Dishes With Dad

  • Home
  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Main Dishes
      • Pasta
      • Poultry
      • Meats
      • Grilling
    • Side Dishes
    • Breakfast Recipes
    • Desserts
  • Weeknight Meals
  • About Me
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Weeknight
  • Summer
  • About
  • Subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Weeknight
  • Summer
  • About
  • Subscribe
×
Home » Recipes » Smoker Recipes

Over the Top Smoked Chili

Published: Oct 20, 2023 · Modified: Oct 27, 2023 by Scott · This post may contain affiliate links.

↓ Jump to Recipe

This over-the-top smoked chili is a flavorful twist on traditional chili featuring seasoned ground beef smoked on a rack above a pot of chili. This adds tons of smoky flavor to the meat, and the juices from the meat drip down to add even more flavor to the base. Ultimately, they are mixed together, making a truly delicious pot of chili! In this post, I'll provide simple step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and answers to common FAQs to help you make this chili perfectly every time!

A bowl of smoked chili served with shredded cheese and sour cream.
Jump to:
  • What is Over the Top Chili?
  • Why this Recipe Works
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Expert Tips
  • What to Serve with Chili
  • Storage and Reheating
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Chili and Soup Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe
  • You May Also Like

What is Over the Top Chili?

Smoked over-the-top chili is a method of cooking chili where the meat is cooked on a wire rack, above the pot of chili so that meat can absorb tons of smoke flavor, and the drippings are captured in the pot for additional flavor in the chili base.

The over-the-top, or "OTT", cooking method is popular on the Big Green Egg, Traeger grills, and other pellet smokers. It is believed to have originated on a Big Green Egg user forum and is commonly featured in enthusiast Facebook groups for users of these grills.

Why this Recipe Works

  • Smoky Flavor - Cooking the meat separately from the chili base allows it to absorb much more smoke than if you combined the meat and smoked the entire pot.
  • Easy to Make - Despite the unique cooking method, this recipe is very simple to prepare.
  • One Pot Meal - This smoked chili is a complete and hearty one-pot meal, so clean-up is a breeze.

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients for smoked chili set on a counter.
  • Ground Beef - I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for this smoked chili recipe. You need some fat in the meat so it will not dry out as it smokes, and the drippings add a lot of flavor to the chili. But too much fat can result in a greasy end result. You can substitute ground turkey, ground pork, or a blend of ground meats if you prefer.
  • Beans - I like to use a mix of pinto and kidney beans in my chili. Black beans and other varieties can also be used.
  • Chili Seasoning - I usually make a homemade chili seasoning blend, but you can substitute it with your favorite packaged mix.

See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat - Preheat your smoker to 225℉
  2. Saute the veggies - Heat a cast iron Dutch oven over medium heat with 1 Tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced peppers and onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. Make the seasoning - While the vegetables cook, add all of the chili seasoning spices to a small bowl and stir to combine.
Chopped onion and green pepper cooking in a large pot.
Chili seasoning mixed in a small bowl.
  1. Prepare the meat - Shape the ground beef into an oval patty around 1-2 inches thick and season the beef on top and bottom with 2 teaspoons of the chili seasoning mix. Place it on a wire baking rack or disposable wire mesh grill topper.
Seasoned ground beef shaped into an oval patty.
Ground beef on a wire rack set over a dutch oven and cooking on a smoker.
  1. Make the chili base - Add the beans, tomatoes, beef broth, and the remaining chili seasoning mix. to the pot and stir to combine.
  2. Smoke the chili - Transfer the Dutch oven to your smoker and place the rack with the ground beef over the top of the pot. Smoke for 2 hours, stirring every 30-45 minutes.
Chili in a large cast iron pot on a stovetop.
Smoked ground beef set on a wire rack over the top of a large pot of chili.
  1. Combine the meat - Transfer the ground beef to a cutting board and chop the meat, then add the meat to the chili and stir to combine.
Chopped smoked ground beef on a cutting board.
A large pot filled with smoked chili.

Expert Tips

  • Using a disposable wire mesh grilling rack to hold the meat makes clean-up easy, but you can also use a wire baking rack or a small grill grate.
  • If you want a spicier chili, add cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend and diced jalapenos when cooking the onion and peppers.
  • If too much fat has collected in your chili, use a large spoon to skim some of the fat off the top before stirring in the meat.

What to Serve with Chili

I like to top my OTT chili with shredded cheese and sour cream and serve it with a batch of my southern-style cornbread. A simple side salad like my apple walnut salad or my copycat Chick-fil-a kale salad would also make a great addition.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat your leftovers on the stovetop in a pot set over medium heat, or reheat individual portions in the microwave.

The chili can be cooled, transferred to a freezer-safe container, and frozen for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of wood do you use to smoke chili?

I recommend using hickory or applewood for this chili recipe. Oak and cherry are also good options.

How to thicken chili?

If you prefer thicker chili, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch and a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir the mixture into your chili and cook for another 10 minutes until thickened.

Can I make chili in advance?

Chili reheats well, so it's perfect to make ahead. In fact, I think it's better the next day so the flavors have more time to combine.

More Chili and Soup Recipes

  • Homestyle Chili
  • Side angle view of a bowl of white chicken chili topped with tortilla strips, diced avocado, and sliced lime.
    Creamy Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
  • Overhead image of a bowl of corn chowder topped with crumbled bacon beside a large pot of corn chowder.
    Creamy Corn Chowder
  • A Bowl of chicken stew with carrots, green beans, and potatoes.
    Easy Instant Pot Chicken Stew

If you try this recipe, don't forget to leave a RATING or COMMENT below. I would love to hear from you!!! And FOLLOW me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for all the latest recipes!

📖 Recipe

A bowl of smoked chili served with shredded cheese and sour cream.

Over the Top Smoked Chili

This over-the-top smoked is a flavorful twist on traditional chili featuring seasoned ground beef smoked on a rack above a pot of chili.
Author: Scott
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate SaveSaved!
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 2 hours hrs
Total Time: 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 398kcal

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Chefs Knife
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Ingredients

  • 1½ pounds ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 medium green pepper, diced
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 15 oz can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 15 oz can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 2 cups beef broth

Chili Seasoning Mix

  • 2 Tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat your smoker to 225℉
  • Heat a cast iron Dutch oven over medium heat with 1 Tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced peppers and onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  • While the vegetables cook, add all of the chili seasoning spices to a small bowl and stir to combine.
  • Shape the ground beef into an oval patty around 1-2 inches thick and season the beef on top and bottom with 2 teaspoons of the chili seasoning mix. Place it on a wire baking rack or disposable wire mesh grill topper.
  • Add the beans, tomatoes, beef broth, and the remaining chili seasoning mix. to the pot and stir to combine.
  • Transfer the Dutch oven to your smoker and place the rack with the ground beef over the top of the pot. Smoke for 2 hours, stirring every 30-45 minutes.
  • Transfer the ground beef to a cutting board and chop the meat, then add the meat to the chili and stir to combine.

Nutrition

Calories: 398kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 34gFat: 15gFiber: 11gSugar: 7g

* All nutrition information we provide are estimates based on third party calculators. We encourage you to calculate these on your own for accurate results.

Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Don't forget to leave a rating above and mention @disheswithdad or tag #disheswithdad on social media!

You May Also Like

  • A smoked whole chicken on a cutting board.
    Smoked Whole Chicken
  • Sliced meatloaf served on a large platter.
    Smoked Meatloaf
  • Smoked Turkey Legs
  • A smoked thick cut bone in pork chop with slices cut off on a cutting board.
    Smoked Pork Chops
Share this post:
« Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix
Cajun Turkey Injection »
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About Me

Hello, I'm Scott! I'm a former professional cook and an experienced home cook. I created this space to share my favorite quick and easy, family-friendly recipes and hopefully inspire you to try some of them for yourself!

Read More →

Summer Favorites

  • A plate of grilled boneless chicken thighs.
    Grilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
  • pulled pork sandwich with slaw
    Pulled Pork Barbecue: Ultimate Guide
  • Red, white, and blue popsicles on a weathered white washed wood background.
    Red White and Blue Popsicles
  • Close up image of a spinach and feta turkey burger on a wheat bun with a thick spread of tzatziki sauce and topped with sliced cucumber and red onion.
    Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers
  • Grilled flank steak served on a platter.
    Grilled Flank Steak
  • A small cast iron dish on a wooden table filled with smoked baked beans.
    Smoked Baked Beans

See More →

Featured Recipes

  • Chicken enchiladas with green sauce served on a plate.
    Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce
  • close up of a baking dish of fresh homemade lasagna.
    Lasagna with Homemade Noodles
  • Side angle view of a serving of creamy chicken and rice casserole with broccoli shown set beside a casserole dish.
    Chicken and Rice Casserole (Without Soup!)
  • lemon dill salmon on sheet pan
    Baked Lemon Dill Salmon
  • A serving plate of beef tenderloin tips covered in mushroom gravy with mashed potatoes.
    Beef Tenderloin Tips in Mushroom Gravy
  • Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Kebabs

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Accessibility

Follow on Social

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2025 Dishes With Dad

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.