Ham Chili

Warm up your dinner table with this hearty and flavorful Ham Chili, a unique twist on classic chili recipes! Packed with tender, diced cooked ham, two types of beans, and a medley of colorful bell peppers, this one-pot wonder delivers a rich and smoky flavor enhanced by a blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Crushed tomatoes and chicken broth create a robust base, while optional additions like sweet corn and fresh cilantro add even more depth and texture. Ready in just under an hour, this satisfying dish is perfect for weeknight meals or gameday gatherings. Serve it piping hot with customizable toppings like shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream for a comforting bowl of goodness everyone will love. Perfect for fans of hearty chili, creative uses of leftover ham, and crowd-pleasing dinners!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 15 ounces kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 15 ounces black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
• 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional topping)
• 0.25 cup sour cream (optional topping)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until the peppers start to soften.

Step 4

Mix in the diced ham and cook for 2–3 minutes to lightly brown the edges.

Step 5

Add the chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir well to coat the vegetables and ham in the spices.

Step 6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any brown bits.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the kidney beans, black beans, and corn (if using).

Step 8

Season with salt and black pepper. Stir again and reduce the heat to low.

Step 9

Cover and let the chili simmer for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 10

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove from heat.

Step 11

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3464.2 grams (3464.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2699

Total Fat 93.30g	120%
Saturated Fat 33.70g	169%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 365mg	122%
Sodium 11954mg	520%
Total Carbohydrate 280.70g	102%
Dietary Fiber 78.30g	280%
Total Sugars 68.20g
Protein 199.60g	399%

Vitamin D 12IU	60%
Calcium 1049mg	81%
Iron 30mg	166%
Potassium 7097mg	151%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.4%

Protein: 28.9%

Carbs: 40.7%