What’s better than a bowl of chili on a chilly day? One packed with smoky BBQ flavor and tender pulled pork, of course! This Pulled Pork Chili is a game-changer, combining the best of two comfort food worlds - classic chili and BBQ pulled pork. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or dishing it up for game day, this hearty chili will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Tasty ways to use leftover pulled pork
Whether you made barbecue pulled pork in a smoker, air fryer, or slow cooker, you probably have a pile of leftovers and wonder what you can make with them. There are so many delicious choices but one thing I can tell you, you will never get bored of leftover pulled pork!
Here are just a few of my favorite pork recipes - Pulled Pork Baked Potatoes, Pulled Pork Nachos, and, my family's favorite, Pulled Pork Pizza.
Why you’ll love this BBQ pulled pork chili recipe
Get ready to fall in love with this chili recipe with pulled pork!
It’s hearty and satisfying. Packed with protein, beans, and veggies, it’s a complete meal in one bowl.
Smoky BBQ flavors. A touch of BBQ sauce and smoked paprika gives it that irresistible smoky sweetness.
A great way to use leftovers. Got leftover pulled pork? This easy recipe transforms it into something completely new.
Perfect for entertaining. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a game day party, this chili is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering chili with pulled pork:
Pulled Pork: The star of the show - smoky, tender, and so flavorful. Use leftover pork, store bought or purchase some smoked pork from your favorite BBQ joint.
Beans: Use your favorite - kidney, northern, or chili beans.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the veggies and building flavor.
Onion and Bell Pepper: Classic veggies for a chili base.
Garlic: Brings that aromatic kick every good chili needs.
Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, and Cumin: A trio of spices that give the chili depth and warmth.
Diced Green Chiles: For a mild heat and a touch of tanginess.
Canned Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: The base for that rich, hearty broth.
Beef Broth and Dark Beer: Add richness and extra layers of flavor.
BBQ Sauce and Brown Sugar: A sweet and smoky touch that ties everything together.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
Optional Garnishes: Add your favorite toppings such as cheddar cheese, green onions, cilantro, tortilla chips, or sour cream for the ultimate finishing touch.
How to make pulled pork chili
Making this leftover pulled pork chili recipe is as simple as it gets. Here's how:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot and saute onion and bell pepper. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Combine pulled pork with chili powder, smoked paprika and cumin. Stir into sauteed vegetables. Add kidney beans and green chilies.
- Add remaining ingredients, tomatoes and sauce, beef broth, beer, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar. Salt and pepper to taste. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil then cover, turn to a low heat and simmer for 60 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
Dish this great chili up on cold nights with your favorite chili toppings for a belly-warming comfort food dinner. Enjoy!
Recipe tips for the best chili
Making the perfect Pulled Pork Chili doesn’t have to be complicated! With a few simple tricks, you can take this recipe to the next level and ensure every bite is rich, flavorful, and perfectly textured.
- Let the chili simmer longer for even deeper flavors. This is one of those recipes that gets better over time!
- Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne.
- If it gets too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to thin it out.
Recipe variations to make it your own
One of the best things about Pulled Pork Chili is how versatile it is. Whether you’re looking to spice it up, switch out ingredients, or make it vegetarian, there are so many ways to make this recipe your own.
Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Switch Up the Meat: Use shredded chicken, brisket, or even ground beef if pulled pork isn’t on hand.
Go Vegetarian: Skip the pork and add extra beans and veggies like zucchini or sweet corn.
Try Different Beans: Black beans or pinto beans would work beautifully here.
What to serve with BBQ pulled pork chili
This chili is amazing on its own, but it’s even better with these sides:
Salads: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the chili. Coleslaw and corn on the cob are a couple of other great options for a BBQ-inspired pairing.
Breads: Serve with cornbread, garlic bread, or soft rolls to mop up every last drop.
Desserts: Finish the meal with a sweet treat like loaded brownies, peach cobbler, or white chocolate ice cream to balance the smoky flavors.
How to store, freeze, and reheat leftovers
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it.
To freeze, portion the chili into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to the perfect consistency.
More chili recipes to make for dinner
- Chipotle Beef Chili
- Leftover Turkey Chili
- Mexican Chili
- Slow Cooker Beef Chili
- Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Find lots of easy recipes for dinner right here on 2CM!
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Pulled Pork Chili
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper any color, seeded and diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 pounds pulled pork leftover, store-bought (I used Smoked Pulled Pork) or from your favorite BBQ joint
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 4 ounces diced green chiles
- 28 ounces red kidney, northern or chili beans (use all the same or mix them (1 14-oz can each) drained and rinsed
- 14.5 ounce canned diced or crushed tomatoes, with juices (1 can)
- 14 ounce tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup dark beer
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion and bell pepper until onion is soft and translucent. Add garlic and sauté 1 more minute.
- Combine the pulled pork with chili powder, smoked paprika and cumin. Stir into the onion mixture.
- Add all the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 60 minutes or more or until sauce thickens.
- Top with cheddar cheese, green onions, cilantro, sour cream or other topping favorites.
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