Barbecue Chili

Barbecue Chili: A Cozy Classic to Warm Your Soul
There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of Barbecue Chili to warm you up on a chilly night.
This recipe combines the comfort of chili with the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce, creating a dish that’s not only satisfying but also bursting with flavor.
It’s packed with protein and fiber from the beans and beef, making it a nourishing choice for the whole family.
Plus, it’s easy to whip up, so you can spend more time enjoying the company of loved ones and less time in the kitchen.

Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 450
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 12g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
Why I Love This Barbecue Chili
What I adore about this Barbecue Chili is how comforting and robust it feels, like a warm hug in a bowl.
It’s a family favorite that I whip up whenever there’s a chill in the air or on game days with friends.
The flavor combo of BBQ sauce and spices makes it unique and so delicious. Plus, it’s simple enough that even the kids enjoy getting involved in the kitchen.
It’s one of those meals that just brings everyone together.

Ingredients
1 lb ground beef,
1 onion, chopped,
2 garlic cloves, minced,
1 can kidney beans,
drained and rinsed,
1 can black beans,
drained and rinsed,
1 can diced tomatoes,
1 cup barbecue sauce,
1 tablespoon chili powder,
1 teaspoon cumin,
Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Barbecue Chili
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. The aroma will make your kitchen smell delightful!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, barbecue sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to ensure the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Let it Simmer
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the magic happens—the flavors deepen and intensify.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Once finished, serve the chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream if desired. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Add Some Heat: If you like your chili spicy, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for lentils or a meat substitute to create a hearty vegetarian chili.
- Serving Suggestions: This chili is fantastic served with cornbread or over rice for a filling meal.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to experiment with different types of beans or barbecue sauces to find your perfect flavor combination.
Delicious Variations
If you love this Barbecue Chili, you might also enjoy:
- Classic Beef Chili
- White Chicken Chili
- Vegetarian Chili with Quinoa
- Chili Mac & Cheese
Serving Suggestions for Barbecue Chili
Serve this Barbecue Chili hot in deep bowls, perfect for a cozy evening in. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions adds a nice touch.
Pair it with a cold beer or iced tea for a casual gathering. If you want to elevate your meal, serve a side of cornbread for dipping fun!
Storage and Leftovers
Store any leftover Barbecue Chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months!
Just ensure it cools completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop or microwave.
Helpful Questions
Can I freeze this chili?
Yes, Barbecue Chili freezes well. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before freezing.What if I don’t have barbecue sauce?
You can substitute with a combination of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, or try a homemade BBQ sauce!Can I use other meats?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives.How can I thicken my chili?
If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for a while, or stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.Is it okay to add vegetables?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or corn can add even more flavor and nutrition.
Enjoy your cozy bowl of Barbecue Chili, and happy cooking!
Print
Barbecue Chili
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A hearty bowl of Barbecue Chili to warm you up on a chilly night, combining the comfort of chili with the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef over medium heat until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, barbecue sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream.
Notes
Add diced jalapeños for heat or substitute ground beef with lentils for a vegetarian version. Serve with cornbread or over rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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