Smoked Chili Recipe

Smoked chili recipe lovers, get ready for a game-changing dish! This smoked chili recipe combines the hearty goodness of traditional chili with the smoky depth of slow-cooked perfection. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving comfort food, this recipe will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

Whether you’re hosting a game-day party or looking for comfort food on a cold winter evening, this smoked chili recipe is versatile and easy to customize. From smoky ground beef to rich tomato flavors, every bite is infused with the unmistakable essence of wood smoke. The best part? You can make this smoky chili in a smoker, Dutch oven, or even tweak it for the stovetop.

This smoked chili recipe guide will walk you through everything—from the tools and ingredients to step-by-step instructions and pro tips. Let’s dive into the smoky world of chili that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!

What Makes Smoked Chili Recipe Unique?

This smoked chili recipe stands out because it combines the hearty, comforting elements of traditional chili with the bold, smoky flavors created by slow-cooking over wood chips like hickory or mesquite. Unlike regular chili, which relies solely on spices for flavor, smoked chili gets an extra dimension from the wood smoke that seeps into every ingredient, creating rich layers of complexity.

The Magic of Smoking in This Smoked Chili Recipe

Smoking transforms ground beef, beans, and vegetables into something extraordinary. By cooking “low and slow” over indirect heat, the smoke infuses the chili with a unique depth of flavor that’s impossible to achieve any other way. Hickory wood chips are a go-to for their robust, smoky taste, while fruit woods like apple or cherry provide a softer, slightly sweet undertone that complements the tomato base of the chili.

A Secret Ingredient to Enhance Your Smoked Chili Recipe

Here’s the kicker: dark chocolate. Yes, you read that right! Adding a small square of dark chocolate to this smoked chili recipe enhances its richness, balancing the smokiness with a subtle sweetness. It’s a simple addition that makes the chili stand out and will have everyone guessing your secret ingredient.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Smoked Chili Recipe

To make smoked chili, you’ll need a combination of classic chili ingredients and a few smoky twists.

Key Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Go for 85% lean ground beef for the perfect balance of fat and flavor.
• Tomatoes: A mix of tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste ensures a robust base.
• Beans: Kidney beans are traditional, but feel free to add pinto or black beans for variety.
• Smoked Vegetables: Onions, bell peppers, and garlic are must-haves. Smoking them adds another layer of flavor.
• Spices: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne are the backbone of the recipe.
• Beef Broth: Adds richness and helps control the chili’s consistency.

Optional Additions

• Dark Chocolate: A square or two for richness.
• Liquid Smoke: For those who don’t have a smoker, this is a convenient alternative.
• Smoked Beef Sausage: Want extra protein? Try slicing up beef sausage.
• Beer: Adds a malty depth to the chili.

Ingredient Preparation Tips

• Always rinse canned beans to remove excess salt.
• Dice vegetables evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
• For extra smoky flavor, use beef bouillon powder to season your broth.

How to Choose the Right Wood for Smoking Your Smoked Chili Recipe

Choosing the right wood is a crucial step in making a perfect smoked chili recipe. The type of wood you use influences the flavor profile of your chili, with each variety adding a unique touch.

Popular Wood Types for Smoking Your Chili Recipe

• Hickory: A classic choice for smoked chili recipes, hickory offers a bold, rich smokiness that complements the hearty ingredients.
• Mesquite: Known for its strong, earthy flavor, mesquite is ideal for those who enjoy a robust, smoky chili. However, use it sparingly to avoid overwhelming the dish.
• Applewood: Perfect for tomato-based chili, applewood adds a light, sweet smokiness that balances out the spices and acidity.
• Cherry Wood: Similar to applewood, cherry wood provides a mild, fruity smoke that pairs beautifully with beans and smoked vegetables.

Tips for Using Wood Chips in Your Smoked Chili Recipe

• Soak Before Smoking: Soak your wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes. This slows down the burn rate, ensuring consistent smoke throughout the cooking process.
• Mix and Match: Experiment with combinations like hickory and cherry to create unique flavor profiles tailored to your smoked chili recipe.
• Start Small: Begin with a small amount of wood and add more as needed to avoid overpowering the chili with smoke.

Preparing to Smoke Chili: Tools and Techniques

Before we get cooking, let’s make sure you’re equipped with the right tools and know-how.

Essential Tools

• Smoker: A pellet smoker, electric smoker, or Big Green Egg works best.
• Dutch Oven: Perfect for holding the chili while it smokes. Cast iron retains heat beautifully.
• Wood Chips: Hickory is the go-to for chili, but mesquite or oak are also great options.

Preparing Your Smoker

1. Preheat the Smoker: Set it to 250°F. This low temperature ensures the chili absorbs the maximum smoke flavor.
2. Choose Your Wood Chips: Soak the chips in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning too quickly.
3. Prepare for Indirect Heat: Place a water pan in the smoker to maintain a consistent temperature.

Tips for Perfect Smoking

• Avoid using too much wood; a little goes a long way.
• Stir the chili every hour to ensure even cooking.
• Use a thermometer to maintain the smoker’s temperature.

Want more smoked recipes? Check out our guide to smoked turkey breast for more ideas!

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Smoked Chili Recipe

Ready to make the best smoked chili ever? Follow these steps for a foolproof recipe.

Step.1: Preparing the Chili Base

1. Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat and sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until softened.
2. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne to the veggies. Toast the spices for 1-2 minutes to enhance their flavor.
3. Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.

Step.2: Smoking the Ground Beef

1. Shape the ground beef into a flat patty or small meatballs. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Place the beef on the smoker’s grill grates, directly over indirect heat. Smoke at 250°F for 1.5-2 hours.

Step.3: Combining the Smoked Elements

1. Once the beef is smoked, crumble or chop it into small pieces.
2. Add the smoked beef to the chili base and mix well.

Step.4: Final Touches

1. Stir in a square of dark chocolate and let it melt into the chili.
2. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more chili powder.
3. Let the chili simmer for another 30 minutes to blend all the flavors.

Topping and Serving Suggestions

Smoked chili is best served with a variety of toppings and sides. Here are some crowd favorites:

Popular Toppings

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Sliced jalapeños
• Fresh cilantro or parsley
• Diced avocado

Side Pairings

• Jalapeño cornbread
• Tortilla chips or crackers
• Garlic bread

Pro tip: For a unique twist, pair your chili with beef sausage on the side!

Expert Tips for Perfect Smoked Chili

• Wood Selection: Hickory gives a bold flavor, while fruit woods like apple add a sweet touch.
• Consistency Control: If the chili is too thick, add more beef broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered.
• Storage: Freeze leftover chili in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Pairing Smoked Chili with Side Dishes

The perfect chili deserves equally amazing sides. Here are some ideas:

• Jalapeño Cornbread: The sweetness of cornbread balances the smoky and spicy flavors of chili.
• Garlic Bread: Ideal for dipping into the rich chili sauce.
• Smoked Jalapeño Poppers: Another smoked dish to complement the chili.

Smoked Chili for Special Occasions

Smoked chili isn’t just a regular weeknight dinner—it’s the perfect dish for special occasions. Whether it’s game day, a tailgate party, or a family barbecue, smoked chili is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Game Day Favorite

Planning to host a game-day party? Smoked chili can be served as a standalone meal or as a topping for nachos, hot dogs, or baked potatoes. Its smoky flavor pairs well with beer, making it an instant hit for sports fans.

Tailgate Perfection

Prepare your chili in a portable Dutch oven, and keep it warm in a crockpot or portable smoker at your tailgate spot. Serve with a variety of toppings to let guests customize their bowls.

Holiday Gatherings

Who says chili is just for casual meals? Add a gourmet touch by garnishing with sour cream swirls, cilantro, and diced avocado to make it holiday-party ready. Pair with cornbread muffins for a classy yet comforting vibe.

Smoked Chili for Meal Prep

If you’re looking for an easy meal-prep option, smoked chili fits the bill. Its flavors only get better with time, making it ideal for cooking in bulk and storing for later.

Why It’s Perfect for Meal Prep

• Versatility: Enjoy smoked chili as a standalone dish, or repurpose it as a topping for rice, baked potatoes, or pasta.
• Freezer-Friendly: Smoked chili freezes exceptionally well, maintaining its flavor and texture for up to 3 months.
• Quick Reheating: Warm it up in the microwave or on the stove for a quick, hearty meal.

Tips for Storing Smoked Chili

1. Let the chili cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
2. Use portion-sized containers to make reheating more convenient.
3. Label each container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Smoked Chili for Dietary Preferences

Smoked chili is one of the most adaptable dishes out there, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.

Vegetarian Smoked Chili

Substitute the ground beef with smoked mushrooms or a mix of beans and vegetables. Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smokiness of meat.

Low-Carb or Keto Smoked Chili

Skip the beans and opt for extra ground beef or smoked sausage. Zucchini and cauliflower can also be added for texture without the carbs.

Dairy-Free Options

Keep the chili dairy-free by omitting sour cream or cheese toppings. For creaminess, use coconut milk or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

How to Customize Your Smoked Chili

One of the best things about smoked chili is how easy it is to customize. You can tweak the ingredients and spices to suit your taste or experiment with regional variations.

Spice Level Adjustments

• For a mild chili, use sweet paprika instead of cayenne and skip the jalapeños.
• For extra heat, add smoked chipotle peppers, hot sauce, or diced habaneros.

Protein Swaps

• Replace ground beef with turkey, chicken, or even venison. Check out our alternative chili recipe with game meat for inspiration.
• Add chunks of smoked sausage or shredded smoked turkey for a unique twist.

Bean-Free Chili

Omit the beans altogether and double the ground beef for a meaty, Texas-style smoked chili.

Common Variations and Alternatives

Vegetarian Smoked Chili

Swap the beef for smoked mushrooms and double up on the beans.

Low-Carb or Keto Chili

Omit the beans and use extra ground beef or sausage.

Spicy Mexican-Style Chili

Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and garnish with lime wedges.

Storage and Leftovers: Keep Your Chili Fresh

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Divide into portions and freeze for meal prep.
• Reheating: Heat on low to retain the smoky flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Smoked chili is more than just a recipe—it’s an adventure in flavor. With its bold, smoky profile and endless customization options, it’s a must-try for any chili lover. Whether you’re smoking it for a tailgate party or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Ready to try something new? Check out our alternative chili recipe with game meat for another flavorful option.

Smoked Chili Recipe

---

• Author: Luna
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This smoked chili recipe combines the hearty flavors of a classic chili with the smoky depth of slow-cooked ground beef and vegetables. Infused with bold spices and a secret touch of dark chocolate, it’s perfect for game days, family gatherings, or as a comforting meal any time of the year. Easily customizable for dietary needs, this dish is a must-try for chili lovers!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 can (14 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 square (1 oz) dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Wood chips (hickory, applewood, or your choice)

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Smoker Preheat your smoker to 250°F and soak the wood chips in water for 30 minutes.

2. Cook the Base In a Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened. Add chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne, stirring for 1-2 minutes to release the aroma.

3. Add Liquid Ingredients Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Let the mixture simmer while you prepare the meat.

4. Smoke the Meat Form the ground beef into a large patty or small meatballs. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Place on the smoker grates and cook for 1.5-2 hours.

5. Combine and Smoke Crumble the smoked beef into the chili base. Place the Dutch oven in the smoker and cook uncovered for 1.5-2 hours, stirring every hour.

6. Finish with Chocolate Stir in the dark chocolate until melted and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

7. Serve Ladle into bowls and garnish with toppings of your choice (cheese, sour cream, avocado, etc.).

Notes

• For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with smoked mushrooms or extra beans.
• Add more beef broth if the chili becomes too thick during cooking.
• For extra heat, include diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Smoked chili, smoked ground beef chili, hickory-smoked chili, homemade smoked chili, smoked beef chili recipe