Bunk House Chili
Hearty Bunk House Chili combines tender beef cubes, smoky spices, and beans for a filling, flavorful dish perfect for casual gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the beef cubes in oil in a large pot and drain excess fat.
- Add chopped green pepper, chopped onion, diced celery, and finely chopped garlic to the pot. Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in tomatoes, beer, barbecue sauce, black pepper, chili powder, oregano, and salt. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover and let simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Add the canned beans to the chili and continue to simmer for an additional 45 minutes.
- If the chili is too thin, stir in a can of tomato paste to thicken before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute the beef cubes with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you want to enhance the spice level, add a chopped jalapeño. To save time, you can use canned diced tomatoes with green chilies instead of plain tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Bunk House Chili with warm cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for extra flavor. It also pairs beautifully with Zucchini Stroganoff for a comforting spread. Enjoy with tortilla chips on the side for a crunchy contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bunk House Chili contains roughly 1791 calories, with 11g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 169g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (67% of the Daily Value), iron (51% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2006mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili in advance?
Yes, Bunk House Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
What can I use instead of beer?
If you prefer not to use beer, you can substitute it with beef broth or a non-alcoholic beer. This will still provide depth to the flavor without the alcohol.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. For a milder chili, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit any hot peppers.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).