Happy first day of fall, y’all! Sorry, couldn’t help myself.
Mother Nature hasn’t gotten the memo that it’s no longer summer and, according to the weather woman, will be cranking out mid 70s for the foreseeable future. I’m not complaining, but after experiencing the frigid 50s a few weeks ago I’ve made the mental shift and no longer feel right wearing short sleeves. Thus, I have been LIV-ING in jeans and The Black Fleece. You know the one!
Anyway, my taste buds are also craving a cozy yet casual experience so, despite the summery temps, I broke out my go-to Signature Spicy, Smoky, Sweet Chili recipe last weekend and gave it an updated twist to share with you today!
Watch How to Make It!
Growing up I never liked chili. It was always too…I don’t know, tomato-y? My Dad, the chief chili cooker in my house, always made it with huge hunks of tomato which – gagsville. Not to knock on my Dad’s cooking but he likes chunks and, well, I don’t.
It wasn’t until my early 20s that I finally fell in love with chili. I was living in the frigid tundra otherwise known as Minneapolis in the wintertime when one of my best girlfriends made a big pot for us to warm up with one dark and freezing night. The chili immediately won me over and I wrote the recipe down as soon as I scraped up the last bits from my bowl.
What was so great about Lindsey’s recipe that could erase 20+ years of chili avoidance? Surprise, surprise, it’s a tad sweet, plus it’s got some heat. Normally I’m not a huge fan of spicy food, but with the touch of sweet it totally works.
Over the years I’ve fine-tuned her recipe to fit our tastes to a T and it’s become my go-to signature chili. I have the recipe memorized and make it over and over again in the fall and wintertime. It’s awesome for making on a Sunday afternoon then eating for lunch all week long. Add some Gluten Free Cornbread and I’m set!
How to Make This Recipe
Start by browning 1lb ground beef with 1 large chopped shallot or 1 small onion, 2 cloves garlic, salt, and pepper in a large soup pot or Dutch Oven.
Next add 28oz can tomato sauce, 15oz can baked beans, and 15oz can black beans that have been drained and rinsed. For whatever reason I’ve always used Bush’s Vegetarian Baked Beans in my signature chili, but you can use whatever kind you like best. I just love how the baked beans add a touch of sweetness!
Now add all the spices that turn tomato sauce and beans into Signature Spicy, Smoky, Sweet Chili! You’ll need 3 Tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon each salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon (or more or less) cayenne pepper.
The smoked paprika gives this chili a totally unique flavor and plays well off the smoky/spicy chili and cayenne powders. Mmm!
Now for the piece de resistance: 1-2 heaping Tablespoons brown sugar. The chili tastes completely different without the brown sugar so if you like a subtle sweetness in your chili then you’ve just got to go for it! Trust me, it will not make your chili taste like candy. It’s all about balance between spicy, smoky, and sweet.
Place a lid on top then simmer for 30 minutes, stirring two or three times.
FYI – This chili also freezes PERFECTLY. Let it cool completely then scoop into a freezer bag and freeze flat. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stove.
When it’s time to eat, scoop the chili into bowls then top with melted cheese, chopped green onions, and tortilla chips for crunch, plus Gluten Free Cornbread. I could not love this chili more – me + Signature Spicy, Smoky, Sweet Chili = always and forever!
More Chili Recipes to Love
- Crock Pot White Chicken Chili
- No Bean Chili
- Taco Chili
- Fiesta Pork, Bean and Green Chili Chili
- Sweet Potato, Poblano and Chorizo Chili
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Signature Spicy, Smoky, Sweet Chili
Description
Signature Spicy, Smoky, Sweet Chili is my signature chili recipe. Slightly spicy, smoky, and sweet, it’s crock pot and freezer-friendly, too!
Ingredients
- 1lb ground beef
- 1 large shallot or 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- salt and pepper
- 29oz can tomato sauce
- 15oz can Bush’s Vegetarian Baked Beans
- 15oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1-2 heaping Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more or less)
- Toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, tortilla chips, sour cream
Directions
- Heat a large soup pot or Dutch Oven over medium-high heat then add ground beef, shallot or onion, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper then brown and drain if necessary. Return the beef to the pot then add remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Turn heat down to medium-low then simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Scoop into bowls then serve with toppings.
- Crock Pot Cooking Instructions: Transfer ground beef mixture to a 5 or 6 quart crock pot then add the rest of the ingredients and stir to combine (can be done ahead of time. Store in the refrigerator until ready to start cooking.) Place a lid on top then cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Leave a comment and star rating if you loved the recipe! Thank you for considering!
Notes
- Serve with Gluten-Free Cornbread!
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
Video
I have been making this chili since I was a sophomore in college, and it has been a hit every single time I make it! It’s a family staple now as I’m married and brings me incredible coziness + nostalgia! Thank you thank you!
I love that, Lynna!!! Every time I make it I’m reminded of my young and single days in Minneapolis, haha. Glad this recipe has stood the test of time!
Won 1st place in a work chili cookoff with this recipe earlier this year against around 8 competitors. Have been using it for years. We usually do ground turkey instead of beef but otherwise love this recipe.
AMAZING to hear, Morgan!!! Love the turkey swap, too! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
I do not leave reviews. Like ever. This one is too good not to review. Holy smokes (no pun intended). This literally is the perfect mix of smokey and sweet! With some saltiness of oayster crackers with it… My absolute favorite chili!
I’m SO glad you loved it, Maggie!!! Thank you so much for your feedback!!
Love this recipe! If you were to make a larger quantity, would it taste the same if you just doubled or even tripled the ingredients?
Yes!! I have doubled and tripled this recipe for my family and it is just as delicious!
Thanks for your feedback, Susan!
MY FAMILY REQUEST THIS CHILLI EVERY YEAR! WINTER/FALL MUST FOR THEM.
Awww, I love that, Vernecia!! I’m thrilled this is a family favorite recipe!
Made as is… and it’s incredible. My family LOVED it, and now it’s in my permanent collection.
Ahh, SO glad to hear that, Randy! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
I love this recipe! I’ve made it several times Over the years and it continues to be a crowd pleaser! I am curious if you have a nutritional value and or calorie per serving ?
Hi Rachel! I’m so glad this has become a go-to of yours! I am working on adding nutritional information to my recipes in 2024 so stay tuned!
Really good! Definitely spicy. Glad I tried this recipe. Will make it again.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Cathy! ;Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating
Hi! Is this chili recipe gluten free? Thank you!!
Hi Lauren! Yes, it is! :) That being said, be sure to check labels for the tomato sauce. I use Hunt’s tomato sauce.
This chili is different than any I’ve made before and it’s amazing! What an interesting and delicious combo of flavors. Thank you Kristin!
I’m so glad you loved it, Sharon! Thank you so much for your feedback!!
This is the best chili I have ever had. I’m pretty sure I rated this when I started making it a couple years ago everyone in the whole family loves it. Even the ones that don’t like chili. Thank you for this recipe!
LOVE to hear that, Corinna! Thanks so much for your feedback and recipe review – I really appreciate it!
This is my new favorite chili! The first few times I made it, I didn’t notice the baked beans were supposed to be the 15 ounce size and I used the large can instead. My family loved it so I haven’t changed a thing.
I used to make this all the time when my now husband and I moved in together. Somewhere along the way he decided he doesn’t like beans (*eye roll*) so I haven’t made it in years. This week he’s traveling so I made myself a big pot! I forgot how much I absolutely love this chili- truly the best!
My husband and I do not like nor eat chili, but know that adding beans to our diet would be a good and an economical thing. I made this recipe, the only change was using some sweet basil tomato sauce from my pantry instead of tomato sauce, since I had none. We both loved this recipe, and I’ve made it twice now and it will be in our dinner rotation of meals. I even put the spicy chili powder etc. that I’ve always disliked in it; suspect the sugar from the tomato sauce and the brown sugar toned my reaction to spices down a bit. Thanks for another great recipe that is easy to make ahead and lasts for a few meals for us, or can be frozen.
SO glad you gave this recipe a try, Patty, and that you loved it too!! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
AMAZING, thank you!!
I’m so glad you loved it, Jennifer!! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
Your recipes have been winners in our household for years. Been avoiding Chili since my son has an aversion/allergy to beans. Replaced the beans with equal amounts of sweet corn and butternut squash. And used ground turkey instead of beef. Was a massive winner! Leftovers were even better. Thanks!
I’m so, so glad you were able to adapt this recipe to find your family’s needs, Mitul!! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
My go to chili! It is the best.
So so glad you love it, Jean. :) Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
This is the best chili ever!!!!
Sooo glad you loved it, Kait! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
Delicious
Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating, Tina!
Waaaaaay too much tomato sauce and not enough beef. Ended up a lot more like spaghetti sauce.
I’m sorry to hear that, Savanna! Is it possible something was mis-measured? I’ve never received this kind of feedback since sharing the recipe nearly 10 years ago. Eager to help.
As a base recipe, this was perfect for me! I subbed a can of chili beans for the black beans and removed 1 tbsp of chili powder. Next I added 4 tbsp pickled banana peppers and some extra juice from the jar (for the most part, they were unnoticeable while eating). It probably ended up a little runnier than yours, but I loved it. Thanks for the recipe!
Sounds awesome, Scott – so glad you were able to make this dish your own! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!