Brett Favre Chili Recipe: How to Make It at Home

Updated On: October 13, 2025

If you’re a fan of hearty, flavorful chili that brings a warm, comforting kick to your dinner table, the Brett Favre Chili Recipe is a touchdown you won’t want to miss. Inspired by the legendary NFL quarterback himself, this chili combines robust spices, tender meat, and a rich tomato base to create a bowl of pure satisfaction.

Whether you’re hosting a game day party or simply craving a cozy meal on a chilly evening, this recipe delivers bold flavors with each spoonful.

What makes Brett Favre’s chili stand out is its perfect balance of heat, smokiness, and savoriness. It’s a dish that’s both straightforward to prepare and impressive enough to share with friends and family.

Plus, it’s versatile—you can tweak the spice levels or ingredients to suit your preferences. Get ready to dive into this classic recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your chili repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chili recipe is a winner for many reasons. First, it features a blend of spices that pack a flavorful punch without overwhelming your palate.

The combination of ground beef and beans ensures a hearty, protein-packed meal that satisfies hunger and warms you from the inside out.

Another reason to love it is the simplicity of the preparation. Using everyday ingredients and a few easy cooking steps, you can have a pot of chili simmering away in under an hour.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Lastly, it’s incredibly adaptable. Whether you prefer it spicier, with more vegetables, or even vegetarian, this recipe can be customized to meet your needs.

Plus, it freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep and leftovers.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef (preferably lean)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Colander (for rinsing beans)
  • Can opener
  • Ladle (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the kidney and black beans thoroughly to reduce excess sodium.
  2. Brown the ground beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the spices: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and enhance their flavor.
  5. Add tomatoes and tomato paste: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and stir in the tomato paste. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
  6. Pour in beef broth: Add the cup of beef broth to the pot, stirring to loosen any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This adds depth and richness to the chili.
  7. Simmer the chili: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to meld.
  8. Add the beans: Stir in the drained kidney and black beans. Continue simmering for another 10-15 minutes until the beans are heated through and the chili thickens to your desired consistency.
  9. Final taste check: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or cayenne for extra heat.
  10. Serve and garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or jalapeños for an extra kick.

Tips & Variations

For a smoky depth, try adding a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce during the simmering stage.

You can make this chili in a slow cooker by browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic first, then adding everything to the slow cooker and cooking on low for 6-8 hours.

If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with extra beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture.

For thicker chili, stir in a tablespoon of masa harina or cornmeal during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Want to make it spicier? Increase the cayenne pepper or add fresh chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1 cup)
Calories 280
Protein 22 g
Fat 12 g
Carbohydrates 20 g
Fiber 6 g
Sodium 450 mg
Sugar 6 g

Serving Suggestions

Brett Favre Chili is fantastic served with classic chili accompaniments such as warm cornbread, tortilla chips, or over a bed of steamed rice. For a lighter option, serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.

It also pairs beautifully with toppings like sliced avocado, crispy bacon bits, or a dollop of guacamole for extra texture and flavor. If you’re hosting a game day, consider setting up a chili bar with various toppings and sides so guests can customize their bowls.

For leftovers, the chili reheats well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can also freeze portions in airtight containers for up to three months.

Conclusion

Brett Favre’s chili recipe is a hearty, satisfying dish that delivers bold flavors with every bite. Its perfect mix of spices, tender beef, and hearty beans make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from casual family dinners to lively game day celebrations.

The simplicity of the recipe means you don’t need to be a seasoned chef to create an impressive, flavorful meal.

Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with some of the suggested variations, this chili is sure to become a beloved recipe in your kitchen. Don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes that complement this dish, such as Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious, Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping, and Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide to round out your meal options.

📖 Recipe Card: Brett Favre Chili Recipe

Description: A hearty and flavorful chili inspired by football legend Brett Favre. Perfect for game day or a comforting meal any time.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT1H30M
Total Time: PT1H50M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until softened.
  3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth.
  5. Season with salt and pepper, then bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  7. Adjust seasoning before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 20 g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Brett Favre Chili Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and flavorful chili inspired by football legend Brett Favre. Perfect for game day or a comforting meal any time.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT1H30M”, “totalTime”: “PT1H50M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 lbs ground beef”, “1 large onion, chopped”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes”, “1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed”, “1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed”, “2 tbsp chili powder”, “1 tsp ground cumin”, “1 tsp smoked paprika”, “1/2 tsp cayenne pepper”, “1 cup beef broth”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until softened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper, then bring to a boil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Adjust seasoning before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “28 g”, “fatContent”: “18 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “20 g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X