This Beer Chili is a warm and hearty dish packed with beans, ground beef, and lots of spices, all simmered together with your favorite beer. It’s perfect for cozy nights!
What’s even better? You can whip it up in one pot, so there’s less mess to clean! I love serving it with some crunchy cornbread for a tasty combo. 🌶️🍺
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This gives your chili a rich flavor. If you want a healthier option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, replace it with lentils, mushrooms, or quinoa for added texture.
Beans: Kidney and black beans offer protein and fiber. You can swap in pinto beans or white beans if you prefer. Canned beans save time, but you can also cook dried beans ahead for a fresher taste.
Beer: Lager or ale adds depth to the chili. If you prefer not to use alcohol, a non-alcoholic beer or vegetable broth can be good substitutes. Just aim for something with enough flavor to enhance the dish.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are essential for flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works too, though it won’t have the same smoky depth. Fresh herbs like cilantro can brighten things up as well!
How Do I Properly Brown the Meat?
Brown the meat well to deepen the flavor of your chili. Follow these steps:
- Ensure your pot is hot before adding the ground beef. This helps sear the meat quickly.
- Break apart the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Don’t overcrowd the pot; if necessary, you can cook in batches.
- Look for no pink pieces — the meat should be browned all over. This process usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Getting this step right enhances the overall taste of your chili, making it more satisfying! Happy cooking!
Beer Chili Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (12 oz) bottle or can of beer (lager or ale)
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
- Sour cream, for topping
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15-20 minutes for prep, with around 30-60 minutes for cooking the chili. In total, plan for about 45 minutes to an hour before you can enjoy your delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it smells wonderful!
2. Cooking the Meat:
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s browned and no pink remains, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. Adding the Beer and Beans:
Carefully pour in the beer and use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot, lifting all the flavorful bits that have stuck there. Now, stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and the tomato paste.
4. Seasoning the Chili:
Next, add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if you’re feeling spicy), along with salt and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
5. Simmering to Perfection:
Bring the chili mixture to a low simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, let it simmer longer—up to an hour is ideal for richer flavor! Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Final Adjustments and Serving:
Once the chili is done simmering, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot in bowls topped with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions. Enjoy with crackers or cornbread on the side!
Now you have a hearty and flavorful Beer Chili ready to warm you up. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian chili, consider using lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat alternatives.
What Beer Should I Use for This Chili?
A lager or ale works best, but feel free to use your favorite beer! Just make sure it has a good flavor that can enhance the chili. If avoiding alcohol, a non-alcoholic beer or vegetable broth can be a great alternative.
Can I Make This Chili Ahead of Time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Prepare and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer less heat, simply omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the amount of chili powder. You can always add spiciness later by serving with hot sauce on the side, so adjust according to your taste!