Beef, Bean, and Beer Chili

4.7
(209)
162 Reviews
43 Photos

Using beer in chili adds incredible flavor to an underrated summer menu item. Bring a big ol' thermos of this to a picnic or other warm-weather cookout, and it will make a great side to those grilled burgers and dogs. Just have some insulated cups around — and maybe some hot sauce — and you'll be in business. But no matter what season it is, I hope you give this beef, bean, and beer chili a try soon.

By
John Mitzewich
Chef John
John Mitzewich
John Mitzewich — aka Chef John — has produced more than 1,500 cooking videos for Allrecipes. He's the actor, director, and screenwriter whose hands and voice confidently walk you through techniques.
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Updated on December 8, 2023
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Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr 10 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 20 mins
Servings:
6
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef

  • 1 onion, diced

  • 2 teaspoons salt

  • 3 tablespoons ground ancho chile powder

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 (12 ounce) bottle beer

  • 2 cups water, or as needed

  • 1 cup tomato puree

  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder

  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano

  • ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

  • 2 (12 ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed well

  • ⅔ cup diced poblano pepper

Directions

  1. Place a large pot over high heat; drizzle in oil. Cook and stir ground beef, onion, and salt in hot oil until beef is crumbly and browned and any released liquid evaporates, about 4 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-high. Add chile powder, garlic, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and cinnamon. Cook and stir until mixture begins to darken, 3 to 4 minutes.

  2. Pour in beer. Add water, tomato purée, cocoa powder, oregano, and cayenne; stir well. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 30 minutes.

  3. Stir in beans and poblano pepper. Simmer until peppers are tender and flavors have blended, about 30 minutes; add more water if chili becomes too thick.

    close up view of Beef, Bean, and Beer Chili garnished with sour cream and fresh herbs in a white bowl
    Chef John

Chef's Note

I used ancho chile powder, but any high-quality ground chile pepper will work.

I used poblano pepper, but a combination of jalapeño and green bell pepper also works great.

484 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

649 Calories
44g Fat
27g Carbs
33g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 649
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 44g 56%
Saturated Fat 17g 85%
Cholesterol 129mg 43%
Sodium 1388mg 60%
Total Carbohydrate 27g 10%
Dietary Fiber 7g 26%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 33g 65%
Vitamin C 19mg 21%
Calcium 96mg 7%
Iron 6mg 34%
Potassium 928mg 20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.