Traeger Brisket Chili is a hearty batch of homemade chili that’s made from leftover Traeger smoked brisket. This meaty chili can be made as mild or as spicy as you’d like, and it comes together in a flash.

Traeger Brisket Chili

Chili is one of my favorite comfort foods, and my recipe for Traeger Brisket Chili has officially made it into my regular winter rotation.

Using leftover brisket in place of ground beef, the smoky flavor of the Brisket adds depth and richness when compared to your run-of-the-mill chili recipes. I can’t think of a better way to use up leftover grilled beef brisket.

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If you need a good smoked brisket recipe, you’ve come to the right place. Check out my post for Traeger Smoked Brisket before moving on. If you seriously cannot wait for more chili RIGHT NOW, you can use ground beef in place of the brisket. I won’t tell. 😉  

Additionally, if you don’t have enough brisket for a whole batch of chili you can supplement the meat with seasoned ground beef.

The great thing about chili is its versatility, you can basically put anything you like in it to suit your individual preferences!  

From a simple recipe with just meat, beans and tomatoes, to an elaborate concoction with everything but the kitchen sink in there.

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What kind of beans work best in chili?

I know, I know. Those are fighting words to some. But, if you like beans in chili there are a lot of options. If you don’t, feel free to omit!

1. Pinto Bean | This is the most popular and most commonly used bean in the United States and Northwestern Mexico. It is used in chili, or mashed and refried in Mexican dishes.
2. Kidney beans  | One of the most popular beans used in chili, their red skin and white interior are packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and antioxidants.
3. Black beans | This relatively small bean is used in soups, stews, tacos, and chili. The rich black color is what black beans are known for. Black beans are classified as a legume, and high in fiber and packed with protein.
4. Cannellini beans | These beans are also known as the Italian White Beans. They have a silky texture and nutty flavor and are most commonly used in Minestrone, but can be used in a variety of dishes, including chili.
5. Great Northern beans | Packed with calcium and used in baked beans, soups, stews, and chili. These beans have a mild flavor and absorb seasonings well, so they are perfect for Chili!
6. Garbanzo beans | Also known as Chickpeas. They are in the legume family and round and firm in texture. Two cups contain all of your daily fiber! Widely used in hummus recipes and another option for chili, though less commonly used.
7. Navy beans | These small pea-sized beans have a creamy white color. They got their name because it was a staple food in the United States Navy in the early 20th Century. Perfect in baked beans. Mild flavor, dense and smooth, and also in the legume family.

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Make this with a Smoked Baked Potato!

What can you serve with Brisket Chili?

To complement this dish, I recommend Traeger Corn on the Cob, a recipe you can find right here! There’s a lot of really cool little corn-on-the-cob holders that can make this a fun option for the kids.

Another popular choice to accompany chili is always cornbread, considering that chili con carne had cornbread in it. I have a recipe right here for Instant Pot Cornbread, or another GREAT option would be my Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins!

What toppings work best on chili?

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheeses
• Fritos
• Crushed Doritos
• Diced onion
• Sliced avocado
• Cilantro
• Chopped scallions or green onions
• Sliced jalapenos

Have a bottle of hot sauce available for those who wish to spice it up.

What else can you make with leftover brisket?

SO MANY THINGS. So many. How about these brisket baked beans? I also have a whole post full of ideas for using up leftover steak and roast beef, and brisket would work in almost any of these as well.