If you’re craving a bold, hearty, and flavor-packed chili, this Boilermaker Chili is exactly what you need! Packed with tender beef, smoky spices, and just the right amount of heat, this chili is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re gearing up for game day, hosting a cozy family dinner, or just need a comforting meal on a chilly night, this recipe has got you covered.
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It’s rich, thick, and slow-simmered to perfection—trust me, the flavors get even better with time. Plus, it’s easy to customize to your spice preference. So grab your biggest pot and get ready to make the best chili you’ve ever had!
Why You’ll Love Boilermaker Chili
- Rich & Hearty: Packed with beef, beans, and bold spices for the ultimate comfort food.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day!
- Feeds a Crowd: Great for parties, tailgating, or family dinners.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your liking.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot for easy cleanup!
Ingredients in Boilermaker Chili
This chili is loaded with deep, rich flavors. Here’s what makes it so good:
- Ground Beef & Italian Sausage: A combination that adds incredible depth and richness.
- Onion & Garlic: Essential for a flavorful base.
- Bell Peppers: Adds color, sweetness, and texture.
- Diced Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce: Creates a thick, hearty base.
- Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor.
- Beef Broth: Adds richness and helps blend the flavors.
- Kidney & Pinto Beans: Classic chili beans that bring heartiness and texture.
- Chili Powder & Cumin: The ultimate spice duo for smoky, earthy heat.
- Paprika & Oregano: Adds depth and a touch of sweetness.
- Cayenne Pepper & Crushed Red Pepper: For an extra kick of heat.
- Brown Sugar: Balances out the spice with a hint of sweetness.
- Salt & Pepper: Enhances all the flavors.
- Beer (Optional): A secret ingredient that adds incredible depth to the chili.
(Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below!)
Instructions
Let’s break it down step by step:
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Add the Tomatoes & Beans: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beans.
- Season to Perfection: Mix in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in the Liquid: Add the beef broth (and beer, if using). Stir everything together.
- Simmer Low & Slow: Let the chili simmer on low heat for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor!
- Adjust & Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
How to Serve Boilermaker Chili
This chili is perfect on its own, but here are some great ways to serve it:
- With Cornbread: A classic side that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Topped with Cheese & Sour Cream: Shredded cheddar, sour cream, and green onions take it to the next level.
- Over Rice or Pasta: Turns it into an even heartier meal.
- With Tortilla Chips: Perfect for scooping and dipping.
- Inside a Bread Bowl: A fun and delicious way to enjoy chili!
Additional Tips
- Let It Simmer: The longer it cooks, the better it tastes!
- Make It Spicier: Add extra cayenne or diced jalapeños.
- Thicken It Up: Simmer longer or mash some of the beans for a thicker consistency.
- Make It Ahead: Chili always tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Freeze for Later: This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of meat?
A1: Yes! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even chopped brisket for a twist.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Q3: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A3: Absolutely! Brown the meat first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Q4: Can I make it vegetarian?
A4: Yes! Swap the meat for extra beans, lentils, or plant-based ground meat.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat chili?
A5: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in short intervals.
Q6: Can I add more vegetables?
A6: Of course! Corn, zucchini, or mushrooms would be great additions.
Q7: What’s the purpose of beer in chili?
A7: Beer adds depth and enhances the chili’s flavor. If you prefer, you can replace it with extra beef broth.
Q8: How can I make it less spicy?
A8: Reduce or omit the cayenne and crushed red pepper. You can also add more brown sugar to balance the heat.
Q9: Can I double this recipe?
A9: Yes! This chili scales up easily—just use a bigger pot.
Q10: What are the best toppings for chili?
A10: Shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, avocado, and crushed tortilla chips are all great choices.
Final Thoughts
This Boilermaker Chili is bold, hearty, and packed with deep, smoky flavors that only get better with time. Whether you’re making it for game day, meal prep, or just because you’re craving something cozy, this chili won’t disappoint.
Print
Boilermaker Chili
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Boilermaker Chili is packed with bold flavors from ground beef, Italian sausage, chili beans, tomatoes, and a rich blend of spices. Slow-simmered to perfection, this hearty and comforting chili is perfect for game day or a cozy night in!
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado, olive, or vegetable oil)
- 1 cup chopped celery (about 2 large stalks)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 large onion)
- 1 cup chopped green bell pepper (about 1 large pepper, seeds removed)
- 1 cup chopped red bell pepper (about 1 large pepper, seeds removed)
- 2–3 tablespoons chopped serrano pepper (about 2 peppers, seeds removed)
- 1/4 cup chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic (about 2 large cloves)
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
- 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
- 3 (15-ounce) cans chili beans, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can chili beans in spicy sauce (do not drain)
- 2 (28-ounce) cans diced tomatoes (do not drain)
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (about 4 thick-cut slices)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 4 cubes beef bouillon or 4 teaspoons beef bouillon paste
- 1 cup beer of choice (dark stout preferred)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
Serving Suggestions (Optional):
- Crushed or whole corn chips
- Minced red onions
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
- Cornbread
Instructions
- Heat oil: In a large stock pot over medium-high heat, add the oil and heat until shimmery.
- Sauté vegetables: Add celery, onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and serrano pepper. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and onions are translucent.
- Prepare spice blend: In a small bowl, mix chili powder, Italian seasoning, cumin, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir the spice mix into the sautéed vegetables until fully incorporated.
- Brown the meat: Add minced garlic, ground beef, and Italian sausage to the pot. Cook, stirring often, until the meat is browned and crumbled.
- Add liquids and beans: Pour in the chili beans, chili beans in spicy sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
- Enhance flavor: Add crumbled bacon, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, beef bouillon, beer, sugar, and salt. Stir well.
- Simmer: Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer the chili for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, chili powder, sugar, or hot sauce as needed.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with your favorite toppings and sides!
Notes
- Use a dark stout beer for deeper flavor, or substitute with beef broth if preferred.
- Letting the chili rest for a few hours (or overnight) enhances the flavor.
- For extra heat, add more cayenne or use spicier sausage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 32g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg