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
free email bonus
Dinner Made EASY
5 days of simple yet flavorful recipes that take the stress out of dinnertime!
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.
First Weekend of Fall - Greens and Goals 09.24.2018
[…] Signature Spicy, Smoky, Sweet Chili from Iowa Girl Eats […]
Pooja 09.23.2018
I made this last night in the Instant Pot and it was fantastic! I sautéed the meat, onions, and garlic on the sauté function right in the Pot, then set it on the chili/beans function for 20 minutes. I put the pressure release on “sealed” instead of venting, then allowed it to release pressure for about 10 minutes before manually hitting the lever and allowing it to continue releasing more quickly. It came out PERFECTLY. It’s been my favorite chili recipe for years, but I had never tried it in the Instant Pot. I’m pleased to report that it was just as good!!
Kristin 09.24.2018
Thank you so much for sharing how you made this recipe in an IP, Pooja! I’m so glad you liked it!
40 Amazing, Healthy Freezer Meals to Lose Weight 08.11.2018
[…] Get the recipe from Iowa Girl Eats. […]
Maria 06.28.2018
I did the slow cooker version, left out the meat. One hour before serving I added shredded chesse and vegetarian Jiffy corn bread mix turned it on high. It was delicious.
Kristin 07.05.2018
Yummmm – sounds awesome, Maria! Thanks for your feedback and recipe review!
Eats Lately - Greens and Goals 04.26.2018
[…] chili from Iowa Girl Eats & roasted asparagus topped with Parmesan […]
Snowed In - Greens and Goals 04.16.2018
[…] entertaining Fiona inside. Sunday had a bit of studying and work mixed in for me, along with our favorite crock-pot chili […]
What I Ate Wednesday - Greens and Goals 04.10.2018
[…] was reheated chili with some veggies + hummus. Yes, that is yellow mustard on my chili. Don’t knock it […]
Meal Prep Monday - Greens and Goals 04.03.2018
[…] Signature Spicy, Smoky, Sweet Chili […]
Gary Ehrenborg 03.07.2018
Awesome Chili! It’s now my go to Chili recipe. I just tweak how spicy I want it to taste. Love the Honey-Cinnamon Butter over my Homemade Cornbread! Thx for sharing!
Chris 02.28.2018
Love this recipe. If I doubled the ingredients for a say, 10 servings, would I still cook it for the same time in the crockpot? Thanks!
Kristin 03.06.2018
I think so, Chris! Since you’re just warming the cooked ingredients in the crockpot/giving them time to meld, I’d give the chili a taste every couple of hours until it’s to your liking!
PHill 02.23.2018
I have been trying a new chili recipe every few weeks & I finally found a keeper. Delicious!Thank you!
Kristin 03.06.2018
So glad you loved it, Phil! Thanks so much for your feedback and rating!
Friday Favorites - Entertaining Edition - Greens and Goals 02.02.2018
[…]  Spicy, Smoky, Sweet Chili | Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders | Big Soft M&M Cookies […]
Kathy DeKoter 01.22.2018
This chili is simply wonderful! I just made it for the first time last night and I will not ever make another chili recipe ever again! It was nice and spicy, but that makes you appreciate the cheese and sour cream even more! And hey, I love cornbread with chili too! Thank you!
Megan 01.11.2018
Any recommendations for making this in an instapot??
Cathy 12.14.2017
We have been making this chili for 2 years now. It’s the only chili recipe we use! Love it! Follow recipe exactly with the exception of doubling the ground beef (my husband likes thick and meaty chili) DELISH!
Naomi 12.13.2017
This was such a hit! My husband who often has heartburn with chili did not with your recipe. He was able to have seconds and asked we keep this recipe handy. I did omit the smokey paprika. Thank you.
Sara Burnette 11.26.2017
This is delicious! Made it in the crockpot last night and I’m eating leftovers today at 10:30 am! Thank you!
Shanna 11.16.2017
My 13 year old daughter found this recipe and entered it a cook-off. She won first place, ahead of 8 adults! This is by far the best chili I’ve ever had, and the recipe is quick and easy! I am so glad my daughter found your website! She has Celiac Disease and I can’t wait to try more of your recipes!
Chelsea 11.02.2017
I’ve been making this chili ever since I came across it a few years ago. I loved your comment about using gluten free corn bread, as I have celiac and this recipe is very allergen friendly! I add some extra cayenne because I love spicy. This is my favorite chili recipe I’ve ever tried! ??
James 10.30.2017
Wow! I nailed it! Went with a bigger proportion but we all love it! Thank you !