Name: Over the Top Chili Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 225 min
Ingredients: 4 oz unsalted butter; 1 medium onion (, diced); 1 red bell pepper; 2 Habanero peppers; 2 serrano peppers; 1 Anaheim pepper; 1 jalapeno peppers; 1 tablespoon kosher salt ((plus more as needed)); 1 teaspoon black pepper; 6 oz can tomato paste; 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes; 16 oz can kidney or pinto beans drained; 1 cup chicken stock ((homemade low sodium preferred)); 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoons soy sauce; 3 tablespoons dark chili powder; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 teaspoons sugar; 2 lbs 85% lean ground beef; 2 tsp kosher salt; 2 tsp black pepper; 2 tsp dark chili powder; 2 tsp smoked paprika; oil for coating; BBQ rub ((optional))

over the top chili in the smoker vertical

Over the top chili truly is over the top, in more ways than one. It lives up to its bold name. It's chili taken to the extreme in both flavor and technique. I first discovered this smoked chili while browsing Reddit. You make a chili base then smoke a meat loaf directly over the top it, letting the juices drip down. It's easy, gets you cooking outside, and just might be your new favorite chili.

I love all kinds of chili, from classic beef to white chicken chili. The chili base stays largely the same. While browsing smoking forums, I kept seeing over the top chili over and over. I just had to give it a try and this recipe is my version of it. The smoked meat adds an incredible depth of smoky flavor. Don't let the number of ingredients intimidate you. Chili is an art that will differ each time based on the chili peppers and your personal touches.

What is Over the Top Chili?

Over the top chili amps up classic chili with big, bold flavor. It starts with a traditional chili base. Ground beef is then smoked Iover the top" of the chili base, cooking it and letting the fat and juices driop down into it. The smoky meat then gets crumbled into the chili for an incredible flavor and texture. Layers of flavor from spices, beans, tomatoes, and smoky meat make this chili over the top.

From my research, it seems that the concept of "over the top chili" originated in 2016 from Dawn and Johnny Barnes. If you have further info, please leave it in a comment.

The Ingredients

For the chili base:

Onion and bell pepper - provides aromatic flavors
Assorted chili peppers - brings the heat and chili flavor
Tomato paste and diced tomatoes - thickens and adds tomato flavor
Beans - protein and texture. You can used kidney or pinto and either canned or cook your own fried dried beans.
Chicken stock - builds flavor in the base. I like to use homemade chicken stock for the best flavor.
Worcestershire and soy sauce - umami flavor boosters
Butter - adds richness and body
Spices like chili powder, cumin, cayenne - essential for chili flavor

For the ground beef "loaf":

Ground beef - Go with 85% lean. If there isn't enough fat, it can dry out. You can also go half and half with ground pork.
Smoked paprika - contributes to the smoky flavor
Chili powder - adds chili flavor to the beef
Barbecue rub (optional) - adds flavor to the outside of the beef as it smokes.

Smoke - While not often thought of as an ingredient, it definitely is a key one. I like to use oak, apple or pecan for smoked chili.

The key items are the ground beef, chili peppers, tomatoes, beans, and spices like cumin and chili powder. The variety of chili peppers gives a complex flavor to the finished dish, as well as vibrant colors and a great texture.

Special Tools & Equipment

Dutch oven or disposable aluminum pan to cook the chili in the smoker
Wire rack for placing the meat loaf over the top of the chili base in the smoker.
Wireless thermometer so you know exactly when the meat is done.
Nitrile gloves - help protect your hands from the spicy chilis.

over the top chili starting out horizontal

How to Make Over the Top Chili

Jump down to the recipe card for the complete instructions.

Preheat smoker to 250-275°F.
Make the chili base by sautéing onions, adding peppers, spices, tomatoes, beans, and stock. Simmer.
Form ground beef into a loaf. Coat with oil and rub.
Place meat loaf on a rack over the chili base to catch drippings.
Smoke meat loaf for 2-2.5 hours until 150°F internal temperature.
Increase the smoker temperature and cook until meat loaf reaches 155°F.
Rest meat loaf then crumble into the chili base.
Return to smoker and cook 30 mins - 1 hour until chili thickens.
Season to taste. Top with desired garnishes.

A Few Tips

For more smoke flavor when using a pellet grill, add a pellet smoke tube.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat loaf reaches the proper internal temperature during smoking. Thickness affects cooking time, so always cook to temperature.
Try making this chili with leftover smoked meats like with brisket or this pulled pork chili.
Customize the heat to your taste by adjusting the amounts of jalapeno, habanero etc.
Make it ahead for convenience and more flavor - Allow the chili to rest overnight in the fridge to allow flavors to develop.

over the top chili in a bowl with toppings vertical close up

Suggested Toppings

Chili toppings are a personal thing, and you really can't go wrong. These are some of my favorites:

Chopped red onion
Chopped cilantro
Fritos (or corn tortilla chips)
Cornbread
Grated cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Diced avocado
Lime - adds a bright acidity to contrast the smoky-heat.

Since the smoker will be on already, try cooking some smoked bread pudding or smoked apple crisp right alongside the chili.

Is Over the Top Chili Greasy?

Fat from the ground beef and the butter can rise to the top after the chili is cooked, making it look a little greasy. You can simply spoon out some of this extra fat if it's not your thing or you can just stir it all in together. As the chili cools in the refrigerator overnight, the fat will also rise to the top so it is easy to scoop off.

Adjusting the Heat After Cooking

While this recipe offers a nice blend of chili peppers for medium-hot chili, you can easily adjust the heat level after cooking.

If the chili needs more heat:

Stir in a minced raw jalapeno or serrano pepper. The fresh chili will add some instant heat.
Add a splash of hot sauce like Tabasco or Cholula. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste.
Sprinkle in a little cayenne pepper or ground chipotle chili powder. Add ¼ teaspoon at a time.

If the chili is too hot:

Add a little more sugar - just a little sweetness can help balance out the heat.
Top individual servings with cooling ingredients like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or some fresh lime juice. Full-fat dairy helps cool down the hottest chili.

Storing & Reheating

To store the leftover chili, transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.

When ready to reheat, place the chilled chili into a pot over medium heat on the stove. Stir frequently until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot.

For longer term storage, the chili can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring into freezer bags or containers. Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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