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
Units
Scale
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)
- 2โ3 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.
- Sautรฉ 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 sautรฉed 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