Easy BBQ Chili Recipe (One-Pot Family Dinner)

CATEGORY: Dinner
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 35 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 45 minutes
SERVINGS: 6

Why You'll Love This Easy BBQ Chili

• Sweet and smoky flavor: Barbecue sauce adds a delicious combination of sweetness, smokiness, and tanginess to traditional homemade chili.

• Easy one-pot meal: Everything cooks together in one pot, making preparation and cleanup simple.

• Ready in 45 minutes: A hearty, homemade dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights.

• Family-friendly: The mild, slightly sweet barbecue flavor makes this chili a great option for the whole family.

• Perfect for leftovers: This chili tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully for future meals.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 2 cans (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices

• ¾ cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite)

• 1 cup beef broth or chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons chili powder, to taste

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

Customize this homemade BBQ chili with a few simple additions.

• Brown sugar: Add 1 teaspoon for a slightly sweeter chili.

• Cayenne pepper: Add up to ½ teaspoon for extra heat.

• Corn: Stir in ½–1 cup of sweet corn for additional texture and sweetness.

• Bell peppers: Add 1 diced bell pepper for extra vegetables and flavor.

• Extra beans: Add another can of your favorite beans to make the chili even heartier.

How to Make Easy BBQ Chili

1. Brown the ground beef.

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if needed.

Kitchen Tip: Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe. If using lean ground turkey, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pot before cooking to prevent sticking.

2. Add the onion and garlic.

Add the diced onion to the browned ground beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.

3. Add the beans, tomatoes, and BBQ sauce.

Stir in the drained kidney beans, black beans, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Pour in the barbecue sauce and beef or chicken broth. Mix everything together until well combined.

4. Add the seasonings.

Sprinkle in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute the seasonings throughout the mixture.

Kitchen Tip: If your barbecue sauce already has a strong smoky flavor, you can reduce or omit the smoked paprika.

5. Let the chili simmer.

Bring the chili to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the chili simmers, the flavors will blend together and the sauce will begin to thicken.

Kitchen Tip: For a thicker chili, allow it to simmer uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes. If the chili becomes too thick, stir in a little extra broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

6. Taste and adjust the seasonings.

Taste the chili and adjust the flavors as needed.

7. Serve and enjoy!

Ladle the warm BBQ chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings.

Try shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, or crushed tortilla chips.

Serve with warm cornbread or crusty bread for a delicious, comforting family dinner.

A Few Tips for the Best BBQ Chili

Choose a flavorful barbecue sauce. Since BBQ sauce is one of the main ingredients, use a brand and flavor you enjoy. A smoky or slightly sweet sauce adds great depth to the chili.

Don't skip the simmering time. Allowing the chili to simmer for at least 25–30 minutes helps the seasonings, tomatoes, and barbecue sauce blend together.

Start with less chili powder. Different chili powders have different levels of heat. Begin with 1 tablespoon and add more after tasting.

Drain and rinse the beans. Rinsing canned beans removes excess sodium and helps keep the chili from becoming overly thick or starchy.

Make it ahead of time. BBQ chili is a great make-ahead meal because the flavors continue to develop as it sits in the refrigerator.

Double the recipe. This chili is easy to make in larger batches and freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

What to Serve with BBQ Chili

This easy homemade BBQ chili is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well as a simple side or topping.

• Homemade Cornbread: Warm, buttery cornbread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful chili.

• Baked Potatoes: Spoon BBQ chili over a fluffy baked potato and top with shredded cheese for a filling dinner.

• Hot Dogs: Use leftover chili to make delicious homemade BBQ chili dogs.

• Rice: Serve the chili over warm white or brown rice to stretch the meal a little further.

How to Store and Freeze BBQ Chili

This homemade BBQ chili is perfect for leftovers, meal prepping, and freezing for future dinners.

Refrigerator: Allow the chili to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.

Reheating: Warm the chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if the chili has thickened during storage.

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the chili a day in advance and refrigerate overnight. Reheat gently before serving. The extra time allows the barbecue sauce and spices to develop an even richer flavor.

From My Kitchen to Yours

This easy BBQ chili is a simple, comforting dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings. With tender beans, seasoned ground beef, and a delicious sweet and smoky barbecue flavor, it's a meal the whole family can enjoy.

Serve it with warm cornbread, pile on your favorite toppings, or save the leftovers for another easy meal later in the week.