Smoky Beer Chili Recipe

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Recipe Intro From Heresyourbite

Warm up your evenings with this Smoky Beer Chili, a rich and hearty dish featuring ground beef, Italian sausage, and flavorful Red Gold Petite Diced Tomatoes. With a touch of cocoa powder and a bottle of beer, this chili packs a smoky punch from chipotle peppers and smoked paprika, making it the perfect comfort food for game days or chilly nights!

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  • Recipe Card
Prep time: 20mins
Cook time: 1hr 15mins
Serves or Makes: 6-8 servings

Recipe Card

ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
  • 2 jalapeños, diced (remove seeds for less spice), plus more for topping
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
  • 1/4 cup Red Gold Tomato Paste
  • 1 (12 ounce) bottle beer (lager or amber)
  • 2 (14.5 ounce) cans Red Gold Petite Diced Tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons diced chipotle peppers in adobo
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (or 1 small piece of dark chocolate)
  • 1 cup beef stock (omit for a thicker chili)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Sour cream, for topping
  • Avocado, for topping
  • Shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
  • Green onions, for topping
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Tortilla chips, for serving

Method

  • Step 1

    In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and starting to caramelize.

  • Step 2

    Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to toast the spices. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

  • Step 3

    Clear a center in the pot and add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 7-10 minutes.

  • Step 4

    Once the meat is browned, stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

  • Step 5

    Pour in the beer, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 2 minutes.

  • Step 6

    Add the Red Gold Petite Diced Tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, chipotle peppers, Worcestershire sauce, and cocoa powder. Pour in the beef broth (if using), followed by a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.

  • Step 7

    Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for at least 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes.

  • Step 8

    Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Just before serving, stir in the lime juice to brighten the flavors.

  • Step 9

    Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, jalapeños, green onions, lime juice, and tortilla chips. Enjoy!