Ring Of Fire Chili
A hearty, spicy chili packed with ground beef, rich flavors, and a smoky kick, perfect for gatherings and those craving bold, comforting comfort food.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 2 c. coarsely chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 c. oil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 4 beef bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 3 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 1/2 (12 oz.) can beer ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground chuck in a large skillet, stirring until crumbly; drain excess fat.
- Saute onions and garlic in oil in the skillet for 10 minutes.
- Add oregano, chili powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, tomato paste, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Dissolve bouillon cubes in water and add to the skillet along with beer.
- Add the cooked ground chuck to the skillet and mix well.
- Simmer, covered, for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Add beans to the chili.
- Simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
- Chill overnight if desired, then reheat before serving.
- Serve with plenty of bread and beer.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats like beef and pork. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the red pepper flakes or use a milder chili powder. You can substitute the beer with beef broth or a non-alcoholic beer. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten the dish when added just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili in bowls topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with plenty of bread and beer, making it a great comfort food choice for gatherings. Consider serving alongside steamed vegetables or a refreshing pasta salad plus for a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ring Of Fire Chili contains roughly 1824 calories, with 19g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 167g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (204% of the Daily Value), calcium (42% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1402mg per serving (61% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making the chili a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply prepare the chili, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving, and you may find the taste even better the next day!
Can I add beans to the chili?
Yes, adding beans is a great idea! You can incorporate kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans for added texture and protein. Just add them towards the end of the cooking time to ensure they are heated through without becoming mushy.
What type of beer should I use for this recipe?
A lager or a pale ale works best for this chili, as it complements the spices without overpowering them. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite beer styles. Just avoid overly hoppy beers, which can change the flavor profile significantly.
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).