There’s chili—and then there’s this Best Damn Smoky Brisket Chili. It’s not just a meaty chili recipe, it’s the kind that makes you text your friends mid-bite because you’ve found your new favorite. Think tender chunks of smoked brisket, rich tomato broth, earthy spices, and a little kick from chipotle pepper sauce to tie it all together. Whether you’re chasing the best chili recipe ever or just need a reliable easy homemade chili recipe for game day, this one’s got you covered. It’s a hearty chili recipe that’s bold, thick, and built to impress—even if you're just impressing yourself.
Smoky Brisket Chili
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot essential for deep, even heat; a slow cooker works perfectly for crock pot cooking.
Sharp knife and cutting board for all that brisket and veg chopping.
Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula to stir and scrape up the good stuff from the bottom.
Optional Slow cooker if you're adapting this for the best chili recipe award winning crockpot style. Just brown the veggies and aromatics first!
- 2 lbs smoked brisket chopped into small bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bell pepper diced (red or green)
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo minced (plus 1 tbsp of the adobo sauce)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 15 oz cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar sour cream, green onions, jalapeños
Sauté the aromatics
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in garlic and cook another minute.
Spice it up
Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toast the spices for a minute to release their aromas.
Mix in tomato base and chipotle
Stir in tomato paste, chipotle pepper, and adobo sauce. Let it sizzle for 2 minutes, then pour in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and brown sugar. Stir well.
Add brisket and beans
Fold in the brisket and kidney beans. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Cover and let it bubble gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Finish with balance
Right before serving, stir in apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning. If you're looking to thicken chili a bit more, let it simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
Pairings
This thick chili recipe is pure comfort in a bowl, and it pairs beautifully with a few easy favorites. Serve it over cornbread for a Southern twist or scoop it onto baked potatoes for a loaded-meal moment. If you're hosting, lay out tortilla chips for dipping, sharp cheddar for topping, and a crisp lager or smoky porter to wash it all down. For a next-level combo, try it with a grilled cheese sandwich on the side—it’s a chili-grilled-cheese match made in heaven.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
You can, but brisket adds unbeatable texture and flavor. For shortcuts, leftover smoked brisket or store-bought works great. Chuck roast is a decent substitute if brisket’s not on hand.
2. Is this chili spicy?
It’s got a smoky heat, but it’s not overpowering. You can dial it up by adding another chipotle or tone it down by skipping the adobo sauce.
3. Can I make this a quick chili recipe?
For a simple chili recipe with the same flavor vibes, sub ground beef or ground brisket and simmer for just 45 minutes. Still hearty, still awesome.
3. How can I thicken chili if it’s too soupy?
Simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid, or mash a few kidney beans with a spoon and stir them back in. A tablespoon of cornmeal also does the trick.
4. What makes this a unique chili recipe?
It’s the brisket. The smoky, slow-cooked depth, combined with chipotle pepper sauce and a bold spice blend, makes this more than just the best damn chili—it’s the best damn chili recipe full stop.
