This hearty beer chili is packed with flavor and warms you right up! Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and, of course, a splash of your favorite beer, it’s a perfect meal for chilly nights.
Whenever I make this, my kitchen smells so good that it has everyone coming for seconds. Don’t be surprised if your friends ask for the recipe—they’ll love it! 🍻
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using ground beef for its rich flavor, but ground turkey is a great leaner option if you prefer. You can also use plant-based meat for a vegetarian twist!
Beer: Any lager or pale ale works well in this chili. If you’re avoiding alcohol, swap it with beef broth or a non-alcoholic beer for similar depth of flavor.
Kidney Beans: While kidney beans add texture, feel free to use black beans or pinto beans if that’s what you have on hand. They both work wonderfully!
Spices: Chili powder is a must, but feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper according to your spice tolerance. If you prefer a smokier taste, add a bit more smoked paprika.
How Can I Perfectly Brown the Meat?
Heating your pot before adding oil is key to achieving that perfect brown color. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat the pot over medium heat before adding olive oil.
- Add onions and cook until soft. This builds a flavor base.
- Once the onions are translucent, add in the garlic.
- Then, add the ground meat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Allow it to sear without stirring for a few minutes—this creates a nice crust.
This technique boosts flavor and gives your chili a nice depth. Enjoy cooking! 🌶️
Beer Chili Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (12 oz) bottle of beer (lager or pale ale)
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious beer chili takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30-45 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’re looking at about 40-55 minutes before you can dig in! Perfect for a cozy evening at home or for a game day gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent—this should take about 3-4 minutes. It’s the base of flavor for your chili!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic. Cook it for about 30 seconds until you can smell its delicious aroma wafting through the kitchen. This is when the magic begins!
3. Brown the Meat:
Now, add the ground beef (or turkey) to the pot. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon—this should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the chili from being greasy.
4. Spice Things Up:
Stir in your chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Cooking the spices for 1-2 minutes helps release their flavors and really makes the chili come alive!
5. Add the Beer:
Pour in the bottle of beer, giving the bottom of the pot a good scrape to loosen any tasty browned bits. This step adds such a great depth of flavor!
6. Mix and Combine:
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and kidney beans to the pot. Stir everything together until mixed well.
7. Simmer the Chili:
Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes. Stir occasionally until it thickens up nicely. The longer you let it simmer, the more delicious it becomes!
8. Taste Test:
Before serving, give your chili a taste. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices as needed. Trust your palate!
9. Serve Up and Enjoy:
Serve the chili hot, adding your choice of toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and some fresh chopped cilantro on top. Pair it with cornbread or rolls for a comforting meal!
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful beer chili—it’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives to ground beef. If you prefer a plant-based option, try using a meat substitute like lentils or a meatless ground product.
What Beer Should I Use for Chili?
A lager or pale ale works best for chili. Stick to something you enjoy drinking! If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute with beef broth or a non-alcoholic beer for a similar taste.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Chili?
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
How Can I Make This Chili Hotter?
If you like your chili spicier, consider adding more cayenne pepper or including diced jalapeños during cooking. You can also top it off with hot sauce when serving for an extra kick!