Over-the-Top Smoked Chili
Seasoned ground beef smoked on a rack above a pot of chili, so the drippings flavor the base as it cooks. Then the beef is chopped and stirred in for a rich, smoky chili.
Servings: 6
Calories: 398kcal
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 medium green pepper diced
- 1½ pounds 85/15 ground beef
- 15 oz can pinto beans rinsed and drained
- 15 oz can dark red kidney beans rinsed and drained
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes with juices
- 2 cups low sodium 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 about 1½ 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.
Notes
- Ground beef is safe to eat at 160°F. Check the center of the patty with an instant-read thermometer before chopping.
- Hickory, apple, oak, cherry, or a blended pellet like Pit Boss Competition Blend all work well.
- For more heat, add cayenne to the seasoning and diced jalapeños with the onion and pepper.
- Ground turkey, ground pork, or a blend of ground meats can replace the beef.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Calories: 398kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 7g