If you’re looking for a hearty, soul-warming dish that packs incredible depth of flavor, Smoked Pulled Pork Chili is about to become your new best friend. This bowl of savory comfort combines tender, smoky pork with a roundhouse-kick of peppers, bold spices, and a creamy, cheesy finish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a game day crowd or snuggling up for a weeknight treat, this is one chili that always steals the show.

Smoked Pulled Pork Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list, where every component brings something unique and essential to the table. From smoky pork to creamy beans and zesty peppers, each element plays a starring role in taste, texture, or color for the ultimate Smoked Pulled Pork Chili.

Smoked Pulled Pork: The star of the dish, infusing deep, rich smoky flavor and unbeatable tenderness.
Beef or Chicken Stock: Gives body to the chili and melds all the other flavors together.
Beer (blonde ale, preferred): Adds subtle bitterness and complexity; any light-bodied beer will do.
Masa: This finely ground cornmeal thickens the chili and adds that authentic Tex-Mex touch.
Cumin: Imparts an earthy warmth and is a must for any proper chili.
Garlic Powder: Punches up the aroma without overpowering the smoky flavors.
Onion Powder: Provides mellow sweetness in every bite.
Oregano: Brings a mildly herbal note that rounds everything out.
Jalapeno (stem, seeds, and membranes removed): Offers gentle heat—adjust for your own spice level!
Green Bell Pepper (diced): Contributes fresh crunch and vibrant color.
Yellow Onion (diced): Forms the flavor backbone with savory depth.
Rotel: These tomatoes and chilies give juicy acidity plus a touch of heat.
Salsa Verde: Zesty, tangy brightness that lifts the chili from rich to brilliant.
Navy or Cannellini White Beans (drained): Lend creaminess and a satisfying bite.
Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese: Melts into the chili for creamy, stretchy goodness.
Sour Cream: Cools and balances the spices with its tangy richness.
Cilantro: Sprinkled on top for a burst of fresh, herbal flavor.
Tortilla Chips (crushed): Add irresistible crunch and body to each bowl.

How to Make Smoked Pulled Pork Chili

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Start by gathering your biggest, heaviest pot (a Dutch oven works beautifully), and add the smoked pulled pork, stock, beer, masa, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. As these ingredients come up to a gentle simmer, they’ll fill your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma, promising a chili bursting with robust, smoky sunshine.

Step 2: Add the Fresh Veggies and Zest

Toss in the jalapeno, diced bell pepper, yellow onion, Rotel, and salsa verde. This step is where the flavors brighten and the textures take shape—let them mingle and simmer until the vegetables have softened and all those juices have started to meld into one irresistible pot.

Step 3: Simmer and Season

Continue gently simmering the chili until the vegetables are completely tender. Give it a quick stir and taste; at this point, you can add salt if you think it needs a little extra love. Trust your taste buds—Smoked Pulled Pork Chili rewards a cook’s intuition!

Step 4: Final Touches

Stir in the white beans and let the chili bubble away for another five minutes or so, just enough for the beans to soak up those last bursts of flavor and warm through. Now, you’re ready to serve up some magic.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once you’ve taken the pot off the heat, pile on your favorite toppings: a swirl of sour cream, a handful of shredded cheese, a sprinkle of cilantro, and plenty of crunchy crushed tortilla chips. Every topping adds something special to each bite of Smoked Pulled Pork Chili.

How to Serve Smoked Pulled Pork Chili

Garnishes

Go wild with your garnishes! The cool tang of sour cream and stretchy Mexican cheese are classic, but don’t forget fresh cilantro for a herby punch and those all-important crushed tortilla chips for a playful, satisfying crunch.

Side Dishes

This chili is a meal in itself, but if you want a real feast, serve it alongside a simple side salad, skillet cornbread, or even a bowl of buttery rice. The hearty, bold flavors of Smoked Pulled Pork Chili go perfectly with something green or something carby for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, set up a chili bar! Offer the chili in a slow cooker with a variety of toppings nearby—let guests build their own perfect bowl. For fun, serve Smoked Pulled Pork Chili in bread bowls or over roasted sweet potatoes for a new twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about Smoked Pulled Pork Chili is how well it holds up in the fridge. Cool leftovers completely before transferring to an airtight container; they’ll keep wonderfully for up to four days, and the flavors only deepen with each passing day.

Freezing

This chili freezes like a dream! Portion cooled chili into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. Lay bags flat to save space, and you’ll have a comforting, hearty meal ready whenever the craving hits for up to three months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if it’s thicker than you’d like. Microwaving also works—just cover loosely and stir every minute until it’s piping hot. Toss on your garnishes right before eating.

FAQs

Can I use leftover pulled pork from another recipe?

Absolutely! Any well-seasoned smoked pulled pork will shine in this chili. If your pork isn’t already smoky, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke to bring out that signature flavor.

What beer works best in this Smoked Pulled Pork Chili?

A blonde ale adds just the right touch of malt and lightness, but you can experiment with lagers or wheat beers too. Avoid anything too dark or hoppy, as it may overpower the other flavors.

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making Smoked Pulled Pork Chili a day in advance lets all the flavors meld together, making it even more delicious when reheated. Just wait to add garnishes until serving time.

Is this chili spicy?

As written, the chili has a gentle, warming heat from the jalapeno and Rotel. If you’re heat-averse, leave out the jalapeno; if you prefer more fire, add another chili or splash in some hot sauce.

Can I use different beans or make it bean-free?

Definitely! Navy or cannellini beans give a creamy texture, but pinto or black beans work well too. If beans aren’t your thing, simply skip them—the chili will still be fantastic.

Final Thoughts

Few dishes say “comfort” as much as a big, steamy bowl of Smoked Pulled Pork Chili. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just satisfying a craving, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Scoop up a bowlful, pile on those toppings, and savor every smoky, hearty bite—you’ll be hooked from the very first spoonful!

Smoked Pulled Pork Chili Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and flavorful Smoked Pulled Pork Chili recipe that combines tender smoked pork with a blend of spices, beans, and vegetables, creating a comforting chili perfect for chilly days.

Instructions

Add the pulled pork, water, beer, masa, cumin, garlic and onion powder, and oregano to the pan. Bring up to a simmer. Combine ingredients in a large pot and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the sliced jalapeno, bell pepper, onion, Rotel, and salsa verde. Stir in the vegetables and canned ingredients.
Continue simmering until the vegetables are soft. Allow the chili to cook until vegetables are tender.
Taste, and add salt if necessary. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Add the white beans and cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in the beans and simmer for additional 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and garnish with your favorite toppings. Serve hot, topped with cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips.

Notes

You can customize the level of spice by adjusting the amount of jalapeno used.
This chili freezes well for future meals.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 1020mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Smoked Pulled Pork Chili, Pulled Pork Recipe, Homemade Chili, Comfort Food