This hearty, smoky chili has become my go-to recipe for a weeknight chili. I love the extra flavor BBQ sauce adds!
Chili recipes, to me, are like chocolate chip cookie recipes.
There are as many variations as there are people whole prepare them and everyone has a favorite, reliable, “best ever” version.
This chili falls into the category of “Best Chili I Can Make in an Hour”.
Also a good use for a remnant bottle of BBQ sauce.
Yes, there’s BBQ Sauce in this delicious chili. And lots of steak seasoning. Smoky to the max right here.
Speaking of steak seasoning, I make my own Homemade Montreal-Style Steak Seasoning. You can use whatever you like!
The BBQ sauce gives it a quirky “am I eating chili or BBQ brisket?” taste, and if you have leftover chili, freeze it and save it for later. It makes THE BEST baked potato topping.
I must say. . . I think I liked it best on the potatoes. I’m an Idaho girl, so can you blame me?
Why you’ll love this Ground Beef Chili Recipe
This hearty winter chili is packed with comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients like ground beef, beans, and vegetables, making it a satisfying meal for cold days. The blend of spices adds depth and warmth to the dish, while the slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and flavorful chili that’s sure to warm both body and soul. Plus, it’s versatile and customizable, allowing you to adjust the heat level and toppings to suit your taste preferences, making it a go-to recipe for cozy winter nights.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Chili
- Avocado or coconut olive oil
- Ground beef
- Black beans, drained
- Dark chili powder
- Steak seasoning
- Ground cumin
- Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce, to taste
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Bell peppers, chopped
- Beer (Or water)
- Tomato sauce
- Smoky barbecue sauce
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Scallions, thinly sliced
How to make Beef and Bean Chili
- In a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add olive oil followed by ground sirloin. Season meat with chili powder, grill seasoning, cumin, Worcestershire, and hot sauce. Break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.
- Add onion, garlic, and bell peppers and cook until onions are translucent and soft, about 10 minutes more.
- Add water and deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add beans, tomato and barbecue sauces and bring to a bubble. Let chili simmer 15 minutes.
- Adjust seasonings and heat level to your taste. Remove from heat and serve with your favorite garnishes.
Tips for making BBQ Chili
Like all chili (and curry) recipes, this dish gets better with age. So this makes it a great recipe to make a day or two in advance.
BBQ Chili Recipe variations and substitutions
Spice level – Feel free to leave out the hot sauce completely or adjust the amount.
Beans – This recipe uses black beans, but you could use kidney or pinto beans.
Meat free – Simple replace the beef with Soya mince for a vegetarian version.
How to serve this Smoky Chili Recipe
This Chili is great served as it is! Think of it as chili soup! Or you can add sides such as Lime Cilantro Rice, Millet Muffins, or baked potato.
How to store Ground Beef Chili
Keep any leftovers in a lidded container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
This recipe freezes really well! Simply let it cool before transfering it into a freezer safe container.
Smoky Chili Recipe FAQs
The secret to good chili is using good quality ingredients and getting the right balance of flavors and textures. Don’t be shy to adjust the seasoning after a taste test.
Your liquid depends on what chili you are making! Since this recipe uses my own spice mix, I just use water, but you could use beer or stock.
They’re all important! The mixture of cumin, coriander, paprika, dill, pepper flakes and garlic all contribute to the amazing flavors in this dish!
If you make one of my recipes, be sure to post it on social media and tag me at @perrysplate or #perrysplate so I can send you some love!
Smoky BBQ Beef Chili
This hearty, smoky chili has become my go-to recipe for a weeknight chili. I love the extra flavor BBQ sauce adds!
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons avocado or coconut olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cans black beans, drained
- 2 tablespoons dark chili powder
- 2 tablespoons steak seasoning
- 1 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 to 3 tablespoons hot sauce, to taste
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large bell peppers, chopped
- 1 ½ cups water (or beer)
- 1 (14-oz.) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup smoky barbecue sauce
- for garnish:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Scallions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add olive oil followed by ground sirloin. Season meat with chili powder, grill seasoning, cumin, Worcestershire, and hot sauce. Break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.
- Add onion, garlic, and bell peppers and cook until onions are translucent and soft, about 10 minutes more.
- Add water and deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add beans, tomato and barbecue sauces and bring to a bubble. Let chili simmer 15 minutes.
- Adjust seasonings and heat level to your taste. Remove from heat and serve with your favorite garnishes.
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Karine
Thursday 21st of January 2010
Great chili! It looks delicious. Thanks for sharing!