutes. This thinks the sauce and lets the flavors marry together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once the chili has thickened to your liking, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh green onions. For a whole dinner, pair it with cornbread on a side.
Why This Recipe Works
This chili recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. The leftover spaghetti sauce adds a rich tomato base that’s already seasoned, saving you time and boosting flavor. With a few added ingredients, you can transform your sauce into a completely new dish that’s both nutritious and comforting. It’s also customizable—use whatever vegetables or beans you have on hand to make it your own!
Try pairing this dish with our Leftover Spaghetti Sauce ideas to make the most of every bite!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Refrigerate any extra chili in an airtight jar for up to four days. It is also freezeable for up to three months. When ready to eat, reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
General Notes
- Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the spice by adding more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper. For a milder chili, reduce or omit the chili powder.
- Substitute Protein: If you don’t eat meat, substitute with plant-based crumbles or even extra beans for added fiber and texture.
- Add Vegetables: If you have extra vegetables on hand, like zucchini or mushrooms, feel free to add them for more flavor and nutrition.
Beautiful Recap
This Hearty Chili with Leftover Spaghetti Sauce is a quick and resourceful way to transform leftovers into a heartwarming meal. It’s a perfect solution when you’re wondering what to do with leftover spaghetti sauce, providing a flavorful, budget-friendly, and satisfying dish. Gather your ingredients and enjoy a bowl of delicious chili tonight—your family will thank you!
FAQs Recipe
1. Can I make this chili without meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground meat with plant-based crumbles or add extra beans, like black beans or chickpeas, to keep it hearty and filling.
2. How long can I store leftover chili?
Store leftover chili refrigerated in an airtight jar for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months, and reheat on the stovetop when ready to serve.
3. How can I make the chili spicier?
To increase the spice level, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or an extra teaspoon of chili powder. Adjust to taste for a little extra heat!
Print Hearty Chili with Leftover Spaghetti Sauce
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven: To cook the chili and develop flavors.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and breaking up the ground meat.
- Chef’s knife: For chopping vegetables like onions and bell peppers.
- Cutting board: A stable surface for preparing ingredients.
- Measuring spoons and cups: To measure seasonings and liquids accurately.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey adds hearty protein; feel free to swap for plant-based crumbles if vegetarian
- 2 cups leftover spaghetti sauce adds rich tomato flavor
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans (drained and rinsed; for extra fiber and heartiness)
- 1 bell pepper diced (adds sweetness and crunch)
- 1 small onion diced (for a flavorful base)
- 1 tsp chili powder for a touch of spice
- 1/2 tsp cumin adds warmth and depth
- Salt and pepper to taste season to preference
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese sour cream, chopped green onions, and cornbread on the side
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Meat: First, set a big saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until it’s browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. If you’re using plant-based crumbles, cook according to the package instructions. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Onion and Bell Pepper: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook till they start to soften, three to four minutes. This step adds a natural sweetness to the chili and complements the spaghetti sauce flavors.
- Add Leftover Spaghetti Sauce and Beans: Pour in your leftover spaghetti sauce, then add the kidney beans. Stir well to combine everything. The spaghetti sauce serves as the tomato base, infusing the chili with its seasoned richness, while the beans bring a satisfying texture.
- Season the Chili: Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. The chili powder and cumin will give your chili a classic warmth, enhancing the flavors of the spaghetti sauce. If you like it spicier, feel free to add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Simmer and Develop Flavors: Cut the heat to low; cover; allow the chili simmer for twenty to thirty minutes. This thinks the sauce and lets the flavors marry together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the chili has thickened to your liking, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh green onions. For a whole dinner, pair it with cornbread on a side.
Notes
- Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the spice by adding more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper. For a milder chili, reduce or omit the chili powder.
- Substitute Protein: If you don’t eat meat, substitute with plant-based crumbles or even extra beans for added fiber and texture.
- Add Vegetables: If you have extra vegetables on hand, like zucchini or mushrooms, feel free to add them for more flavor and nutrition.
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