This pork chili recipe relies on a combination of fresh and pantry-staple ingredients to create a symphony of flavors and textures. For the exact ingredient amounts and detailed instructions, please refer to the full recipe card further down this page. Here’s a closer look at what makes this chili so satisfying:

• Ground Pork: The star of our chili, ground pork provides a wonderfully rich and slightly sweet flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the chili spices. It’s a fantastic alternative to beef, offering a different depth that keeps the dish exciting. You can opt for lean ground pork for a lighter version or regular ground pork for a more decadent, flavorful chili. It’s an excellent source of protein, helping to make this chili a truly filling meal.
• Variety of Beans: I’ve chosen a classic combination of pinto and black beans for this chili.
  • Pinto Beans: Often overlooked, pinto beans are a fantastic addition to chili. They have a creamy texture and a mild, earthy flavor that beautifully absorbs the spices, contributing to the chili’s overall heartiness. They’re also excellent in soups and dips!
  • Black Beans: With their distinct earthy flavor and slightly firmer texture, black beans add another layer of complexity and a beautiful dark hue to the chili. They are also packed with fiber and protein.

  Both beans contribute significantly to the fiber content, making this chili not only delicious but also very nutritious.

• Abundant Vegetables: To ensure a well-rounded and nutritious meal, this chili is generously loaded with colorful and flavorful vegetables.
  • Bell Peppers: I typically use red bell peppers for their sweetness, which balances the savory notes of the pork and spices. They also add a pop of color and essential vitamins.
  • Onion: A fundamental building block of flavor, diced onion (sweet or yellow) provides an aromatic base that deepens as it sautés.
  • Corn: Adding a burst of natural sweetness and a pleasant textural contrast, corn is a classic chili ingredient that kids and adults alike enjoy.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes form the liquid base of the chili, contributing tanginess and acidity that brightens the overall flavor. They also add a great tomato richness.
  • Garlic: Minced garlic is essential for its pungent aroma and depth of flavor, marrying all the other ingredients together harmoniously.
  • Jalapeño (Optional): For those who enjoy a touch of heat, a diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less spice) adds a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
• Rich & Aromatic Spices: The soul of any great chili lies in its spice blend. My go-to combination for this pork chili ensures a balanced, warm, and inviting flavor profile.
  • Chili Powder: The cornerstone spice, providing the classic chili flavor. Use a good quality chili powder for the best results.
  • Cumin: Essential for its earthy, warm, and slightly smoky notes, cumin is indispensable in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine.
  • Paprika: Adds a beautiful reddish hue and a subtle, sweet, or smoky flavor, depending on whether you use sweet or smoked paprika.
  • Oregano: Provides an aromatic, slightly bitter, and peppery note that enhances the savory aspects of the chili.
  • Cayenne Pepper (Optional): If you crave more heat, a dash of cayenne pepper will deliver a satisfying spicy kick. Adjust to your personal preference.

  These spices not only add incredible flavor but also have various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.

Customize Your Pork Chili: Variations & Add-Ins

One of the best things about chili is its incredible versatility. This recipe is a fantastic starting point, but feel free to get creative and adapt it to your taste preferences or what you have available in your pantry. Here are some ideas to customize your ground pork chili:

• Beans Galore: While black beans and pinto beans offer a wonderful foundation, don’t hesitate to experiment with other varieties.
  • Kidney Beans: Red or light kidney beans are a classic chili staple, adding a robust flavor and meaty texture.
  • Cannellini Beans: Also known as white kidney beans, these have a creamy texture and mild flavor that blends seamlessly.
  • Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): For an unexpected twist and a boost of protein, chickpeas can add a unique texture and nutty flavor.
  • Mixed Bean Blend: Use a combination of 3-4 different bean types for an even richer texture and nutrient profile.

  Always remember to drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve flavor.

• Amp Up the Veggies: Chili is an excellent vehicle for adding more vegetables to your diet. The more, the merrier!
  • Zucchini: Diced zucchini softens beautifully into the chili, adding moisture and nutrients without altering the flavor significantly. Add it in the last 30-45 minutes of cooking.
  • Green Chilies: Canned diced green chilies (mild or hot) can add another layer of authentic Southwestern flavor.
  • Celery & Carrots: A classic mirepoix base (onion, celery, carrots) can be used to start the chili, adding more depth and sweetness.
  • Poblano Peppers: For a milder, earthy pepper flavor with a slight kick, roast and dice poblanos before adding them.
  • Sweet Potatoes: Diced sweet potatoes can add a lovely sweetness and creaminess, especially good in the slow cooker method.
• Hearty Grains: To make your chili even more substantial and stretch it further, consider adding a cooked grain.
  • Brown Rice: Cooked brown rice can be stirred in at the end of cooking for added texture and complex carbohydrates.
  • Quinoa: This protein-rich grain is another excellent choice for bulking up your chili.
  • Farro: For a chewy, nutty addition, cooked farro works wonderfully.

  Remember to cook grains separately and add them to the chili during the last 15-20 minutes of simmering to prevent them from becoming mushy.

• Spice It Up or Down: Tailor the heat and smoky notes to your liking.
  • Smoky Flavor: Add a teaspoon of chipotle chili powder or a dash of liquid smoke for an intense smoky depth. Smoked paprika can also enhance this.
  • More Heat: Increase the cayenne red pepper, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, or include a finely minced habanero or serrano pepper for a serious kick.
  • Earthy Notes: Mexican oregano has a distinct flavor profile from Mediterranean oregano; try it for an authentic touch. A bay leaf or two added during simmering also deepens flavor.
  • Cocoa Powder: A secret ingredient in many award-winning chilis, a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder can deepen the color and complexity without making the chili taste like chocolate.
• Pork Alternatives & Enhancements: While this is a ground pork chili, there are ways to vary the pork itself or even swap it.
  • Pulled Pork Chili: If you have leftover slow cooker pulled pork, shred it and use it instead of ground pork for a different texture. This is especially delicious for a richer, slow-cooked feel.
  • Pork Shoulder: You can also use diced pork shoulder (pork butt) and brown it before slow cooking for hours until it’s fork-tender.
  • Other Meats: While we love pork, this recipe can be adapted for ground beef, ground turkey, or a mix of meats. Adjust cooking times slightly as needed.