The Ultimate Bourbon Barrel Chili Recipe
Nothing brings people together quite like a warm, hearty bowl of chili. When the weather turns brisk and you need a dish that sticks to your ribs, chili is the undisputed champion of comfort food. But we aren’t talking about just any standard pot of beans and beef. We are talking about a distinctly Kentuckian masterpiece: Bourbon Barrel Chili.
By taking a classic recipe and elevating it with authentic, bourbon-smoked ingredients, you transform a simple weeknight dinner into a rich, complex culinary experience. Pull up a chair, and let’s explore how a little touch of the Bluegrass State can make your next batch of chili the best one you have ever tasted.
The Secret to Kentucky Flavor
The Famous Bourbon Barrel Chili Recipe
This fan-favorite recipe from Bourbon Barrel Foods is incredibly easy to make. It yields about 10 servings, making it perfect for game days, family gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead.
A quick and nutritious breakfast or snack that requires minimal ingredients and preparation.
","images":[{"altText":"","mimeType":"webp","title":"Bourbon-Barrel-Foods-Chili-Made-with-Bourbon-Smoked-Spices-and-Bourbon-Barrel-Aged-Worcestershire-Sauce_1290x_progressive_png.webp","url":"https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0627/9436/7020/files/Bourbon-Barrel-Foods-Chili-Made-with-Bourbon-Smoked-Spices-and-Bourbon-Barrel-Aged-Worcestershire-Sauce_1290x_progressive_png.webp?v=1773165389","height":867,"width":650,"id":"gid://shopify/MediaImage/37149192716332","size":81242,"createdAt":"2026-03-10T17:56:27Z"}],"ingredients":[{"text":"1 large onion (about 2 cups), chopped"},{"text":"2 tablespoons vegetable oil"},{"text":"3 garlic cloves, chopped"},{"text":"1 1/2 pounds ground beef"},{"text":"1 pound ground pork"},{"text":"1/4 cup Bourbon Smoked Chili Powder"},{"text":"3 tablespoons Bourbon Smoked Paprika"},{"text":"2 tablespoons cumin"},{"text":"2 tablespoons tomato paste"},{"text":"1 tablespoon Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt"},{"text":"2 teaspoons Bourbon Smoked Pepper"},{"text":"2 teaspoons dried oregano"},{"text":"2 teaspoons cayenne (adjust more or less to your taste)"},{"text":"12 ounces amber or lager beer"},{"text":"28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)"},{"text":"1 (15.5 ounce) can beans (kidney, pinto, or black), drained and rinsed"},{"text":"2 tablespoons Bourbon Barrel-Aged Worcestershire Sauce"},{"text":"1 1/2 cups water"}],"instructions":[{"text":"Sauté the aromatics: Place a large Dutch oven or soup pot on high heat and add your vegetable oil. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they become softened and translucent."},{"text":"Add the garlic: Toss in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant."},{"text":"Brown the meat: Crumble the ground beef and ground pork into the pot. Cook the meat until it is no longer pink and begins to brown nicely. Carefully drain any excess fat from the pot."},{"text":"Bloom the spices: Add the Bourbon Smoked Chili Powder, Bourbon Smoked Paprika, cumin, tomato paste, Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt, Bourbon Smoked Pepper, dried oregano, and cayenne. Reduce the heat to medium-high and cook for 2 minutes. This step toasts the spices and releases their natural oils, amplifying that wonderful smoky flavor."},{"text":"Deglaze and build the base: Pour in the beer to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom. Next, add the crushed tomatoes, drained beans, Bourbon Barrel-Aged Worcestershire Sauce, and water."},{"text":"Simmer to perfection: Bring the chili to a rolling boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking."},{"text":"Adjust consistency: If the chili seems too thick while cooking, stir in an additional 1/2 cup of water to loosen it up."},{"text":"Serve and enjoy: Taste your creation and adjust the seasonings as necessary. Serve hot with your family's favorite accompaniments—think shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, and a thick slice of cornbread."}],"nutrition":{"isHidden":true,"data":[{"field":"calories","value":"190kcal"},{"field":"fat","value":"14g"},{"field":"protein","value":"4g"},{"field":"cholesterol","value":"10g"},{"field":"carbohydrate","value":"7.2g"},{"field":"fiber","value":"8.4g"},{"field":"sugar","value":"25g"},{"field":"sodium","value":"0.5mg"}]},"timeHandle":{"isHidden":true,"cookingTime":5,"prepTime":2,"totalTime":7},"cuisine":{"content":"American","isHidden":false},"servingQuantity":{"quantity":"10","isHidden":false},"rating":{"isHidden":true,"rating":5,"ratingCount":128},"author":{"isHidden":true,"data":{"label":"Anonymous","originName":"anonymous","value":"Anonymous","avatarAuthor":""}},"keywords":{"isHidden":false,"keywords":["chili","soup","dinner"]},"videoLink":{"isHidden":true,"url":"","thumbnail":"","title":"","description":"","contentUrl":"","embedUrl":"","uploadDate":""},"note":{"isHidden":false,"text":"Recipe courtesy of Bourbon Barrel Foods.
"},"recipeUi":{"background":"#FFFFFF","text":"#333333"},"cuisineUi":{"background":"#FD4B92","text":"#FFFFFF"},"printButton":{"background":"#FD4B92","text":"#FFFFFF"},"noteUi":{"stroke":"#FFB800","background":"#FFF1E3","text":"#5E4200"},"hidden":false,"locked":false,"blockName":"Recipe\"","cssContent":""}
Bourbon Barrel Chili
A quick and nutritious breakfast or snack that requires minimal ingredients and preparation.
INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
Sauté the aromatics: Place a large Dutch oven or soup pot on high heat and add your vegetable oil. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they become softened and translucent.
Add the garlic: Toss in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
Brown the meat: Crumble the ground beef and ground pork into the pot. Cook the meat until it is no longer pink and begins to brown nicely. Carefully drain any excess fat from the pot.
Bloom the spices: Add the Bourbon Smoked Chili Powder, Bourbon Smoked Paprika, cumin, tomato paste, Bourbon Smoked Sea Salt, Bourbon Smoked Pepper, dried oregano, and cayenne. Reduce the heat to medium-high and cook for 2 minutes. This step toasts the spices and releases their natural oils, amplifying that wonderful smoky flavor.
Deglaze and build the base: Pour in the beer to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom. Next, add the crushed tomatoes, drained beans, Bourbon Barrel-Aged Worcestershire Sauce, and water.
Simmer to perfection: Bring the chili to a rolling boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Adjust consistency: If the chili seems too thick while cooking, stir in an additional 1/2 cup of water to loosen it up.
Serve and enjoy: Taste your creation and adjust the seasonings as necessary. Serve hot with your family's favorite accompaniments—think shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, and a thick slice of cornbread.
NOTE
Recipe courtesy of Bourbon Barrel Foods.
Share the Gift of Kentucky Flavor
Once you taste the difference that authentic barrel-smoked spices make, you will want to use them in everything. They make an exceptional addition to dry rubs for barbecue, roasted vegetables, and even bloody marys.
If you want to share this Southern culinary experience with a friend or family member, the Bourbon Barrel Foods 3pc Gift Set makes an incredible present. It serves as the perfect starter kit for anyone looking to bring the robust, smoky flavors of the Bluegrass into their own kitchen. Whether they are a seasoned pitmaster or an enthusiastic home cook, this set provides exactly what they need to elevate their favorite dishes.
Bring Kentucky to Your Kitchen
Cooking with regional ingredients allows you to experience the culture and hospitality of a place without ever leaving your home. This Bourbon Barrel Chili offers a warm, inviting taste of Kentucky that will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Ready to upgrade your spice cabinet? We have everything you need to recreate this legendary recipe. Browse our full selection of local provisions and shop the Bourbon Barrel Foods collection at A Taste of Kentucky today. Your next great meal is just a dash of smoked spice away!
