Smoked Brisket Chili

small red pot filled with brisket chili with cheese and sour cream and a garnish of cilantro, cornbread muffin in the foreground

4.74 from 42 votes

Smoked Brisket Chili is a rich, smoky, hearty chili loaded with tender brisket, savory bacon, beans, tomatoes, chipotle peppers, and warm spices. It is a great way to use your leftover smoked brisket and turn it into something amazing! The bacon fat builds a savory base, the chipotle and ancho bring deep chile flavor, and the brisket makes every bowl bold, meaty, and delicious!

Adding coffee to this chili is really a game changer. It adds depth and flavor to the chili that is unlike anything you have tried. I cannot get enough of this brisket chili, and I know you are going to love it also!

Prep Time10

Cook Time2

Total Time2 10

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: BBQ, BBQ chili, brisket chili, chili, smoked brisket, smoked brisket chili, soup

Servings: servings

Author: Joshua Boquist

Equipment

Staub 7 Quart Dutch Oven

Ingredients

2 to 3 lb smoked brisket cubed
6 slices thick bacon
1 15 oz can pinto or kidney beans drained and rinsed
1 15 oz can black beans drained and rinsed
2 cups white onion chopped
3 jalapeño peppers small, chopped
1 green bell pepper chopped
6 cloves garlic minced
16 oz beef stock bouillon
2 cans canned tomatoes 29 oz total
4 oz chipotle peppers in adobo sauce chopped
1 tbsp ancho chile pepper or 1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp cumin
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp oregano
2 tsp kosher salt
1 packet Starbucks Via instant coffee

Instructions

Place a large dutch oven on your stove and pre-heat to medium heat. Cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon, chop, and reserve for later.
Cook the onions, green bell peppers, and jalapeños in the bacon fat for 5-6 minutes or until the veggies have softened and the onions are semi-translucent. Add in the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more.
Add the chopped brisket to the pot and stir gently until the mixture is well combined. Add in the beans, tomatoes, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, beef stock, and seasonings.
For the ultimate flavor boost, add some coffee. Dump in a packet of Starbucks Via instant coffee. The coffee is truly a great addition that takes this chili to the next level (see notes below).
Stir until well combined, reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover. Cook for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours until the chili reduces to the desired consistency.
Serve with shredded cheese, diced onions, sour cream, or any other toppings that you like!

Video

Notes

Using Chipotle Peppers In Adobo

Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce add smoky heat and a deep chile flavor to the chili. They usually come in 7-ounce cans. For this recipe, use about half of the peppers from the can and chop them before adding them to the pot. Add about half of the adobo sauce as well. If you prefer a milder chili, start with less and add more to taste.

Adding Coffee For More Depth

Coffee adds richness and helps deepen the smoky, savory flavor of the brisket chili. If you are using instant coffee, add one packet directly to the pot. If you prefer brewed coffee, replace half of the beef stock with brewed coffee

Using Espresso Instead

You can also use a shot of espresso instead of instant or brewed coffee. Since a single shot is only about 1.5 ounces, it isn't necessary to reduce the amount of beef stock. Just add the espresso directly to the chili and the liquid will reduce will simmering.

Nutrition