Secret Trick: How to Make Chili from Leftover Spaghetti Sauce

Leftover spaghetti sauce, a common sight in many households, often faces an uncertain fate. But what if we told you that this culinary surplus could be transformed into a delectable chili, bursting with flavor and versatility? With a few simple steps and additional ingredients, you can elevate your leftover sauce to a whole new level.

Gather Your Ingredients

To embark on this culinary adventure, you’ll need the following:

• Leftover spaghetti sauce
• Ground beef or turkey
• Onion
• Green bell pepper
• Red bell pepper
• Kidney beans
• Black beans
• Corn (optional)
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened.

Step 3: Add the Beans

Stir in the kidney beans and black beans. If desired, you can also add corn.

Step 4: Incorporate the Spaghetti Sauce

Pour the leftover spaghetti sauce into the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Season to Taste

Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Thicken the Chili (Optional)

If desired, you can thicken the chili by adding a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water). Bring the chili to a boil and slowly whisk in the slurry until desired consistency is reached.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions.

Enhance Your Chili with These Tips

• Use a variety of beans: Experiment with different types of beans, such as pinto beans, navy beans, or white beans, to add depth and texture.
• Add some heat: If you like your chili spicy, add a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Top it off: Don’t limit yourself to shredded cheese. Try other toppings like diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, or fresh cilantro.

Leftover Spaghetti Sauce Chili: A Versatile Dish

This leftover spaghetti sauce chili is not only a delicious way to repurpose leftovers but also adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs. Here are some ideas for variations:

• White Chicken Chili: Use leftover Alfredo sauce instead of spaghetti sauce and add cooked chicken.
• Pumpkin Chili: Add pureed pumpkin to the chili for a sweet and savory twist.
• Turkey Chili: Substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian Chili: Use vegetable broth and omit the ground beef. Add extra beans and vegetables for a hearty and flavorful meal.

Wrap Up

So, there you have it, a simple and creative way to transform your leftover spaghetti sauce into a delectable chili. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a cozy dish to warm you up on a cold day, this leftover spaghetti sauce chili is sure to satisfy. So next time you find yourself with leftover spaghetti sauce, don’t despair. Instead, embrace the culinary adventure and turn it into a chili masterpiece.

Questions You May Have

Q: Can I use any type of spaghetti sauce?
A: Yes, any type of spaghetti sauce will work, but marinara sauce is a classic choice.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the chili?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini.

Q: How can I make the chili spicier?
A: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.