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My family loves this Homemade Morning Chili with Eggs dish! It's super easy to throw together and blends the bold, fiery kick of chili with traditional breakfast items and topped eggs. I adapted this for early risers, using bacon, breakfast sausage, and simple stuff you probably have in your kitchen already—it'll definitely get your day off to an amazing start.
What Makes Morning Chili So Special
Morning chili puts a fun spin on regular chili by mixing in breakfast favorites like bacon and sausage. The smoky, rich tastes work so well with eggs—whether you fry or bake them. It's filling and works with tons of sides. You can serve it alongside hash browns or dress it up with guac and salsa. It's different enough to impress anyone at your next brunch or lazy Sunday breakfast table.
What You'll Need for Morning Chili
- Bacon: Go with center-cut if you want something lighter, or pick thick-cut for extra richness.
- Breakfast sausage: Try turkey for fewer calories, or stick with pork for that traditional flavor.
- Onion and garlic: These basics create your flavor foundation.
- Crushed tomatoes: They give that thick, satisfying texture. Don't like tomatoes? Canned pumpkin works too.
- Chili seasoning: Grab some from the store or make your own to control the heat level.
- Beef broth: This gives your chili more complexity.
- Optional additions: Throw in some poblano or bell peppers for color, or add frozen spinach for extra nutrients.
Cooking Your Morning Chili
- Start With Meat
- Grab a big skillet and cook your bacon till it's nice and crispy. Set it aside. Then use the same pan to brown your breakfast sausage, breaking it up as you go.
- Cook Your Veggies
- Toss your chopped onion and minced garlic into the pan. Let them cook until they're soft and smell amazing, about 3–5 minutes.
- Put It All Together
- Mix in your chili seasoning first, then pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Let it bubble a bit, then turn down the heat and let it cook until everything thickens up and tastes great, around 20–30 minutes.
- Finishing Touches
- During the last 10 minutes, you can add your cooked bacon back in, plus any spinach or other veggies you want for more texture and goodness.
Ways to Enjoy It
The best way to eat this is with a fried or baked egg right on top. Serve with some crispy hash browns on the side, or try turnip hash browns if you want fewer carbs. If you love Mexican flavors, add some guacamole, fresh pico de gallo, a dollop of sour cream, or even Greek yogurt. And if you're from the Midwest, you might want to have some mini cinnamon rolls alongside for that sweet and savory combo that everyone loves.
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Secrets for Amazing Morning Chili
Don't rush the onions and garlic—let them get nice and brown for deeper flavor. You can make it as spicy or mild as you want by changing up the chili seasoning or adding some chopped chilies. If you plan to bake eggs in your chili, don't fill the pan too full so you have room. And don't be afraid to try different toppings like salsa macha or crumbled queso fresco to make it your own.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Got extra chili? Just pop it in a sealed container and keep it in your fridge for up to 4 days. Want to save it longer? It freezes great for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stove. Leftover chili tastes awesome on baked potatoes, loaded nachos, or stuffed in tacos for quick meals all week long.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare it in advance?
- Definitely! Make the chili ahead and reheat later. It actually tastes better the next day. Just fry fresh eggs when serving.
- → What if I can’t find turkey sausage?
- Swap with pre-cooked turkey sausage pieces or patties cut up. Or DIY with ground chicken and a sausage seasoning blend.
- → How can I serve it?
- Spoon over crispy hash browns with fried eggs, or cook eggs directly in the chili. Top with avocado, pico, or cheese, or enjoy with a sweet roll.
- → Can I make it less spicy?
- Totally! Use bell peppers (the sweetest) or just adjust chili seasonings for a milder kick. Pick mild over spicy chili powders.
- → How long does it last?
- Keep the chili in a sealed container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Freshen it up with new eggs and toppings when you're ready to eat.