Smoked Brisket Chili
Intermediate 4 hours 8–10 servings Pellet

Smoked Brisket Chili

Leftover brisket is a blessing and a curse. You have pounds of incredible meat, but reheating slices gets old fast. The answer is brisket chili — a rich, smoky, tomato-based chili where leftover brisket becomes the star protein. The smoke from the original cook carries through into the stew, and the long simmer breaks the meat down into tender shreds. This is not your average ground-beef chili.

Grill Wizard — Aussie pitmaster in MinnesotaBy The Grill Wizard · Aussie pitmaster, MN

Last Updated

First Published

ReviewedThis recipe was last reviewed on May 20, 2026.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs leftover smoked brisket (point preferred), chopped into ½-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp beef tallow or vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • Shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions for topping

Step by Step

1

Render the tallow and sauté aromatics

Heat tallow or oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the onion and bell pepper until soft, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and chipotles and cook 1 minute more. The chipotles are your heat source — add more if you like it spicy.

2

Add tomatoes, broth, and spices

Pour in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and salt. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. The base should be loose — it will reduce and thicken over the next few hours.

3

Add brisket and beans, simmer 3 hours

Add the chopped brisket, kidney beans, and black beans. Bring back to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 2.5–3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. The brisket will shred slightly and the liquid will reduce into a thick, rich stew.

4

Adjust seasoning and serve

Taste and adjust salt and heat. If it's too thick, add a splash of broth. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Serve in bowls topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced green onions. Cornbread is mandatory.

Pro Tips

  • Use the point (the fatty end) of the brisket if you have it. The marbling renders into the chili and creates a richness that lean flat meat can't match.
  • This is even better the next day. Make a double batch and freeze half in quart containers. Future-you will be grateful.
  • If you don't have leftover brisket, you can smoke chuck roast cubes for 3 hours at 250°F as a substitute. It's not brisket, but it's 85% of the way there.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Smoked Brisket Chili take to cook?
Total time is about 4 hours including prep and rest. It's intermediate — basic grill skills and a thermometer will get you across the line.
What grill do I need?
This recipe is written for a pellet. You can adapt it to other cookers — the main thing is matching the temperature and zone setup, not the brand of grill.
How many people does it serve?
8–10 servings. Scale ingredients up or down proportionally for larger or smaller groups.
What's the single most important tip?
Use the point (the fatty end) of the brisket if you have it. The marbling renders into the chili and creates a richness that lean flat meat can't match.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Most BBQ recipes hold beautifully — you can cook it earlier in the day, wrap tightly in foil, and rest in a cooler (no ice) for up to 4 hours. The flavor often improves with the rest.

Keep Reading

You might also like

How-To

How to Cook a Hot-and-Fast Brisket

Skip the 16-hour cook and still produce juicy, tender brisket in under 6 hours.

Read
Broil King Regal Pellet 500
Review

Broil King Regal Pellet 500

The Canadian-engineered pellet grill with a cast iron sear plate and dual-zone cooking that bridges the gap between pellet and gas.

Read
Louisiana Grills Black Label 1000
Review

Louisiana Grills Black Label 1000

Costco's house pellet grill brand delivers serious competition to Traeger — with a massive 1,000 sq in cooking area.

Read
How-To

How to Cook a Low-and-Slow Pork Shoulder

The beginner's path to perfect pulled pork — forgiving, affordable, and impossible to mess up.

Read