Over-The-Top Smoked Chili

Over-The-Top Smoked Chili

8 servings
Ground beef and sausage formed into a log, smoked above a Dutch oven of chili ingredients, allowing meat drippings to flavor the base.

Ingredients

  • ground beef
    2 lb
  • sausage

    spicy or mild

    1 lb
  • kosher salt
    1 tbsp
  • black pepper
    1 tsp
  • chili powder
    1 tsp
  • smoked paprika
    1 tsp
  • garlic powder
    1 tsp
  • yellow onion

    diced

    1 large
  • green bell pepper

    diced

    1
  • garlic

    minced

    3 clove
  • tomatoes
    1 can
  • fire-roasted diced tomatoes
    1 can
  • kidney beans
    1 can
  • pinto beans
    1 can
  • tomato paste
    2 tbsp
  • beef broth
    1 c
  • chili powder
    2 tsp
  • cumin
    1 tsp
  • smoked paprika
    1 tsp
  • oregano
    ½ tsp
  • salt
  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • sliced jalapeños
  • chopped onion

Directions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sausage, salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Mix gently without overworking. Form into a single log about 12 to 14 inches long and 3 to 4 inches in diameter.

  2. 2

    In a Dutch oven, combine diced onion, bell pepper, garlic, crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, tomato paste, and beef broth. Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and salt. Stir well.

  3. 3

    Preheat smoker to 275°F. Place a wire rack across the top of the Dutch oven. Transfer meat log onto the rack, centering it above the chili base.

  4. 4

    Smoke for 2 to 3 hours until meat reaches 165°F internal temperature. Fat and juices will drip into the chili below.

  5. 5

    Remove from smoker. Carefully remove wire rack with meat. Crumble or shred the smoked meat. Add all crumbled meat to the Dutch oven with chili. Stir to combine.

  6. 6

    Return to smoker or move to stovetop over medium-low heat. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning.

  7. 7

    Serve hot with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, and chopped onion. Store leftovers up to 5 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen.

Over-The-Top Smoked Chili

Over-The-Top Smoked Chili

180 min8 servings420 cal

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About this Recipe

Over-The-Top Smoked Chili: The Ultimate BBQ Experience

Get ready to revolutionize your chili game with our Over-The-Top Smoked Chili! This isn't just any smoked chili recipe; it's a true culinary adventure that delivers unparalleled depth of flavor. Perfect for game day chili, a tailgate chili party, or simply a hearty family dinner, this BBQ chili stands out from the crowd.

What makes this the best smoked chili recipe? The magic lies in the unique "over-the-top" smoking method. Instead of browning your meat in a pan, we form a seasoned log of ground beef and sausage and suspend it directly above a Dutch oven chili base filled with onions, peppers, tomatoes, and beans. As the meat slowly smokes, its savory juices and smoky drippings fall directly into the chili below, infusing every spoonful with an incredible, rich flavor you simply can't achieve any other way. This truly creates the ultimate chili with smoked meat.

Our recipe combines classic chili ingredients with the irresistible smoky essence. With rich crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, hearty kidney and pinto beans, and a carefully selected blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, the base is already delicious. But once those smoked ground beef chili drippings start mingling, the flavor profile explodes! This method not only tenderizes the meat log chili beautifully but also ensures your smoked bean chili base is incredibly savory and complex.

Tips for Your Perfect Smoked Chili

  • Choose Your Wood: For the best outdoor chili recipe, select a robust wood like hickory or oak for a classic smoke flavor, or a milder fruitwood like apple or cherry for a sweeter note.
  • Spice It Up: Use spicy sausage for an extra kick in your meat log chili, or keep it mild if you prefer. You can also adjust the amount of fresh or pickled jalapeños for serving.
  • Topping Extravaganza: Elevate your bowl with classic toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, and chopped onion. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro also makes a fantastic addition.
  • Bean Variations: Feel free to swap kidney and pinto beans for black beans or cannellini beans to customize your smoked bean chili.

This Over-The-Top Smoked Chili is more than a meal; it's an experience. Get ready to impress everyone with this fantastic chuck wagon chili twist!

Frequently Asked Questions