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boilermaker chili

🍲 Boilermaker Chili Recipe

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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: 560
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 lb bulk Italian sausage
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cans 28 oz each diced tomatoes
  • 1 can 6 oz tomato paste
  • 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 can 12 oz beer (lager or amber works best)
  • 2 cans 15 oz each kidney beans, drained & rinsed
  • 2 cans 15 oz each pinto beans, drained & rinsed
  • 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained & rinsed
  • 2 jalapeño peppers seeded & minced (optional for heat)
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp oregano
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp paprika smoked if possible
  • 2 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp salt more to taste
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Toppings: shredded cheddar sour cream, green onions, tortilla chips

Method
 

Brown the Meats:
  1. In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef and sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add Aromatics:
  1. Stir in onion, bell peppers, celery, and garlic. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
Season & Deglaze:
  1. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, oregano, brown sugar, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to coat the meat and veggies. Pour in the beer to deglaze, scraping the bottom of the pot.
Build the Base:
  1. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and jalapeños. Mix well.
Simmer:
  1. Stir in beans and bay leaf. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for at least 90 minutes (up to 2 hours), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste & Adjust:
  1. Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cayenne to taste.
Serve:
  1. Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or tortilla chips.

Notes

Make Ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Beer Choice: Amber ales or lagers balance the spice well, but a stout will give it a richer depth.
Spice Control: Adjust cayenne and jalapeños depending on your heat preference.
Thicker Chili: Let it simmer uncovered the last 30 minutes to reduce.
Freezer-Friendly: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.