Smoky Texas-Style Smoked Brisket Chili

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty chili combining the smoky richness of slow-smoked brisket with bold Texan spices, perfect for a comforting meal. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 80 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, large, diced yellow onion, medium, diced green bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 65 min Serves 6 American cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 1 diced green bell pepper, and 1 minced jalapeño pepper, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, and 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until spices bloom.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 pounds chopped smoked beef brisket pieces, 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes, 15 ounces drained kidney beans, and 2 cups beef broth. Stir to combine.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1 hour until flavors meld and chili thickens.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Texas-Style Smoked Brisket Chili take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (15 min prep + 65 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Smoky Texas-Style Smoked Brisket Chili?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoons olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Texas-Style Smoked Brisket Chili?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Smoky Texas-Style Smoked Brisket Chili for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Smoky Texas-Style Smoked Brisket Chili?

American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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