Rick'S Best Beer Chili
Rick's Best Beer Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender meats, aromatic spices, and beer for a smoky, satisfying chili perfect for gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. pork, cut into bite size pieces ⓘ
- 2 lb. beef stew meat ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1 (46 oz.) can tomato juice ⓘ
- 2 (12 oz.) bottles Budweiser beer
- 1/2 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown all meat and drain well.
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
- Cover and simmer for 2 hours or until meat is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce. If you don’t have Budweiser, any light lager will work as a substitute. For a healthier twist, you can swap out half the beef for ground turkey or chicken. Don't forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed; the chili powder can vary in heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with cornbread or over rice for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with Mary Jo'S Chili for a fun chili cook-off or gathering. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for added flavor. Consider serving with tortilla chips for a crunchy side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rick'S Best Beer Chili contains roughly 1443 calories, with 46g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 91g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), protein (93% of the Daily Value), and calcium (92% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1666mg per serving (72% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the meat with a mix of beans like black beans, kidney beans, and lentils. You can also add extra vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms to enhance the texture and flavor.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To add more heat, try incorporating diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the mix. You can also use a spicier chili powder or add red pepper flakes to your taste. Just be cautious and adjust gradually to avoid overpowering the dish.
What can I use instead of tomato juice?
If you don't have tomato juice, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce as a substitute. For a different flavor profile, try using vegetable broth mixed with diced tomatoes. This will still provide a rich base for the chili.
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).