Beer Can Chili

For me, Beer Can Chili is the ultimate comfort food—perfect for keeping warm during outdoor gatherings or for cozy nights in with family. But this recipe isn’t your average chili. The addition of beer is what really makes it stand out, adding a depth of flavor that brings everything together. And depending on which beer you use, you can completely change the vibe of the dish. A lighter beer like a pilsner will keep things refreshing, with a subtle flavor that lets the spices shine. Try a richer amber ale, and you’ll get a touch of sweetness that balances out the heat from the chili powder and poblano peppers. For those who love a bold, smoky flavor, a stout can transform this chili into something seriously robust and rich.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a hoppy IPA. The bitterness of an IPA can add a whole new dimension to the chili, giving it a slightly sharp edge that cuts through the richness of the beef and tomatoes. It’s great for those who love that signature IPA punch and want their chili to have a little more bite. Plus, the floral and citrusy notes of many IPAs can bring out the subtle sweetness in the peppers, creating a unique and balanced flavor.

What makes Beer Can Chili special is how it brings together tender chunks of beef stew meat, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a blend of spices that create a slow-cooked, hearty dish. The red bell pepper adds a little sweetness, while the poblano gives it a nice, earthy heat. The longer it simmers, the more those flavors meld, turning into a rich, savory base that’s perfect for dipping a slice of crusty bread or topping with a dollop of creamy sour cream. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel right at home.

While this chili is fantastic for a lazy Sunday at home, it’s also a great option for potlucks or tailgates. You can make it ahead of time and keep it warm in a slow cooker, or bring it in a thermos if you’re heading to a friend’s place. No matter where you serve it, you’ll always see people going back for seconds—or thirds!

And the best part? You can easily make it your own. If you like it extra spicy, add an extra pepper or two. Want a slightly smoother consistency? Swap out the fire-roasted tomatoes for more tomato sauce. Or, mix in some beans if you’re looking for a little more texture.

Beer Can Chili

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Tailgating season means you’re spending plenty of time outdoors in crisp weather. The best way to stay warm and toasty is to have a hearty, filling array of food for everyone to munch on. Cook ahead of time and bring in a thermos to keep it warm or bring along a slow cooker and keep it on the Warm setting.

• Author: Addie Gundry
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 6–8
• Category: Entrées

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 poblano pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 (12-ounce) can beer
• 1 (14-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Sour cream, for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over high heat. Working in batches, quickly brown the stew meat, transferring each batch to a bowl. Once all the meat is browned, set the bowl aside.
2. Add the bell pepper, poblano, and onion to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Return the meat to the pot, along with any juices from the bowl, and add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, beer, tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for at least 1 hour. The longer you cook the chili, the more tender the meat will be.
5. Ladle into bowls, top with sour cream, and serve.

If you’ve been searching for a new chili recipe that’s sure to impress, give this Beer Can Chili a shot. It’s bold, it’s hearty, and it’s just what you need for those cool-weather gatherings. Try it out, and let me know what beer you used or any tweaks you made to the recipe. I’d love to hear your variations and how you made it your own! Happy cooking, and I hope you enjoy every spoonful!