Smoked Over The Top No-Bean Chili
This Smoked Over The Top No-Bean Chili is a smoky twist on the classic chili, featuring juicy ground beef smoked above a rich chili base for maximum flavor. No beans, just tender beef, and a perfect blend of spices for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. Ideal for game days, cookouts, and BBQ lovers!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course, Chili
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American BBQ
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup beef broth
Instructions
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Preheat smoker to 250°F (121°C) using hickory or mesquite pellets.
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Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with chilies, tomato paste, beef broth, and half of the spices. Set aside.
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Form ground beef into a large ball or loaf and season with remaining spices.
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Place the Dutch oven with chili base in the smoker. Set a wire rack over the pot and position the seasoned beef ball on top.
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Smoke for 2.5–3 hours, or until the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
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Remove beef, crumble it into chunks, and stir it into the chili. Simmer on the smoker for another 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
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Serve hot with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
Notes
Add extra cayenne or hot sauce to increase spiciness.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner chili.
Add zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for extra flavor and texture.
Smoked chili powder or chipotle powder can be used for a smoky kick.
