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 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.

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!

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!
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Barbecue Chili Recipe
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
Did You Make This Recipe?
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Originally published 10/2/13. Updated with new tips 8/6/18.
Reader Interactions
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Comments & Reviews
Holly says
My husband about fell over he just LOVED this recipe.
Kate says
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. =)
Jan Van Merlin says
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.
Kate says
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. =)
Kelsey says
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.
Kate says
Thank you! I’m glad that you like it. =) Thanks for coming back to comment!
Dina says
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.
Kate says
Thank you! I love to hear things like this! And I appreciate you taking the time to come back to comment. =)
Holly says
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
Franke Seegers says
Just Love this recipe!! made it several times, I just give it my own little twist, by adding some more stuff, everyone loves it!
Kate says
Thank you! I’m so glad you like it! =) Thanks for coming back to comment.
Sarah says
Delicious! Easy and tasty. Thanks for the recipe!
Kate says
Thanks! This is one of my go-to recipes, and I’m glad to hear that other people enjoy it, too. =)
Joe says
Thanks for the great recipe. This was my first time ever making chili and loved it. Super easy and great go to meal.
Kate says
I’m so glad! This is one of my family’s go-tos, too. =)
Mary M. Martinez says
Great recipe! This chili looks so hearty.
Kate says
Thanks so much! =)
Amanda Z says
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
Kate says
Thank you! I’m so glad that you liked it! =)
Alex says
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.
Kate says
That’s awesome! Good luck!! =)
Jacee Gifford says
How many servings does it make?
Kate says
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.
Joanne T Ferguson says
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
Kate says
Thanks so much!! That’s so nice of you to say! =)
Lauren says
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 :)
Kate says
Thanks for the pin!! It is! You have to have some yummy chili once it starts to get cold =).
Kathy says
We all love chili and I love the addition of the BBQ sauce! Pinning!
Nicole says
Yum, I love a nice hot bowl of chili! I love the bbq twist on this recipe.
Kate says
Thanks!! We love our chili, too, and this is one that my whole family will eat. =)
Deb@CookingOnTheFrontBurner says
Thanks for linking up at our MM party tonight! will be sharing on FB and pinning!
Kate says
Thanks so much for hosting and for the shares!! =)
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
Thanks for sharing your cool chili recipe with us at Foodie Friends Friday!
Kate says
Thanks for hosting!! =)
Julie @ This Gal Cooks says
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!
Kate says
Thanks so much for hosting and for sharing!! I hope you enjoy the chili if you try it! =)
Gloria // Simply Gloria says
I love easy chili…and just chili itself! Already pinned and shared! Thank you for sharing with us gals over at the link party!
Kate says
Thanks so much for hosting and for sharing, Gloria!! =)
Ruthy @ Omeletta says
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!
Kate says
Me too!! My grandpa added it to his chili, so I always add a little to mine now, too.