This Beer Chili is a hearty mix of beans, ground meat, and spices—all cooked together with a splash of your favorite beer. It’s perfect for chilly days!
I love how the beer adds a special flavor that makes everyone ask for seconds. Serve it with some crusty bread, and you’ll be everyone’s best friend! 🍻
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: While I love using ground beef for its rich flavor, ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives if you’re looking for a leaner option. They may change the taste slightly, but they’ll still make a hearty chili!
Beer: A lager or ale works best in this recipe, but you can also use non-alcoholic beer or even beef broth if you prefer to avoid alcohol. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit different.
Beans: Kidney and black beans are classic for chili, but you can substitute them with pinto beans, chickpeas, or whatever beans you have on hand. Mixing different types adds variety to the texture!
Spices: If you’re sensitive to heat, skip the cayenne pepper. You can also experiment with other spices like chili flakes, paprika, or taco seasoning for a twist!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Ingredients?
Properly prepping your ingredients can make a difference! Start by chopping your onions and mincing garlic ahead of time. It saves you from scrambling during cooking.
- Dice onions into small, even pieces for consistent cooking.
- Mince garlic as finely as you can for the best flavor release.
- For ground meat, break it up into small chunks before adding to the pot to ensure even cooking.
Also, make sure to drain and rinse the canned beans! This removes excess sodium and prevents the chili from being too creamy.
Lastly, let the flavors meld by simmering. Longer cooking times enhance the taste, so if you can, let it simmer for up to an hour!
How to Make Beer Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1 (12-ounce) bottle/can of beer (lager or ale)
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro or parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious beer chili takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 to 60 minutes to cook, depending on how flavorful you want it to be. Just let it simmer, and you can relax while it develops those rich flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent, which usually takes around 4-5 minutes. This is where your chili starts to get that wonderful base flavor!
2. Add Garlic and Meat:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. It should start smelling amazing! Then, add your ground beef (or turkey/chicken) to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it off.
3. Introduce the Beer:
Pour in your beer to deglaze the pot, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes—the alcohol will cook off, leaving behind delicious flavor.
4. Add the Good Stuff:
Now it’s time to add the fun ingredients! Stir in the diced tomatoes (with all their juices), tomato paste, kidney beans, and black beans. Mix well.
5. Spice It Up:
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if you want heat), oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir so everything is nicely combined.
6. Simmer and Enjoy:
Bring your chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover it up and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. If you can, let it simmer for up to an hour for deeper flavors. Just stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Taste and Serve:
After simmering, taste your chili and adjust seasoning if needed! Serve hot in bowls with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh herbs.
8. Pair It Up:
This beer chili is fantastic on its own but pairs perfectly with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or even a side salad. Enjoy with a cold drink and good company!
This easy beer chili is packed with rich flavors that make it a cozy dish perfect for gatherings or casual nights at home. Cheers to a delicious meal!
Can I Use Any Type of Beer for This Chili?
Absolutely! While lagers and ales are great choices, feel free to experiment with other types like stouts for a richer flavor or wheat beers for a lighter touch. Just avoid overly hoppy beers as they can alter the taste of the chili.
How Do I Store Leftover Beer Chili?
Allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the ground meat with a plant-based alternative like lentils, finely chopped mushrooms, or a meat substitute. Use vegetable broth or non-alcoholic beer instead of regular beer to keep it vegan-friendly. Don’t forget to check your toppings to ensure they’re vegan, too!
How Do I Adjust the Spiciness of the Chili?
If you prefer a milder chili, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and start with smaller amounts of chili powder. You can always add more spice later! If you like it spicier, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce when you serve it.
