Barbecue Chili Recipe (2024)

Updated on |By Kate|50 Comments

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Best chili recipe! This simple homemade beef Barbecue Chili recipe is flavored with barbecue sauce for an easy chili that’s sure to please.

Barbecue Chili Recipe (1)

Barbecue Chili recipe is one of my favorite cold-weather dinners. I’m not much of a cold-weather person though.

When it dropped to 70 degrees here the other day, I figured that it was close enough to winter. So, I made this chili and some corn bread for supper.

How to make chili (the easy way)

This chili recipe couldn’t be much easier – you brown the ground beef, throw everything in a pot, and then just let it simmer.

Barbecue Chili Recipe (2)

What kind of barbecue sauce should I use

So much of the flavor of this chili depends on the barbecue sauce that you use. I usually use one with brown sugar because we like it to be a little sweet and spicy.

Just choose a barbecue sauce you like, and it’ll be great!

Barbecue Chili Recipe (3)

Can I freeze this chili

You can. I suggest waiting to add the beans until you reheat the chili to avoid any mushiness.

More chili recipes!

If you’ve tried this barbecue chili recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who’ve made my recipes!

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Barbecue Chili Recipe (5)

4.96 from 24 votes

Barbecue Chili Recipe


Author Kate @ I Heart Eating

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Chili flavored with barbecue sauce for a quick and tasty dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 yellow or white onion finely chopped
  • 2-15 ounce cans kidney beans rinsed and drained
  • 15 ounce can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 3-14 ounce cans diced tomatoes
  • 16-18 ounce bottle of barbecue sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder feel free to add more if you like things on the spicier side
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground meat. Drain.

  • Return the cooked meat to the pot.

  • Add the rest of the ingredients. Stir to combine.

  • Cover, and simmer over medium-low heat, stirring as needed, for about 1-2 hours.

Video

Notes

*Nutrition values are estimates.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 258kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 867mg | Potassium: 631mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 225IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 3.8mg

Did You Make This Recipe?

Share it with me on Instagram @i_heart_eating and follow on Youtube @katedean and Pinterest @katedean for more!

Originally published 10/2/13. Updated with new tips 8/6/18.

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Created by Kate

Kate got her first cookbook when she was five years old, and she hasn't stopped cooking since then! Her delicious recipes have been featured on Food Network, MSN, Better Homes & Gardens, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post, and more. When she's not cooking or baking, she can be found on her mini farm with her husband and her five kids.

Reader Interactions

Love this recipe?

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    Comments & Reviews

  1. Cindy Welty says

    Barbecue Chili Recipe (6)
    The best chili ever, only one I make now!!!

    Reply

    • Kate says

      Thank you so much!

      Reply

  2. A tomlinson says

    Barbecue Chili Recipe (7)
    I’ve always been searching for a good chili recipe that could be my go to that wasn’t a traditional flavor and wow you knocked this out of the ballpark.

    Reply

    • Kate says

      Thank you!

      Reply

  3. Chania Tripp says

    I wish there was a low sodium version of this 867 sodium for this meal is a bit concerning.

    Reply

    • Kate says

      The nutrition values are estimates. The program doesn’t take things like rinsing the beans into account in calculating the values.

      Reply

  4. Buay says

    Barbecue Chili Recipe (8)
    I’ve made this recipe like three times and it’s amazing. I’m trying it again right now but using a small batch on the side w/o BBQ sauce so I’ll report back!

    Reply

    • Kate says

      Thanks!

      Reply

  5. Rosalie says

    Barbecue Chili Recipe (9)
    The recipe is easy to follow. It taste heavenly. I chose my own BBQ sauce and molasses. My husband and son couldn’t get enough of it.
    I do recommend this recipe

    Reply

    • Kate says

      Thank you so much! This is family favorite, and it’s great to hear that other people are enjoying it, too! =)

      Reply

« Older Comments

Barbecue Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in chili's BBQ sauce? ›

Ingredients. Water, Sugar, Tomato Paste, Molasses, Salt, Vinegar. Contains 2% Or Less Of Each Of The Following: Spices, Modified Corn Starch, Garlic*, Citric Acid, Natural Smoke Flavors, Onion*, Sunflower Oil**, Caramel Color, Potassium Sorbate And Sodium Benzoate (preservatives), Xanthan Gum.

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Only Add Flavorful Liquids

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

How to make homemade chili more flavorful? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

What is the best meat for chili? ›

The best meat for chili depends on the type you're making, but professionals generally use a combination of ground chuck, brisket, short ribs, or diced tri-tip sirloin mixed with bacon and sausage to layer multiple textures and flavors.

What is the most common ingredient in BBQ sauce? ›

The base ingredients of barbecue sauce usually include tomato sauce or ketchup, vinegar, and sweeteners, such as molasses or brown sugar. Other common ingredients include Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic, onion powder, and various spices, which can include paprika, cumin, and chili powder.

What gives BBQ sauce its taste? ›

Ingredients vary, but most include vinegar or tomato paste (or a combination) as a base, as well as Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, onion powder, spices such as mustard and black pepper, and sweeteners such as sugar or molasses.

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.

What is the magic ingredient for chili? ›

A cup of strong, brewed coffee will work wonders for your pot of chili, imparting a deep, roasted flavor that will make the chili taste like it simmered away all day long. For maximum flavor, reduce the coffee along with a blend of tomato paste, aromatic veggies and spices like we do in our Spicy Vegetarian Chili.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

Does chili need tomato paste? ›

Tomato paste may come in a small can (or tube), but it packs a powerful punch and is an essential flavor building block for dishes like chili and beef stew.

What is the best liquid for chili? ›

Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

How do you deepen chili flavor? ›

You can always add additional spices to taste, but this could give you a solid foundation to work from. Try adding spices like paprika, chili powder, cumin, coriander, Mexican oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, cayenne, or even chipotle.

Which onion is best for chili? ›

Sweet Onion

Sweet onions are great for caramelizing due to their higher sugar content. You can cook them into your chili, serve them raw over top, or even elevate your chili with a sophisticated caramelized onion topping! Some of my favorite sweet onions are Walla, Walla, Maui, and Vidalia Onions.

What kind of beans are best for chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

Do you drain meat when making chili? ›

The beef will release a lot of fat and liquid — do not drain it; you'll skim the fat off at the end. Add the ancho chili powder, chipotle chili powder, cumin, oregano, coriander, smoked paprika, and cinnamon (if using). Cook, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes, until well combined and fragrant.

What is Chili's secret sauce made of? ›

You can make my Chili's Secret Sauce recipe revealed here in just a couple of minutes with a simple combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey, and mustard, plus a little turmeric to add a golden tint.

What are the ingredients in Heinz BBQ sauce? ›

Ingredients: Tomato puree, vinegar, sugar, molasses, water, salt, spices, thickener (xanthan gum), garlic, smoke flavouring, natural flavouring. Henry J Heinz created one of the world's most famous sauces back in 1869. At the age of 25, Henry was living with his mother in Pittsburgh, USA.

What are the ingredients in Chick Fil A BBQ sauce? ›

Soybean oil, sugar, BBQ sauce (tomato paste, corn syrup, vinegar, natural hickory smoke flavor, caramel color, spices, garlic*, onion*, natural flavor, oleoresin paprika), water, mustard (distilled vinegar, water, mustard seed, salt, turmeric, paprika, spice, garlic*), distilled vinegar, egg yolk, salt, cider vinegar, ...

Does all BBQ sauce have tomato? ›

There are many different regional styles of barbecue. While many homemade barbecue sauce recipes include tomatoes, some regions of the United States do not have tomatoes in their sauces. For example, white barbecue sauce does not use tomatoes.

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