Leftover Brisket Chili in the Crock Pot
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Leftover brisket is one of those rare treats that somehow tastes even better the next day, and when you turn it into Leftover Brisket Chili in the Crock Pot, magic happens. This hearty, smoky, and flavor-packed meal is perfect for fall evenings, football Sundays, or easy weeknight dinners. Best of all, it makes use of leftovers in the most comforting and delicious way possible. And it couldn’t be easier! The meat is already cooked, you only need to open a few cans and dump them in and some flavorings. Super easy recipe!
Why You’ll Love Leftover Brisket Chili
- Saves leftovers: Don’t waste that beautiful smoked or roasted brisket, this gives it new life.
- Hands-off cooking: Let the crock pot do the work while you relax or get things done.
- Big, bold flavor: Brisket brings a smoky richness that ground beef just can’t match.
- Feeds a crowd: It’s filling, easy to scale up, and makes great leftovers (again!).
- SO Easy: Just chop up your leftover brisket and open a few cans. It’s super simple easy dinner idea.
- Comfort food at its best: Warm, spicy, and deeply satisfying.
Leftover Brisket Chili Recipe
Toss a bunch of cans and some delicious seasonings into the crock pot with your leftover brisket and end up with a flavor bomb that you’ll never forget! I wish there were smell photos, because I can’t tell you enough. This stuff is amazing! We use our homemade chili seasoning mix, but William’s is a good ready made brand. We also use our homemade Rotel from the freezer most of the time, but didn’t have any left today, so we used a can.
Leftover Brisket Chili
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked brisket chopped or shredded
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can pinto beans
- 1 can rotel
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 tablespoons chili seasoning mix
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- Olive oil for sautéing optional if pre-cooking onions/peppers
Instructions
- Chop or shred your leftover brisket into bite-sized pieces. If your brisket has a thick fat cap, trim off any excess fat to avoid greasy chili. Save those smoky edges for maximum flavor.
- Sauté the onion in a splash of olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
- In the slow cooker, combine the brisket, sautéed onions, beans (rinsed), rotel, tomato sauce, chili seasoning, and beef broth. Stir everything well to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the flavors have melded and the chili is hot and bubbly. Stir occasionally if you’re nearby, but it’s not necessary.
Nutrition
There are so many amazing recipes with Rotel, check them out here for more ideas.
Topping Ideas:
- Shredded dairy-free or regular cheese
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream or dairy-free alternative
- Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread crumbles
- Avocado slices
- Jalapeños for heat lovers
Variations and Add-Ins
- Make it spicy: Add chipotle peppers in adobo or a diced jalapeño for more kick.
- Add veggies: Toss in corn, zucchini, or chopped carrots for extra nutrition.
- Use other meats: No brisket? Try leftover roast beef, smoked turkey, or pulled pork.
- Thicken it up: For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans or stir in a tablespoon of masa harina (corn flour) during the last 30 minutes.
What to Serve With Brisket Chili
This chili is a meal on its own, but you can take it to the next level with some hearty sides:
- Cornbread – Classic pairing, especially when served warm with honey butter.
- Baked potatoes – Serve chili over halved potatoes for a filling twist.
- Rice – A great base for stretching your servings further.
- Chili dogs or nachos – Spoon leftover chili onto hot dogs or tortilla chips for an indulgent treat.
Storing and Freezing
Store: Leftover chili keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Leftover Brisket
For more great ways to use leftover brisket as a wonderful flavor component, check these out:
- Leftover Brisket Pot Pie Recipe
- Mexican Leftover Smoked Brisket Soup
- Leftover Brisket Pasta with Mushrooms
Turning leftover brisket into chili is one of the smartest and tastiest ways to stretch your food budget while delivering big, bold flavors. The crock pot makes it effortless, and the result is a comforting, satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a casual get-together, or just craving something cozy, this brisket chili is the answer.
So next time you have a chunk of leftover brisket in your fridge, don’t just reheat it, reinvent it into this unforgettable crock pot chili. You’ll be glad you did.
