This hearty chili is loaded with bold flavors, tender ground beef, kidney beans, spicy jalapeños, and a rich tomato base—made extra special with the addition of dark beer. Topped with cheese and sour cream, it’s a comforting bowl that’s perfect for game day, chilly nights, or anytime you crave a cozy classic.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds ground beef

• 1 large yellow or white onion, chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tablespoons chili powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• ½ teaspoon Tabasco sauce

• 2 (15.5 oz) cans kidney beans, undrained

• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

• 1 (4 oz) can chopped jalapeños, undrained

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 cup dark beer (like Modelo Negro or Newcastle Brown Ale)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese mix

• ½ cup sour cream

Directions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 7 minutes, breaking it into crumbles.

2. Add the onion, garlic, chili powder, salt, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, and Tabasco. Cook for another 5 minutes until the onion is translucent.

3. Transfer the mixture to a large pot. Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, jalapeños, sugar, and beer.

4. Bring to a boil, stirring regularly.

5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Ladle into bowls and top with sour cream and shredded cheese.

Nutrients (Per Serving – approx. 4–6 servings)

• Calories: 841 kcal

• Protein: ~45g

• Fat: ~45g

• Saturated Fat: ~18g

• Carbohydrates: ~45g

• Sugar: ~8g

• Fiber: ~10g

• Sodium: ~900mg

• Iron: ~6mg

• Calcium: ~200mg

The Deep Flavor Power of Dark Beer

The inclusion of dark beer in this chili recipe isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a technique that brings the dish to life. Dark beers such as Modelo Negro, Newcastle Brown Ale, or even a rich stout offer notes of caramel, coffee, and roasted malt that deepen the chili’s overall flavor. As the beer simmers with the beef and spices, the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind an earthy complexity that intensifies the meatiness of the dish.

This layered flavor makes the chili taste like it’s been simmering for hours, even though it comes together relatively quickly. Beer also acts as a tenderizer for the beef and a natural balancer for the acidity in the tomatoes and the heat from the chili powder and jalapeños. It’s a small addition that yields a big payoff in flavor.

A Symphony of Spice and Texture

This chili isn’t just about heat—it’s about balance. While it includes spicy elements like cayenne pepper, chili powder, and jalapeños, the heat level can be easily adjusted to suit your taste. The combination of dried spices adds depth and warmth without overpowering the dish, while the undrained jalapeños provide both heat and a tangy kick that brightens the tomato base.

The texture is equally important. The ground beef is browned to develop flavor and structure, while the kidney beans add heartiness and a creamy bite that soaks up the spices beautifully. The tomatoes—both diced and in paste form—help build a thick, saucy foundation that binds the ingredients together. Every spoonful delivers tender beef, robust beans, and a bold, velvety sauce that clings to each component.

Perfect for Game Day and Gatherings

Chili has long been a staple at tailgates, Super Bowl parties, and casual get-togethers for good reason. It’s easy to make in large batches, can be kept warm in a slow cooker or Dutch oven, and pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings and sides. This beer chili is especially well-suited for gatherings because it offers crowd-pleasing flavors and is substantial enough to stand on its own as a complete meal.

Offer it buffet-style with toppings like diced onions, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, sour cream, and hot sauce, and let your guests customize their bowls. Serve it with cornbread muffins, tortilla chips, or crusty bread to round out the spread. And don’t forget—since there’s beer in the chili, a cold beer on the side is the perfect companion.

Easy to Make and Adaptable

Despite its robust flavor, this chili is surprisingly easy to prepare. It starts with browning ground beef and sautéing aromatics like onion and garlic. Once the spices are bloomed in the hot pan, everything goes into one big pot to simmer together until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens.

It’s a straightforward process that rewards patience—just 30 minutes of simmering brings out the complexity of the ingredients, especially the beer and spices. Even better, chili is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep.

You can also adapt the recipe to fit your preferences. Prefer it vegetarian? Substitute the beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Want more vegetables? Add bell peppers, corn, or diced zucchini. Not a fan of too much spice? Scale back the jalapeños and cayenne and let your guests add heat at the table.

Nutrition and Satisfaction in Every Bowl

While this chili is hearty and indulgent, it also provides a well-balanced nutritional profile. With around 45 grams of protein per serving, it’s a filling main course that supports muscle repair and energy. The beans provide fiber, which supports digestion and helps maintain fullness, while the tomatoes contribute vitamins like A and C and antioxidants like lycopene.

Of course, chili can be rich, especially with added cheese and sour cream, but it’s easy to moderate portions or lighten it up by using reduced-fat dairy toppings, leaner ground meat, or smaller servings served with fresh sides like salad or roasted vegetables.

For a lower-carb version, omit the beans and serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. For a dairy-free option, skip the cheese and sour cream and add avocado or a spoonful of cashew cream for richness.

Toppings That Elevate Every Bite

One of the joys of chili is how customizable it is. A dollop of sour cream adds tang and coolness that tempers the spice. Shredded cheese melts into the hot chili, adding richness and a slight pull with each spoonful. Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions bring a burst of color and freshness that lighten the bold base.

Crumbled tortilla chips or cornbread crumbs add texture, while hot sauces offer an extra layer of personalization. Some people even top their chili with chopped pickles or a drizzle of crema for a unique twist.

The options are endless, and encouraging guests or family members to create their own perfect bowl adds a fun and interactive element to mealtime.

Conclusion

This hearty chili recipe is a celebration of bold flavors, comfort, and creativity. With its perfectly seasoned ground beef, robust kidney beans, spicy jalapeños, and the rich depth of dark beer, it transforms a classic dish into something even more satisfying and memorable. Whether you’re ladling it into bowls for a crowd or savoring it quietly on a chilly night, this chili promises warmth, flavor, and a sense of home.

Its versatility, ease of preparation, and crowd-pleasing nature make it a recipe worth keeping in regular rotation. Once you’ve tried chili made with beer, you may never go back—because this version delivers everything you love about traditional chili, plus a depth and richness that truly sets it apart.

So, grab a big pot, crack open a bottle of dark beer, and get ready to make a chili that’s guaranteed to impress. One spoonful is all it takes to understand why this bold, cozy dish is a timeless favorite that only gets better with every bite.