Introduction

This Over the Top Chili Recipe delivers incredible smoky flavor by cooking a meatball directly over the chili on the grill or smoker. The rendered fat and juices drip down, creating an unbelievably rich and complex dish that’s perfect for game day or a cozy family dinner. For another comforting meal, try this Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe.

Ingredients

This Over the Top Chili Recipe delivers incredible depth with smoky, savory meat and perfectly balanced spices that meld together during the slow cooking process.

• 2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 lb bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained (or pinto beans)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time	2 hours 45 minutes

Context: This Over the Top Chili Recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes thanks to its efficient preparation method.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Meatball

Form 2 pounds of ground beef into one large, loosely-packed meatball. This unique method creates incredible texture and flavor as it cooks over your chili.

Step 2 — Season the Meat

Generously season your giant meatball with salt, pepper, and your favorite chili seasoning blend. Don’t be shy—this seasoning will infuse throughout the chili as the meat cooks and breaks apart.

Step 3 — Build Your Chili Base

In a large Dutch oven, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, beans, and your preferred chili spices to create the flavorful liquid base for your Over the Top Chili Recipe.

Step 4 — Position the Meatball

Carefully place your seasoned meatball directly on top of the chili base in the Dutch oven. The meat will slowly cook and release its juices into the chili below.

Step 5 — Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook at 300°F for 2-3 hours. The low temperature allows the meat to cook gently while flavoring the chili. Check for doneness—the meatball should reach 160°F internally.

Step 6 — Break Apart the Meat

Once cooked, use a wooden spoon or potato masher to break the giant meatball into smaller chunks directly in the chili. This creates perfectly textured meat throughout your dish.

Step 7 — Simmer to Perfection

Let the chili simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the liquid to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8 — Adjust Seasonings

Taste your Over the Top Chili and adjust salt, pepper, or spice levels as needed. The long cooking time can mellow some flavors, so this final seasoning step is crucial.

Step 9 — Rest and Serve

Let the chili rest for 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the temperature to become perfect for enjoying your incredible Over the Top Chili Recipe.

Nutritional Information

Calories	485
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fat	28g
Fiber	6g
Sodium	980mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Ground turkey or chicken — Lighter protein option that still delivers savory flavor with less saturated fat.
• Plant-based ground crumbles — Vegan-friendly alternative that mimics the texture of ground beef while being cholesterol-free.
• Extra beans and vegetables — Boost fiber and nutrients while reducing meat content for a lower-fat Over the Top Chili Recipe.
• Low-sodium broth and canned goods — Control salt levels without sacrificing the deep, savory base of your chili.
• Greek yogurt instead of sour cream — Creamy topping with more protein and less fat for dairy-conscious servings.
• Nutritional yeast or vegan cheese — Dairy-free way to add a cheesy, umami finish to your chili bowl.
• Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles — Low-carb base that soaks up chili flavors while keeping the meal light.
• Homemade spice blend — Skip packaged seasoning mixes to avoid hidden gluten and adjust heat to your preference.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this Over the Top Chili Recipe with warm cornbread or fluffy corn muffins for a classic, comforting combination.
• Top individual bowls with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or sliced green onions.
• This hearty chili is perfect for game day gatherings, casual family dinners, or a cozy meal on a cold evening.
• For a fun, interactive meal, set up a chili bar with various toppings like diced avocado, pickled jalapeños, and crispy tortilla strips.
• Serve over a bed of steamed rice or a baked potato to stretch the meal and add a different texture.
• For a low-carb option, enjoy this Over the Top Chili Recipe served in a bowl with a side of crisp, fresh salad.

This chili is a complete meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with these simple sides to create a truly satisfying dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using lean ground beef that lacks flavor and fat. Fix: Opt for 80/20 ground beef to build a rich, unctuous chili base.
• Mistake: Adding beans too early, causing them to become mushy. Fix: Stir in drained, canned beans during the last 30 minutes of simmering.
• Mistake: Not blooming spices in oil, resulting in a raw, dusty flavor. Fix: Toast your chili powder and cumin in the rendered beef fat for 60 seconds before adding liquids.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pot with vegetables, which steams instead of sautés. Fix: Cook onions and peppers in batches if necessary to ensure proper caramelization.
• Mistake: Rushing the simmer, denying flavors time to meld. Fix: Let your Over the Top Chili Recipe simmer gently for at least 90 minutes to develop depth.
• Mistake: Overseasoning with salt before the liquid reduces. Fix: Season in layers, doing a final salt adjustment at the very end of cooking.
• Mistake: Using only one type of chili powder for a flat heat profile. Fix: Combine ancho for sweetness and chipotle for smokiness to create a complex chili flavor.
• Mistake: Skipping the deglazing step, leaving flavorful fond stuck to the pot. Fix: Use a splash of beer or broth to scrape up all the browned bits after cooking the meat.
• Mistake: Adding acidic ingredients like tomatoes too early, which can toughen the meat. Fix: Incorporate tomato products after the meat has begun to tenderize.
• Mistake: Serving the chili immediately off the heat. Fix: Let your finished Over the Top Chili Recipe rest for 15-20 minutes; the flavors will harmonize beautifully.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Over the Top Chili completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Portion the chili into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep its best quality for about 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Always use shallow containers for storage to help the chili cool down quickly and safely.

Conclusion

This Over the Top Chili Recipe delivers incredible smoky flavor and rich texture that will become an instant favorite. Give this hearty chili a try for your next meal and share your results in the comments below!

Print

FAQs

What makes this Over the Top Chili Recipe different from regular chili?

This Over the Top Chili Recipe uses a unique smoking method where you place a meatball or seasoned ground meat directly on the grill grates above the chili pot. As it cooks, the rendered fat and smoky flavors drip into the chili below, creating an incredibly rich and complex flavor that sets it apart from traditional stovetop versions.

Can I make this Over the Top Chili Recipe without a smoker?

Yes, you can adapt this Over the Top Chili Recipe for an oven or a regular grill. The key is to place the meat above the chili pot so the drippings fall in. While you’ll miss some smoky flavor, you’ll still achieve the signature rich taste from the dripping meat method.

What are the best toppings for this chili?

Classic toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, and fresh cilantro work wonderfully. The bold flavors of this Over the Top Chili Recipe also pair well with cornbread, jalapeños, or avocado for added texture and freshness.