Chorizo-Beer Chili
A hearty, spicy chili with chorizo, beef, beans, and smoky flavors, perfect for satisfying gatherings and chili lovers craving bold, comforting tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chorizo or Italian sausage, cut into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 3 lb. top round or stew meat, cut into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 to 4 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 28 oz. can tomatoes, cut up
- 12 oz. can beer ⓘ
- 2 (4 oz.) cans green chili peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans pinto or kidney beans ⓘ
- shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown sausage and beef in a large stew pot. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the meat and cook until onions are tender.
- Return the meat mixture to the pot if removed, then add tomatoes, beer, chopped green chili peppers, salt, and hot pepper sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 hours or until meat is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, topped with shredded Cheddar cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked chorizo. You can also substitute the beer with beef broth or a non-alcoholic beer if desired. If you want to add more heat, include diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with lentils and use vegetable broth. This chili pairs well with crusty bread or Mexican cornbread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded Cheddar cheese for a creamy finish. It pairs excellently with crusty bread or tortilla chips for scooping. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or Mexican recipes like Hot Enchiladas for a delightful flavor combination. A dollop of sour cream or avocado can add extra richness.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. Microwave heating is also effective; cover and heat in intervals until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chorizo-Beer Chili contains roughly 415 calories, with 16g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1220mg per serving (53% 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 use a different type of meat for this chili?
Yes, you can use any ground meat or cubed meat like beef, pork, or turkey. Each will change the flavor profile slightly. For a lighter option, try using ground turkey or chicken, which pairs well with the spices and enhances the overall taste.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, consider adding diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. If you enjoy a smoky flavor, adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce can also enhance the spice level and add depth to the dish.
What can I serve with Chorizo-Beer Chili?
Chorizo-Beer Chili is delicious on its own but also pairs beautifully with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh garden salad. For a festive touch, consider serving it with Mexican Breakfast Eggs or alongside some guacamole for a complete meal experience.
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).