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    Home » Soups & Salads » Soups » Smoked Chili

    Published: Oct 14, 2019 by Kadee

    Smoked Chili

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    It's CHILI SEASON! Hallelujah. I really love a good chili- ALL CHILI'S. We've taken chili up a notch and SMOKED this bad boy. That's right, SMOKED CHILI with bacon and all the goods. Don't worry, if you don't have a smoker I'm giving you some tips and tricks on how to make it a smokey chili without a smoker.

    two bowls of chili topped with sour cream and cilantro

    WHAT INGREDIENTS FOR THE BEST SMOKED CHILI

    • 2 LB's ground chuck
    • chili beans and canned diced tomatoes
    • jalapeno (or can substitute with green bell pepper)
    • cooked bacon
    • garlic, onions and celery
    • sweet potato (optional!)

    ingredients for smokey bacon chili

    HOW TO MAKE SMOKED CHILI

    Start by chopping all your ingredients to bite sized pieces or smaller.

    how small your ingredients should be chopped

    HOW DO I MAKE MY CHILI NOT SPICY?

    Did you know the larger the jalapeño the less spicy it will be? Also make sure you take out all the seeds and cut off the rinds inside. If you still would prefer not to have a jalapeño substitute it with green bell pepper. It will give you the flavor without the spice.

    one bowl of chili with sour cream and cilantro

    1. Heat up a large dutch oven (SEE BELOW FOR SMOKER INSTRUCTIONS) and add a little bit of bacon grease or olive oil. Sauce your onions, garlic and jalapeño in the olive oil until the onions are translucent.
    2. Add in your cooked bacon (chopped or crumbled) and sweet potatoes. Saute for a few minutes.
    3. Add in your cooked ground chuck
    4. Dump in your canned tomatoes (with juice!)
    5. Pour in your chili beans (don't drain either!)
    6. Add in some water or beef broth

    step by step pictures of how to make the chili

    You'll want to cook your chili until all the vegetables are soft. Let the chili simmer for at least 20-30 minutes so all the flavors merry together.

    pot of smoked chili

    HOW TO COOK CHILI ON A SMOKER

    There are two ways you can smoke your chili. Method number 1 is much faster and easier, and you still get a nice smokey flavor to your chili. But, if you prefer, or only have a smoker available for cooking chili it can be done! So I'm including both instructions

    SMOKED CHILI METHOD #1 (preferred method)

    • Follow directions 1-6 on your stove top and then smoke on your smoker for 1 hour at 225. Stiring occasionally

    SMOKED CHILI METHOD #2

    1. Preheat your smoker and dutch oven to 350. Add the olive oil, onion, garlic, jalapeño. Close the lid and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions and peppers are soft, about 10-12 minutes.
    2. Add the ground chuck and break it up. Cover again with lid and let cook for about 10 minutes until done.
    3. Add in remaining ingredients. Stir until combined and cover. Let smoke for 20 minutes. For more smokey flavor reduce to "smoke" setting and let smoke for 1 hour.

    pot of chili on a smoker

    CAN I MAKE SMOKEY CHILI WITHOUT A SMOKER?

    YES! The bacon alone adds a nice smokey flavor, but for more added flavor you can grab some liquid smoke at the store! It comes in a little bottle like this.

    bottle of liquid smoke

    WHAT DO I TOP THE CHILI WITH?

    • Sour cream or greek yogurt
    • shredded cheese
    • cilantro
    • chives or green onions
    • more crispy bacon
    • crackers or cornbread!

    WHAT DO I SERVE CHILI WITH?

    Of course I'm going to suggest a classic sweet cornbread. This is my favorite recipe I grew up with, SWEET CORNBREAD. We also have a delicious savory cheesy cornbread that is amazing CORNBREAD MUFFINS.

     bowl of chili and cornbread

    Let's Be BFFs

    If you make this recipe, please come back and leave me a comment!  I love hearing from you all!  For fresh and new recipes make sure you're following us on Facebook and Instagram!

    one bowl of chili with sour cream and cilantro

    Smoked Chili

    We’ve taken chili up a notch and SMOKED this bad boy. That’s right, SMOKED CHILI with bacon and all the goods.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: dinner
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 363kcal
    Author: Kadee & Desarae

    Ingredients

    chili

    • 2 cans chili beans
    • 2 lb ground chuck cooked
    • 28 ounces diced tomatoes
    • 10 pieces of crispy bacon crumbled
    • 1 jalapeños minced
    • 2 celery stalks chopped
    • 4 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 onion diced
    • 1 Tablespoon salt
    • 3 cups water or beef broth
    • 2 cup sweet potatoes optional
    • 2 Tablespoon Liquid Smoke if no smoker only

    Garnishes

    • sour cream
    • Shredded Cheese
    • cilantro
    • green onions or chives
    • extra bacon

    Instructions

    • In a dutch oven brown bacon, set aside
    • Removed bacon and sauté celerey jalapeños, garlic and onion in a small amount of bacon grease.
    • When onions are translucent add in sweet potatoes and bacon saute for a few more minutes.
    • Add cooked ground chuck, beans, tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil and move to smoker.
    • If using stove-top and no smoker add liquid smoker, bring to a simmer for 20-30 mins. If using a crockpot, cook on low for up to 5-6 hours.
    • If smoking preheat to 225 and smoke for at least an 1 hour.

    Notes

    PRESURE COOKER: Follow instructions above except brown ingredients in open pot on any setting. When ready to cook, lock lid in place and set to soup setting. Quick release, garnish with toppings.

    SMOKED CHILI METHOD #1 (preferred method) 

    • Follow directions 1-6 on your stove top and then smoke on your smoker for 1 hour at 225. Stiring occasionally 

    SMOKED CHILI METHOD #2

    1. Preheat your smoker and dutch oven to 350. Add the olive oil, onion, garlic, jalapeño. Close the lid and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions and peppers are soft, about 10-12 minutes.
    2. Add the ground chuck and break it up. Cover again with lid and let cook for about 10 minutes until done. 
    3. Add in remaining ingredients. Stir until combined and cover. Let smoke for 20 minutes. For more smokey flavor reduce to "smoke" setting and let smoke for 1 hour. 

    CAN I MAKE SMOKEY CHILI WITHOUT A SMOKER?

    YES! The bacon alone adds a nice smokey flavor, but for more added flavor you can grab some liquid smoke at the store! It comes in a little bottle like this. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 363kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 1291mg | Potassium: 669mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 3203IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @OhSoDelicioso or tag #ohsodelicioso!
    « Smoked White Shells and Cheese
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Debbie Fenn says

      February 19, 2019 at 2:36 pm

      What size cans of chili beans and stewed tomatoes?

      Reply
      • Desarae says

        March 29, 2019 at 8:46 am

        The standard size, about 14 oz cans.

        Reply
    2. Erin V says

      July 20, 2018 at 2:52 pm

      5 stars
      Never have I ever thought of using my greek yogurt in chili! the pictures make it look soooo delicious

      Reply

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