Dinner

Beer Chili Recipe

ByMaya Arden February 8, 2026February 8, 2026

Introduction

This hearty beer chili combines rich flavors of dark beer, tender ground beef, and a blend of spices to create a comforting meal. Perfect for chilly evenings or game day, it’s a simple dish packed with robust taste and satisfying texture.

A white bowl filled with rich, dark red chili topped with shredded yellow cheese, chopped red onions, and bright green sliced jalapeños in the center, with crumbled crunchy chips scattered on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with scattered green sliced jalapeños on a white cutting board in the background, and golden, thick corn chips spread slightly around the bowl on a white paper towel in the front. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 to 2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
1 tablespoon organic brown sugar

Your choice of toppings (optional, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, diced red onions, sliced jalapeños, green onions)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring, until the meat is no longer pink and fully browned.

Step 3: Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, chipotle chili powder, crushed or diced tomatoes, and both types of beans.
Step 4: Pour in the beer and add the brown sugar. Stir everything together until combined.
Step 5: Cover the pot and let the chili simmer on low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours to let flavors meld.

Step 6: Serve the chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, diced red onions, sliced jalapeños, or green onions.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier chili, increase the amount of chipotle chili powder or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of chili.

Use a craft beer you enjoy drinking—its flavor will influence the final dish.
Add chopped bell peppers with the onions for extra texture and sweetness.

Storage

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