Pepperoni Pizza Chili | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | best #chili ever! This one combines #TexMex with #Italian for one incredible chili. #soup #glutenfree #pepperoni #mozzarellacheese #crockpot

Pepperoni Pizza Chili

Teresa Ambra

Gluten Free Living – 2014

Pepperoni Pizza Chili is one amazing chili recipe! Pepperoni Pizza Chili tastes like pepperoni pizza mixed in with your favorite chili recipe! This recipe contains ground beef, pepperoni, Italian stewed tomatoes, onions, both pizza sauce and spaghetti sauce, Ranch-style beans and chili and garlic powder.

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I slow cook this chili in the crockpot which makes it one of the easier chili recipes you’ll ever come across.  When serving, mozzarella cheese is sprinkled over each bowlful to provide one of the yummiest, most spectacular flavors you will ever eat.

Years ago when we attended Hillcrest Baptist Church in Cedar Hill, Texas, our church had a chili cook-off in the dead of winter one cold Sunday night. Prizes were given for several different categories including, “most creative.” Brenda Funk’s recipe for Pepperoni Pizza Chili received that designation.

I couldn’t wait to track Brenda down and get this tasty chili recipe from her. This recipe appears in her self-published “Funk Family Cookbook” and has been in her family for awhile. Brenda’s chili recipe was a hit with us then and still today it’s a great chili recipe, especially if you’d like to get out of your chili rut and try something new.

One of the things I like about this chili is that it uses Ranch-style beans (which are pinto beans cooked in a barbecue/Tex-Mex type sauce), instead of using the typical kidney beans. They provide a lot of additional flavor. Of course, anything with pepperoni gains high praise with me! Plus the addition of Italian flavorings, Italian stewed tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese also makes this an over-the-top recipe.

If you’re looking for a great recipe for cold winter nights and you want to spruce up your meals with something a little different then add Pepperoni Pizza Chili to your dinner menu sometime soon. This chili is great served with garlic bread, cornbread or oyster crackers. I served Pepperoni Pizza Chili for company last Friday night along with my delicious Greek Salad. Both turned out fantastic and our guests sure enjoyed them. Go ahead, give Pepperoni Pizza Chili a try.

When I originally published this recipe in February 2014, I wasn’t overly happy with my pictures. The mozzarella cheese hadn’t melted enough so the cheese looked kind of globby. I recently remade this recipe (September 2017) for our Friday night care group. Everyone loved having pepperoni in their chili!

I served this fantastic chili with a Maple Bacon Cornbread to die for! The chili was incredibly good with the cornbread crumbled into it. I increased the ground beef to two pounds so everyone loved the meatier chili. Because I couldn’t find Italian style stewed tomatoes, I added an additional quarter teaspoon of both oregano and basil to the crockpot while cooking. We loved it. I’m sure you will too.

Pepperoni Pizza Chili | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | best #chili ever! This one combines #TexMex with #Italian for one incredible chili. #soup #glutenfree #pepperoni #mozzarellacheese #crockpot

Pepperoni Pizza Chili is the best of both worlds–Tex Mex and Italian.

Pepperoni Pizza Chili | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | best #chili ever! This one combines #TexMex with #Italian for one incredible chili. #soup #glutenfree #pepperoni #mozzarellacheese #crockpot

One of the nice things about making this chili dish is it’s made in the crockpot! Pepperoni Pizza Chili is fairly quick and easy to make.

Pepperoni Pizza Chili | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | best #chili ever! This one combines #TexMex with #Italian for one incredible chili. #soup #glutenfree #pepperoni #mozzarellacheese #crockpot

Pepperoni Pizza Chili is gluten free for those who have gluten intolerance. It’s wonderful served with Maple Bacon Cornbread.

Here’s what I did.

Pepperoni Pizza Chili | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | best #chili ever! This one combines #TexMex with #Italian for one incredible chili. #soup #glutenfree #pepperoni #mozzarellacheese #crockpot

I used these ingredients. I increased the ground beef from one pound to two pounds. Everyone loved the meatier chili. Because I couldn’t find Italian style stewed tomatoes, I added 1/4 teaspoon each of basil and oregano to provide a little Italian flavor.

Pepperoni Pizza Chili | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | best #chili ever! This one combines #TexMex with #Italian for one incredible chili. #soup #glutenfree #pepperoni #mozzarellacheese #crockpot

Brown beef with onions and green pepper. Because I only had half of a green bell pepper, I added half of an orange and half of a red bell pepper also.

Pepperoni Pizza Chili | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | best #chili ever! This one combines #TexMex with #Italian for one incredible chili. #soup #glutenfree #pepperoni #mozzarellacheese #crockpot

Saute until beef is browned. The veggies don’t have to cook all the way (since they will continue cooking in the crockpot).

Pepperoni Pizza Chili | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | best #chili ever! This one combines #TexMex with #Italian for one incredible chili. #soup #glutenfree #pepperoni #mozzarellacheese #crockpot

Drain grease. Place beef mixture in crockpot.

Pepperoni Pizza Chili | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | best #chili ever! This one combines #TexMex with #Italian for one incredible chili. #soup #glutenfree #pepperoni #mozzarellacheese #crockpot

Add stewed tomatoes (Italian style if you can find them), pizza sauce, spaghetti sauce and Ranch-style beans.

Pepperoni Pizza Chili | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | best #chili ever! This one combines #TexMex with #Italian for one incredible chili. #soup #glutenfree #pepperoni #mozzarellacheese #crockpot

Add pepperoni, Italian seasoning, chili powder, and garlic powder. Add 1/4 teaspoon oregano and basil if you can’t find Italian style stewed tomatoes.

Pepperoni Pizza Chili | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | best #chili ever! This one combines #TexMex with #Italian for one incredible chili. #soup #glutenfree #pepperoni #mozzarellacheese #crockpot

Stir ingredients to combine.

Pepperoni Pizza Chili | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | best #chili ever! This one combines #TexMex with #Italian for one incredible chili. #soup #glutenfree #pepperoni #mozzarellacheese #crockpot

Cook in crockpot over low heat 6-8 hours or high heat 4-6 hours. Check seasonings. Add more chili powder or Italian seasoning if desired.

Pepperoni Pizza Chili | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | best #chili ever! This one combines #TexMex with #Italian for one incredible chili. #soup #glutenfree #pepperoni #mozzarellacheese #crockpot

To serve: ladle chili into bowls. You’ll be smacking your lips over every spoonful of Pepperoni Pizza Chili.

Pepperoni Pizza Chili | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | best #chili ever! This one combines #TexMex with #Italian for one incredible chili. #soup #glutenfree #pepperoni #mozzarellacheese #crockpot

Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Serve with oyster crackers, garlic bread or cornbread, if desired.

Pepperoni Pizza Chili | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | best #chili ever! This one combines #TexMex with #Italian for one incredible chili. #soup #glutenfree #pepperoni #mozzarellacheese #crockpot

I liked mine with cornbread crumbled into it. If you’re tired of your typical chili rut, why not make up a batch of Pepperoni Pizza Chili? You and your family will love it.

Here’s the recipe.

PEPPERONI PIZZA CHILI

(Recipe adapted from Brenda Funk, when we attended Hillcrest Baptist Church, Cedar Hill, TX)

Pepperoni Pizza Chili | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | best #chili ever! This one combines #TexMex with #Italian for one incredible chili. #soup #glutenfree #pepperoni #mozzarellacheese #crockpot

Pepperoni Pizza Chili

Teresa Ambra
Pepperoni Pizza Chili is marvelous! This fantastic chili recipe has an Italian flair with the taste of pepperoni pizza added to the mix! Pepperoni, Italian seasonings and mozzarella cheese add fantastic flavor to this wonderful Tex-Mex recipe. It's great with cornbread dunked in it! Terrific for tailgating parties as well as week-night or company dinners.
4.50 from 2 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Dish, Soups, Stews and Chowders
Cuisine Italian/Tex-Mex
Servings 8
Calories 361 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large crock pot
  • 1 sharp knife to cut vegetables
  • 1 hamburger chopper
  • 1 large skillet
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 soup ladle

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs. 96% lean ground beef or ground sirloin
  • 1/2 large green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 15 oz. jar pizza sauce
  • 8 oz. jar spaghetti sauce or tomato sauce
  • 15 oz. can ranch style beans undrained
  • 15 oz. can Italian stewed tomatoes undrained (see note below)
  • 1 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 3 1/2 oz. sliced pepperoni
  • 1 tsp. chili powder or more to taste
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese to garnish each serving

Instructions
 

  • Sauté beef, bell peppers and onions in a skillet until meat is cooked through and veggies are tender.
  • Use a hamburger chopper to break the ground beef up into very small pieces.
  • Drain beef.
  • Place beef mixture and remaining ingredients (except mozzarella cheese) in a crockpot and cook over low heat about 6-8 hours or high 4-6 hours.
  • Check seasonings.
  • Add more chili powder or Italian seasoning if desired.
  • Ladle chili into bowls.
  • Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons mozzarella cheese over each individual serving.

Notes

NOTE: I used half green, half red and half orange bell peppers, because that’s what I had on hand.
 
NOTE: Because I could not find Italian stewed tomatoes, I added ¼ tsp. each of basil and oregano.
 
NOTE: the original recipe calls for one pound of ground beef. Because my husband likes his chili meaty I added an additional pound. Use one or two pounds of beef as you prefer.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 361kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 34gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 1260mgPotassium: 1105mgFiber: 5gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 782IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 152mgIron: 6mg
Keyword chili, main dish, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, pepperoni pizza, soup
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

[b]Pepperoni Pizza Chili[/b]
Recipe Type: Soups, Stews and Chowders
Cuisine: Italian/Tex-Mex
Author: Teresa Ambra adapted from Brenda Funk, when we attended Hillcrest Baptist Church, Cedar Hill, TX
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
This fantastic chili recipe has an Italian flair with the taste of pepperoni pizza added to the mix! Pepperoni, Italian seasonings and mozzarella cheese add a delicious taste to this wonderful Tex-Mex recipe.
Ingredients
  • 1 lb. lean ground beef or ground sirloin
  • ½ large green bell pepper, chopped
  • ½ large onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 15-oz. pizza sauce
  • 8-oz. tomato or spaghetti sauce
  • 15-oz. ranch style beans
  • 15-oz. can Italian stewed tomatoes
  • 1 ½ tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 3 ½ oz. sliced pepperoni
  • 1 tsp. chili powder, or more to taste
  • mozzarella cheese to garnish each serving
Instructions
  1. Sauté beef, bell pepper and onions in a skillet until meat is cooked through and veggies are tender.
  2. Place beef mixture and remaining ingredients (except mozzarella cheese) in a crockpot and cook over low heat about 6-8 hours or high 4-6 hours.
  3. Check seasonings.
  4. Add more chili powder or Italian seasoning if desired.
  5. Ladle chili into bowls.
  6. Sprinkle about 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese over each individual serving.
Pepperoni Pizza Chili | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | best #chili ever! This one combines #TexMex with #Italian for one incredible chili. #soup #glutenfree #pepperoni #mozzarellacheese #crockpot

Pepperoni Pizza Chili is phenomenal. Don’t be afraid to make this tasty recipe for chili or your next chili cook-off! We love the addition of mozzarella cheese to garnish Pepperoni Pizza Chili.

Pepperoni Pizza Chili | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | best #chili ever! This one combines #TexMex with #Italian for one incredible chili. #soup #glutenfree #pepperoni #mozzarellacheese #crockpot

Doesn’t Pepperoni Pizza Chili look marvelous? A little Maple Bacon Cornbread as a side doesn’t hurt either!

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Favorite Chili Con Carne | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this is our favorite #chili recipe. Perfect comfort food for fall & winter nights! #soup #glutenfree

Firehouse Sausage Chili

Firehouse Sausage Chili | This fantastic #chili uses #Italian #sausage, 2 kinds of #beans and a #chili seasoning packet to amp up the flavors. It's made in the #crockpot so it's incredibly easy.

Taco Soup

Taco Soup | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | you can have a tasty dinner made in 30 minutes with this easy & delicious #TexMex #soup recipe. It's wonderful comfort food for #fall or #winter. #glutenfree
Pepperoni Pizza Chili | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | best #chili ever! This one combines #TexMex with #Italian for one incredible chili. #soup #glutenfree #pepperoni #mozzarellacheese #crockpot

Pepperoni Pizza Chili

Teresa Ambra
Pepperoni Pizza Chili is marvelous! This fantastic chili recipe has an Italian flair with the taste of pepperoni pizza added to the mix! Pepperoni, Italian seasonings and mozzarella cheese add fantastic flavor to this wonderful Tex-Mex recipe. It's great with cornbread dunked in it! Terrific for tailgating parties as well as week-night or company dinners.
4.50 from 2 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Dish, Soups, Stews and Chowders
Cuisine Italian/Tex-Mex
Servings 8
Calories 361 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large crock pot
  • 1 sharp knife to cut vegetables
  • 1 hamburger chopper
  • 1 large skillet
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 soup ladle

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs. 96% lean ground beef or ground sirloin
  • 1/2 large green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 15 oz. jar pizza sauce
  • 8 oz. jar spaghetti sauce or tomato sauce
  • 15 oz. can ranch style beans undrained
  • 15 oz. can Italian stewed tomatoes undrained (see note below)
  • 1 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 3 1/2 oz. sliced pepperoni
  • 1 tsp. chili powder or more to taste
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese to garnish each serving

Instructions
 

  • Sauté beef, bell peppers and onions in a skillet until meat is cooked through and veggies are tender.
  • Use a hamburger chopper to break the ground beef up into very small pieces.
  • Drain beef.
  • Place beef mixture and remaining ingredients (except mozzarella cheese) in a crockpot and cook over low heat about 6-8 hours or high 4-6 hours.
  • Check seasonings.
  • Add more chili powder or Italian seasoning if desired.
  • Ladle chili into bowls.
  • Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons mozzarella cheese over each individual serving.

Notes

NOTE: I used half green, half red and half orange bell peppers, because that’s what I had on hand.
 
NOTE: Because I could not find Italian stewed tomatoes, I added ¼ tsp. each of basil and oregano.
 
NOTE: the original recipe calls for one pound of ground beef. Because my husband likes his chili meaty I added an additional pound. Use one or two pounds of beef as you prefer.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 361kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 34gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 1260mgPotassium: 1105mgFiber: 5gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 782IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 152mgIron: 6mg
Keyword chili, main dish, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, pepperoni pizza, soup
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

19 Comments

4.50 from 2 votes

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