Brrr, you guys, there’s just something about a chilly evening that screams for comfort food, am I right? Especially when the wind’s howling and all you want is something to warm you from the inside out. That’s where my *Guinness Beer Chili* comes in! It’s the ultimate cozy meal, and trust me, the secret ingredient—a whole bottle of Guinness—takes this chili to a whole new level of flavor. We’re talking rich, deep, complex flavors that’ll have everyone begging for the recipe. And don’t worry, it’s seriously easy to make, even on a weeknight.
I’ll never forget the first time I tried chili with beer. It was at a friend’s house during a Super Bowl party years ago. The aroma alone—that mix of savory beef, spicy chiles, and, oh my goodness, that malty beer—was intoxicating. And the taste? Wow! The warmth spread through me like a hug. I knew right then and there I’d be making it myself, and now, years later, I’m so excited to share my go-to recipe with you!
Why You’ll Love This *Guinness Beer Chili*
Okay, friends, let me tell you why this *Guinness Beer Chili* is going to be your new go-to. Seriously, prepare to be obsessed!
- It’s ridiculously easy. Seriously, even if you’re a kitchen newbie, you can totally nail this!
- The flavor is out of this world! That Guinness beer just adds a depth and richness you won’t believe.
- Perfect for game days, potlucks, or any get-together. It’s a crowd-pleaser!
- It’s budget-friendly – simple ingredients, big flavor.
- You can customize it! Add extra veggies, spice, whatever your heart desires.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best *Guinness Beer Chili*
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You won’t believe how simple this is. You probably have most of these in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need to make my amazing *Guinness Beer Chili*:
- 1 pound of ground beef (I usually go with 80/20, but hey, whatever floats your boat!)
- 1 large onion, chopped (Get ready for some happy tears!)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced (Fresh garlic is the BEST, trust me.)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (Adds a nice touch of sweetness.)
- 1 (15-ounce) can of kidney beans, rinsed and drained (Or two! I love extra beans!)
- 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, rinsed and drained (Give your chili some color!)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained (Keep all that yummy tomato juice!)
- 1 (12-ounce) bottle of Guinness beer (The star of the show!)
- 2 tablespoons of chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon of cumin (Adds a little warmth and depth.)
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika (For a smoky, cozy vibe.)
- Salt and pepper to taste (Season, season, season!)
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make *Guinness Beer Chili* at Home
Okay, now for the fun part: making the chili! Don’t you worry, it’s easier than you think, and I’ll walk you through every single step. Just grab your favorite pot—I like a big, heavy-bottomed one to prevent sticking—and let’s get cooking!
Browning the Beef and Sautéing the Aromatics
First things first, get that ground beef into your pot over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want it nice and browned, with *some* yummy bits stuck to the bottom (that’s flavor!). Then, drain off any excess grease. Trust me, you don’t want a greasy chili! Next, toss in your chopped onion, garlic and bell pepper and cook until they soften up, about 5 minutes. Stir it constantly, and make sure that garlic doesn’t burn because then it’ll taste bitter!
Adding the Remaining Ingredients and Simmering for Flavor
Alright, time for the magic! Add in those kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (juice and all!), and, of course, the star of the show: the Guinness beer. Stir in your chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Now comes the hard part: waiting! Bring the whole thing to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or even longer, uncovered if you have time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together. You’ll thank yourself later, I promise!
Tips for Success: Perfecting Your *Guinness Beer Chili*
Okay, friends, let’s talk about some little tricks to take your *Guinness Beer Chili* from “good” to absolutely AMAZING! These are the things I’ve learned over the years that really make a difference.
First off, don’t rush the browning of the ground beef. Really let it get nice and brown, and don’t be afraid to leave some of those yummy browned bits at the bottom of the pot. That’s where a lot of the flavor is hiding! Also, when it comes to spice, taste as you go! Start with the amount of chili powder, cumin and smoked paprika the recipe calls for, then add more to adjust it to how spicy you like it. I like mine with a good kick, so I usually sneak in a pinch of cayenne pepper too.
And finally, about the consistency: if your chili is too thick, just add a little more water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to let some of the liquid evaporate. You’ll want it nice and thick so it can stay on those toppings!
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your *Guinness Beer Chili*
Okay, let’s talk toppings! Because a plain bowl of chili is just… well, it’s missing something, you know? My go-to is always a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a healthier kick!), and some chopped fresh onions. But seriously, go wild!
You can also serve this chili with some fluffy cornbread. Or how about some tortilla chips for dipping? Yum!
Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips for *Guinness Beer Chili*
You know what’s even better than a big pot of *Guinness Beer Chili*? Having a big pot ready to go when you need it! Seriously, this chili is perfect for making ahead of time, and it actually tastes even better the next day because all those flavors have a chance to mingle.
If you’re making it ahead, just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it! Let the chili cool, then pop it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It’ll last in the freezer for about 2-3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to eat it and reheat it gently on the stovetop. Easy peasy!
Variations on the Classic *Guinness Beer Chili* Recipe
Okay, friends, let’s get creative! While my classic recipe is pretty darn perfect, sometimes you just want to shake things up a bit, yeah? The beauty of this *Guinness Beer Chili* is that it’s super adaptable. Feel free to play around and make it your own!
Want more beans? Go for it! Pinto beans or even some white beans would be awesome. Veggie lovers, throw in some chopped carrots, celery, or even some corn for extra flavor and texture. Feel like swapping the beef for something else? Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully. You could even try it with some chunks of brisket or pulled pork! Spice-wise, red pepper flakes or a jalapeño add a fun kick. The possibilities are endless, so get in there and experiment, and make it YOURS!
Estimated Nutritional Information for *Guinness Beer Chili*
Alright, folks, just a quick heads-up: the nutritional info below is just an estimated guide. Calorie counts can vary based on some of the ingredients you use, you know? But this will give you a good ballpark figure!
(per serving, approximately)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Frequently Asked Questions About *Guinness Beer Chili*
I know, I know—you’ve probably got questions! Here are some of the most common ones I get about my *Guinness Beer Chili*: Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Can I really taste the Guinness in this chili?
Absolutely! The Guinness adds a deep, malty, and slightly bitter flavor that balances the richness of the beef and the spices. It’s what gives this chili its unique, crave-worthy taste. Trust me, it does not taste like regular chili!
What kind of Guinness should I use?
Just a regular bottle or can of Guinness Draught is perfect! No need to get fancy; the classic version is all you need to create that magic.
Can I make this chili without beer?
Well, sure, you *can*… but you’d be missing out on the whole *Guinness Beer Chili* experience! If you absolutely *must*, substitute the beer with an equal amount of beef broth or water with a splash of apple cider vinegar for a bit of that tang; however, it won’t have the same depth of flavor.
How spicy is this chili?
My recipe is pretty mild, but you can definitely adjust the heat to your liking! The recipe calls for chili powder, so that is the starting point. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, some chopped jalapeños, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Or, buy a spicier chili powder!
Frosted Eggnog Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft sugar cookies with eggnog flavor, topped with a sweet frosting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- For the frosting: 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup eggnog, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the eggnog.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting: Whisk together the powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Frost the cooled cookies.
Notes
- You can add a sprinkle of nutmeg on top of the frosting for extra flavor and decoration.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: sugar cookies, eggnog, frosted cookies, Christmas cookies, holiday baking