Beer Chili Recipe

Introduction

This hearty beer chili combines rich ground beef with a robust dark beer for deep, layered flavors. Packed with beans, spices, and a touch of sweetness, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 11.2 ounce bottle dark beer (or beer of your choice – Guinness recommended)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup yellow onions, diced
• 15 ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 ounce can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes (or diced)
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1–2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
• 1 tablespoon organic brown sugar
• Your choice of toppings (optional: sour cream, shredded cheese, diced red onions, sliced jalapeños, green onions)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is no longer pink.
3. Step 3: Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, chipotle chili powder, crushed tomatoes, and both varieties of beans.
4. Step 4: Pour in the beer and add the brown sugar. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Step 5: Cover the pot and let the chili simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
6. Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, cheese, diced onions, jalapeños, or green onions.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier chili, add extra chipotle chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Use a lager or ale if you prefer a lighter beer flavor.
• Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a leaner or vegetarian option.
• Try adding diced bell peppers for extra color and sweetness.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans without rinsing them?

It’s best to drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to the chili. This reduces excess sodium and helps improve the texture and flavor of the dish.

What if I don’t have chipotle chili powder?

If you don’t have chipotle chili powder, you can substitute with smoked paprika or add a small amount of cayenne pepper for heat and smoky flavor.

Beer Chili Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 113 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Beer Chili featuring ground beef simmered with dark beer, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of chili spices. This comforting dish is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights and can be customized with your favorite toppings like sour cream and shredded cheese.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 11.2 ounce bottle dark beer (or beer of your choice, such as Guinness)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup yellow onions, diced
• 15 ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 ounce can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes (or diced tomatoes)
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1–2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
• 1 tablespoon organic brown sugar

Optional Toppings

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Diced red onions
• Sliced jalapeños
• Green onions

Instructions

1. Heat onion: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
2. Cook beef and garlic: Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring and breaking apart the beef, until the meat is no longer pink.
3. Add spices and beans: Stir in ground cumin, chili powder, chipotle chili powder, crushed tomatoes, and the drained red and white kidney beans, mixing thoroughly.
4. Add beer and brown sugar: Pour in the dark beer and sprinkle the brown sugar over the mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5. Simmer chili: Cover the Dutch oven and reduce the heat to low. Let the chili simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve with toppings: Serve the chili hot, garnished with optional toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, diced red onions, sliced jalapeños, and green onions according to your preference.

Notes

• You can substitute the dark beer with any beer of your choice, but stouts and porters add the richest flavor.
• Adjust the chili powder quantities to suit your preferred spice level.
• For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 15–20 minutes.
• Vegetarian version can be made by omitting ground beef and adding extra beans or vegetables.
• This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop fully.

Keywords: beer chili, ground beef chili, beef chili recipe, chili with beer, hearty chili, comfort food, Dutch oven chili