Slow Cooker BBQ Chili

Warm, hearty and packed with smoky flavor, BBQ Chili combines the bold taste of barbecue with classic chili ingredients for a comforting crowd-pleaser.

This recipe features tender pork loin, zesty tomatoes, flavorful chili beans and a rich barbecue sauce base, creating a dish that’s perfect for game days, chilly nights or casual gatherings.

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Serve with sour cream, shredded cheddar and crunchy corn chips for the ultimate comfort meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker barbecue pork chili is a hearty, flavor-packed meal perfect for game day or cozy dinners.

• Rich, smoky flavor: Barbecue sauce and seasonings infuse the pork and beans with bold, comforting taste.
• Tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork: Slow cooking makes shredding effortless and keeps the meat juicy.
• Easy, hands-off preparation: Simply layer ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
• Customizable toppings: Sour cream, cheddar cheese and corn chips let everyone personalize their bowl.
• Perfect for entertaining: Serves a crowd and pairs well with casual gatherings or family dinners.

This recipe turns pantry staples and a pork loin into a deliciously hearty slow cooker chili that everyone will love.

Recipe adapted from Cookin’ Savvy.

Where BBQ Comes From

Barbecue (BBQ) originated from the Caribbean, where indigenous Taíno people used a cooking method called “barbacoa.”

This involved slow-cooking meat over an open flame or in a pit, which preserved and flavored the food.

Spanish explorers encountered this technique and brought it to other parts of the world.

Over time, barbecue evolved in different regions, with each adding its own flavors, techniques and traditions.

For example:

• American Barbecue: Influenced by Native American, African and European cooking styles, it became popular in the Southern U.S. with regional variations like Texas brisket, Carolina pulled pork and Kansas City ribs.
• Global Variations: Other cultures developed their own barbecue styles, such as Korean BBQ, Argentine asado and South African braai.

Barbecue remains a beloved cooking tradition worldwide, celebrated for its rich flavors and social gatherings.

What Goes With BBQ Chili

This hearty slow-cooker barbecue pork chili is a flavorful, comforting dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and complementary recipes.

• Cornbread or jalapeño cornbread: The slightly sweet and spicy bread balances the rich, smoky flavors of the chili.
• Classic green salad with tangy vinaigrette: Adds freshness and crunch to contrast the warmth of the chili.
• Loaded baked potatoes: Use the chili as a topping for an indulgent, filling meal.
• Roasted or grilled vegetables: Lightly seasoned vegetables offer a healthy, textural contrast to the chili.
• Rice or quinoa: Serves as a neutral base to soak up the flavorful sauce.

These pairings create a satisfying, balanced meal that complements the smoky, zesty flavors of the barbecue pork chili.

BBQ Chili Ingredients

To make this hearty BBQ chili, gather up the following ingredients:

• pork loin
• tomatoes and green chilies
• barbecue sauce
• water
• tomato sauce
• chili beans
• chili seasoning
• barbecue seasoning
• onion powder
• garlic powder
• salt
• pepper
• sour cream
• cheddar cheese
• corn chips

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Here’s a warm and hearty slow-cooker chili that combines tender pork with a flavorful tomato and barbecue base.

Here are the kitchen tools you’ll need:

• Slow cooker: to cook and meld the pork and chili ingredients.
• Cutting board: for preparing any ingredients, like opening cans or seasoning.
• Sharp knife: to trim the pork loin if needed.
• Measuring cups and spoons: for barbecue sauce, water, seasonings, and spices.
• Can opener: to open tomato, tomato sauce and chili bean cans.
• Large spoon or spatula: for stirring the chili.
• Forks: to shred the cooked pork loin.
• Bowls: for serving with sour cream, shredded cheese or corn chips.

With these tools on hand, you’ll easily prepare a comforting slow-cooker pork chili perfect for cozy meals.

How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Chili

Place the pork loin in a slow cooker and top with diced tomatoes, green chilies, 1 cup of barbecue sauce, and water. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Once cooked, shred the pork and put it back in to the slow cooker.

Stir in the remaining barbecue sauce, tomato sauce, chili beans, chili seasoning, barbecue seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Set the slow cooker to low and let the mixture cook for an additional hour, stirring occasionally to ensure the flavors meld together.

Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese and corn chips.

Tip: Add an extra can of beans to accommodate a larger crowd.

More BBQ Recipes

Discover more hearty and flavorful BBQ recipes like this BBQ Chili to spice up any meal.

• Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich
• Tangy Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce
• Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken Recipe
• Crock Pot Barbeque Burgers
• Barbecue Corn and Potato Chowder
• Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
• Slow Cooker Blueberry BBQ Sauce
• BBQ Pizza Bagel Bites
• BBQ Beef Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
• Thai BBQ Duck Kebabs