Chili Recipe With Ham That’s Easy and Delicious

Originally posted on July 24, 2020 @ 1:18 am

Chili is a beloved comfort food that warms the soul and pleases the palate, especially when made with hearty ingredients like ham. This chili recipe with ham is perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something filling, flavorful, and easy to prepare.

Unlike traditional beef chili, the addition of ham brings a smoky, savory twist that elevates the dish to a whole new level. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe offers a delightful combination of beans, spices, and tender ham chunks that meld together beautifully.

In this post, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to making this delicious chili, share essential tips to customize it, and suggest some perfect sides to serve alongside. Plus, I’ll link you to some other fantastic recipes that complement this meal wonderfully.

Ready to dive into a bowl of hearty, ham-packed chili? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chili recipe with ham stands out because it combines the smoky richness of ham with the classic warmth and spice of chili. It’s simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

The use of ham adds depth and a subtle sweetness that balances the heat from chili powder and cayenne. Also, it’s very versatile — you can easily swap beans, adjust spice levels, or add vegetables to suit your preferences.

Another great reason to try this recipe is its nutritional balance. With protein from ham and fiber from beans, it’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Plus, it reheats well, so you’ll have tasty leftovers for lunches or quick meals later in the week. If you enjoy hearty soups or stews, this chili with ham will quickly become a favorite go-to.

Ingredients

• 1 pound smoked ham, diced (preferably from a leftover ham or ham steak)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Can opener
• Optional: ladle for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients: Dice the smoked ham, chop the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
2. Heat olive oil: In your large pot or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly translucent.
4. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
5. Brown the ham: Add the diced ham to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, letting the ham develop a little color.
6. Add spices: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the ham and vegetables.
7. Incorporate tomato elements: Stir in the tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Mix thoroughly.
8. Add beans and broth: Pour in the kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth. Stir everything together.
9. Simmer: Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
10. Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed. If you want more heat, add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
11. Serve hot: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.

Tips & Variations

“For a richer flavor, use smoked ham hocks instead of diced ham, but remember to remove the bone before serving.”

Here are some tips to make your chili even better:

• Bean variety: Feel free to swap kidney and black beans with pinto beans, cannellini, or even chickpeas for a twist.
• Vegetables: Add diced carrots, celery, or corn for added texture and nutrition.
• Heat control: Adjust the cayenne pepper or add fresh jalapeños if you prefer a spicier chili.
• Slow cooker option: After browning the ham and sautéing the vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Make it vegetarian: Check out some great meatless alternatives in recipes like Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This chili with ham is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

• Serve over a bed of steamed rice or with warm cornbread for a traditional touch.
• Top with avocado slices and a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
• Accompany with simple side salads like a fresh green salad or coleslaw to balance the richness.
• Try it with tortilla chips or over baked potatoes as a hearty topping.
• For a lighter option, pair it with steamed vegetables or Brown Rice Recipe VegRecipesOfIndia.

Conclusion

This chili recipe with ham is a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s easy to prepare and satisfying to eat. The smoky ham pairs beautifully with the beans and spices, creating a hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Its flexibility allows you to customize the heat, ingredients, and sides to fit your taste and dietary needs.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this chili holds up well and tastes even better the next day. Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes on the site, such as Vegan Dinners Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals or Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy for more inspiration.

Happy cooking and enjoy every flavorful bite!

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