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    Home » Dinners » Barbecue Chili Recipe

    Barbecue Chili Recipe

    Published: Oct 2, 2013 · Modified: Aug 5, 2022 by Kate · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Best chili recipe! This simple homemade beef Barbecue Chili recipe is flavored with barbecue sauce for an easy chili that's sure to please.

    Barbecue Chili in a blue dish next to spoons and a dish of cheese

    Barbecue Chili recipe is one of my favorite cold-weather dinners. I'm not much of a cold-weather person though.

    When it dropped to 70 degrees here the other day, I figured that it was close enough to winter. So, I made this chili and some corn bread for supper.

    How to make chili (the easy way)

    This chili recipe couldn't be much easier - you brown the ground beef, throw everything in a pot, and then just let it simmer.

    Two bowls of Barbecue Chili next to silver spoons

    What kind of barbecue sauce should I use

    So much of the flavor of this chili depends on the barbecue sauce that you use. I usually use one with brown sugar because we like it to be a little sweet and spicy.

    Just choose a barbecue sauce you like, and it'll be great!

    Barbecue Chili topped with shredded cheddar cheese

    Can I freeze this chili

    You can. I suggest waiting to add the beans until you reheat the chili to avoid any mushiness.

    More chili recipes!

    • Turkey Pumpkin Chili
    • Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
    • Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Chili
    • Frito Chili Pie

    If you’ve tried this barbecue chili recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who've made my recipes!

    You can subscribe to receive my latest recipe newsletters or follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for even more delicious food.

    Barbecue Chili

    Barbecue Chili Recipe

    Chili flavored with barbecue sauce for a quick and tasty dinner. 
    4.91 from 11 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 258kcal
    Author: Kate @ I Heart Eating

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound lean ground beef
    • 1 yellow or white onion finely chopped
    • 2-15 ounce cans kidney beans rinsed and drained
    • 15 ounce can black beans rinsed and drained
    • 3-14 ounce cans diced tomatoes
    • 16-18 ounce bottle of barbecue sauce
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder feel free to add more if you like things on the spicier side
    • 1 tablespoon molasses
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 tablespoon cumin
    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

    Instructions

    • In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground meat. Drain.
    • Return the cooked meat to the pot.
    • Add the rest of the ingredients. Stir to combine.
    • Cover, and simmer over medium-low heat, stirring as needed, for about 1-2 hours.

    Video

    Notes

    *Nutrition values are estimates.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 258kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 867mg | Potassium: 631mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 225IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 3.8mg
    Tried this recipe? Rate it below. Mention @i_heart_eating on Instagram & tag #ihearteating!

    Originally published 10/2/13. Updated with new tips 8/6/18.

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    About Kate

    Kate got her first cookbook when she was five years old, and she hasn't stopped cooking since then! Her delicious recipes have been featured on Food Network, MSN, Better Homes & Gardens, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post, and more. When she's not cooking or baking, she can be found on her mini farm with her husband and her five kids.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Holly

      October 19, 2018 at 10:05 am

      My husband about fell over he just LOVED this recipe.

      Reply
      • Kate

        October 20, 2018 at 10:16 am

        Thank you so much! I'm glad it was a hit! This is one of my family's favorite recipes, and I love to hear that other people are enjoying it, too. =)

        Reply
    2. Jan Van Merlin

      September 13, 2018 at 1:34 pm

      So excited to find your website I Heart Kate. I had a massive heart attack last summer and lived through it with lots of prayer from loved ones and my family. Since then, I am always on the lookout for heart-healthy recipes. Often modifying sugar and salt, and making my own sauces from scratch from the ingredients in my own pantry and garden.
      Thank you Kate.be 80 next birthday and my dr says I am one of his Miracle patients.

      Reply
      • Kate

        September 13, 2018 at 5:41 pm

        What a wonderful thing! I love that at your doctor that you are a miracle patient! I have a fair amount of healthier recipes on here. Please let me know if you'd like help finding anything. =)

        Reply
    3. Kelsey

      September 10, 2018 at 1:40 pm

      5 stars
      Great chili recipe! I love the flavors and how versatile it is. I've made it hot and spicy and mild and sweet just by using different sauces. Thanks for the recipe! It's a keeper.

      Reply
      • Kate

        September 10, 2018 at 7:10 pm

        Thank you! I'm glad that you like it. =) Thanks for coming back to comment!

        Reply
    4. Dina

      August 27, 2018 at 3:03 pm

      5 stars
      I rarely comment on a recipe but this one was so good that I had to. My family loves this and we make it all winter. I've been making it for years and just got around to commenting.

      Reply
      • Kate

        August 27, 2018 at 7:37 pm

        Thank you! I love to hear things like this! And I appreciate you taking the time to come back to comment. =)

        Reply
      • Holly

        October 19, 2018 at 10:12 am

        I rarely comment either and I just HAD to on this recipe it was so good! My husband said if ever need to feed a group this is what we are making

        Reply
    5. Franke Seegers

      June 29, 2018 at 4:16 pm

      5 stars
      Just Love this recipe!! made it several times, I just give it my own little twist, by adding some more stuff, everyone loves it!

      Reply
      • Kate

        June 30, 2018 at 11:13 am

        Thank you! I'm so glad you like it! =) Thanks for coming back to comment.

        Reply
    6. Sarah

      April 24, 2018 at 11:01 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious! Easy and tasty. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Kate

        April 24, 2018 at 11:02 pm

        Thanks! This is one of my go-to recipes, and I'm glad to hear that other people enjoy it, too. =)

        Reply
    7. Joe

      March 05, 2018 at 10:15 am

      Thanks for the great recipe. This was my first time ever making chili and loved it. Super easy and great go to meal.

      Reply
      • Kate

        March 05, 2018 at 1:44 pm

        I'm so glad! This is one of my family's go-tos, too. =)

        Reply
    8. Mary M. Martinez

      March 27, 2016 at 9:56 am

      Great recipe! This chili looks so hearty.

      Reply
      • Kate

        March 27, 2016 at 2:22 pm

        Thanks so much! =)

        Reply
    9. Amanda Z

      February 03, 2015 at 7:39 pm

      This chili was delicious! I used Sweet Ray's BBQ Hickory Smoke and Brown Sugar, and it was great. It was sweet and savory, one of my favorite chills now. Thanks for a great dinner

      Reply
      • Kate

        February 05, 2015 at 10:36 am

        Thank you! I'm so glad that you liked it! =)

        Reply
    10. Alex

      February 14, 2014 at 9:24 am

      I'm actually entering this is a chili cook off against my neighbors. I was told no one has ever done a barbecue chili. So this will be a first. But I love barbecue chili.

      Reply
      • Kate

        February 14, 2014 at 11:47 am

        That's awesome! Good luck!! =)

        Reply
    11. Jacee Gifford

      November 09, 2013 at 1:18 pm

      How many servings does it make?

      Reply
      • Kate

        November 09, 2013 at 1:30 pm

        It makes about 8-10 servings. Sorry. I've never measured it out, so I can't give you an exact amount, but that's an approximate yield.

        Reply
    12. Joanne T Ferguson

      October 17, 2013 at 1:51 am

      G'day Kate! Your chilli looks great, true!
      I could not get my eyes off your photos today too!
      Cheers! Joanne
      Viewed as part of Food Friends Friday Chili Party

      Reply
      • Kate

        October 17, 2013 at 9:21 am

        Thanks so much!! That's so nice of you to say! =)

        Reply
    13. Lauren

      October 15, 2013 at 9:04 pm

      This sounds perfect for the next tailgate since it's getting cooler out!! Thanks for the recipe... Pinning!!

      Stopping by from MM Link Party #387 :)

      Reply
      • Kate

        October 17, 2013 at 9:27 am

        Thanks for the pin!! It is! You have to have some yummy chili once it starts to get cold =).

        Reply
    14. Kathy

      October 09, 2013 at 8:17 am

      We all love chili and I love the addition of the BBQ sauce! Pinning!

      Reply
    15. Nicole

      October 07, 2013 at 9:21 pm

      Yum, I love a nice hot bowl of chili! I love the bbq twist on this recipe.

      Reply
      • Kate

        October 08, 2013 at 10:07 am

        Thanks!! We love our chili, too, and this is one that my whole family will eat. =)

        Reply
    16. Deb@CookingOnTheFrontBurner

      October 06, 2013 at 8:39 pm

      Thanks for linking up at our MM party tonight! will be sharing on FB and pinning!

      Reply
      • Kate

        October 08, 2013 at 10:15 am

        Thanks so much for hosting and for the shares!! =)

        Reply
    17. Cindys Recipes and Writings

      October 06, 2013 at 5:59 pm

      Thanks for sharing your cool chili recipe with us at Foodie Friends Friday!

      Reply
      • Kate

        October 08, 2013 at 10:16 am

        Thanks for hosting!! =)

        Reply
    18. Julie @ This Gal Cooks

      October 06, 2013 at 5:40 pm

      YUM! I love the idea of BBQ Chili. This is something we will have to try at my house. Thanks for the recipe, Kate. And thanks for sharing at Marvelous Mondays. Pinning and sharing on social media!

      Reply
      • Kate

        October 08, 2013 at 10:26 am

        Thanks so much for hosting and for sharing!! I hope you enjoy the chili if you try it! =)

        Reply
    19. Gloria // Simply Gloria

      October 06, 2013 at 4:30 pm

      I love easy chili...and just chili itself! Already pinned and shared! Thank you for sharing with us gals over at the link party!

      Reply
      • Kate

        October 08, 2013 at 10:18 am

        Thanks so much for hosting and for sharing, Gloria!! =)

        Reply
    20. Ruthy @ Omeletta

      October 02, 2013 at 1:32 pm

      I'm so happy that it's that time of year again to drag out the chili bowls :) I've never added brown sugar to our chili, but I may have to give that a go!

      Reply
      • Kate

        October 03, 2013 at 10:44 am

        Me too!! My grandpa added it to his chili, so I always add a little to mine now, too.

        Reply
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    I’m Kate Dean- mom to five young kids, recipe developer, and photographer. Here at I Heart Eating®, I share my family’s favorite tried-and-true recipes.

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