Quick Brooks Seasoning Chili Recipe (Ready in 1 Hour)

Transform your ordinary chili into something extraordinary with this Brooks seasoning chili recipe that's been winning cook-offs and warming hearts for generations. This perfectly spiced blend combines the signature taste of Brooks seasoning with carefully selected ingredients to create a rich, hearty chili that'll have everyone asking for your secret. Whether you're a chili connoisseur or a weekend cook, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between ease and amazing flavor.

Why Brooks Seasoning Makes a Difference

Brooks seasoning has been a trusted secret in American kitchens since 1948, bringing its unique blend of spices to countless chili pots. This recipe harnesses its perfectly balanced seasonings to create a chili that's deeply flavorful without being overwhelmingly spicy. Perfect for game days, winter gatherings, or any time you're craving a bowl of exceptional chili.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Brooks seasoning chili recipe takes the guesswork out of spice-blending while delivering restaurant-quality results. It's hearty enough to satisfy the biggest appetites yet refined enough to impress even picky eaters. The best part? It's practically foolproof - the pre-blended Brooks seasoning ensures consistent, delicious results every time. Plus, it's perfect for making ahead and actually tastes even better the next day!

Jump to:

• Why Brooks Seasoning Makes a Difference
• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• A Family Secret Worth Sharing
• Substitutions
• Variations
• Equipment
• Storage
• Top Tip
• Before You Go Make That Chili…
• FAQ
• Quick Brooks seasoning chili recipe
• Pairing

Ingredients

For the Chili Base:

• Ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• Brooks chili seasoning
• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Red kidney beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Green bell pepper
• Beef broth
• Olive oil
• Optional: Ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnishing:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Diced green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Diced avocado
• Lime wedges

Pro Tip: Choose regular Brooks seasoning for traditional heat, or Brooks mild for a family-friendly version. The 80/20 ground beef provides the perfect fat content for rich, flavorful chili.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Dice vegetables uniformly
2. Drain and rinse beans
3. Measure Brooks seasoning
4. Gather all ingredients

Cooking Process

1. Brown the meat:
   • Heat oil in large pot
   • Brown ground beef
   • Drain excess fat
   • Return to pot
2. Build the base:
   • Add onions and peppers
   • Cook until softened
   • Add garlic
   • Stir in Brooks seasoning
3. Create the chili:
   • Add tomatoes and sauce
   • Pour in beef broth
   • Add beans
   • Bring to simmer

Final Steps

• Add preferred toppings
• Simmer 45-60 minutes
• Adjust seasoning
• Let rest 10 minutes

A Family Secret Worth Sharing

Let me share something special that brings tears to my eyes every time I make this chili. My grandfather, who worked at a small diner in Kansas for 35 years, taught me his secret to award-winning chili: After adding the Brooks seasoning, he would cook down a small can of tomato paste until it turned deep burgundy and almost stuck to the bottom of the pot (but not quite!) - what chefs now call 'fond'. Then he'd deglaze with a splash of dark beer, scraping up all those caramelized bits. He called it "finding the soul of the chili." He passed away last year, but every time I make this recipe and spend those extra 5 minutes developing that fond, I feel like he's right there in the kitchen with me, nodding approvingly at those deep, rich flavors that only patience and love can create.

Substitutions

Dietary Alternatives

• Ground beef → Ground turkey or plant-based meat
• Beef broth → Vegetable broth
• Brooks seasoning original → Brooks mild (less heat)
• Kidney beans → Black beans or pinto beans
• Sour cream → Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternatives

Ingredient Swaps

• Can't find Brooks seasoning? We don't recommend substituting as it's the key to this recipe's signature taste
• Green peppers → Red or yellow bell peppers
• Fresh garlic → Garlic powder (1 clove = ¼ teaspoon)
• Fresh onions → Onion powder (emergency only!)

Variations

Classic Options:

• Three-Bean Brooks Chili: Add variety of beans
• Extra Meaty: Add ground pork
• Spicy Deluxe: Add diced jalapeños
• Vegetarian: Use extra beans and vegetables

Creative Twists:

• Cincinnati Style: Serve over spaghettia great idea to link out to another blogger with a similar recipe that fits a different diet.
• Smoky: Add diced bacon
• Sweet & Spicy: Add corn kernels
• Tex-Mex Style: Add diced poblanosbsite! (placeholder for in-content link)

Equipment

Great equipment can make or break your chili-making experience. Here's everything you'll need to make this Brooks seasoning chili recipe perfect every time:

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot (at least 6-quart)
• Sharp knife for chopping
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Strainer (for draining beans)
• Can opener

Optional but Helpful:

• Garlic press
• Food chopper for vegetables
• Ladle for serving
• Airtight containers for storage

Pro Tip: A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven is worth the investment for this Brooks seasoning chili recipe - it prevents burning and helps develop those rich flavors. If using a regular pot, stir more frequently and watch your heat carefully.

Storage

Proper storage is key to enjoying your chili for days to come. Follow these guidelines to maintain its delicious flavor:

Fresh Storage:

• Cool completely before storing
• Keep in airtight container
• Refrigerate up to 4 days
• Store toppings separately

Freezing Method:

• Portion into freezer bags
• Remove excess air
• Label with date
• Keeps up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in fridge

Reheating Tips:

1. Stovetop (Best Method):
   • Reheat slowly over medium-low
   • Add splash of broth if needed
   • Stir occasionally
2. Microwave (Quick Method):
   • Heat in 1-minute intervals
   • Stir between heating
   • Cover with paper towel

Before You Go Make That Chili…

Listen, friend - you're now armed with my absolute favorite Brooks seasoning chili recipe, the one I've made for countless game days, family gatherings, and cozy winter nights. It's not just about the perfect blend of spices or that rich, hearty texture (though trust me, you'll get both). It's about creating those moments where everyone gathers around the pot, bowl in hand, sharing stories and asking for seconds. Whether you're making it for a quiet family dinner or your next big party, this chili has a way of turning everyday meals into memories. And hey, when you make it, snap a picture and rate the recipe below - I'd love to hear how it became part of your story too!

FAQ

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Brooks Seasoning Chili: