Sam Adams Chili
Sam Adams Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender meats, fresh peppers, and robust spices, enhanced by the unique taste of Sam Adams wheat beer. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights, it offers a rich, savory experience with a hint of beer aroma, appealing to chili lovers and beer enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. sirloin ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. center cut pork chops ⓘ
- 1 lb. chicken breasts ⓘ
- 2 green peppers ⓘ
- 4 hot peppers ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 4 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. fresh oregano ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- olive oil ⓘ
- 1 gal. tomato juice
- 2 pkg. El Paso chili mix ⓘ
- 1 can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 bottle Sam Adams wheat beer ⓘ
- 2 cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
Instructions
- Using a meat grinder on coarse, grind the sirloin, center cut pork chops, chicken breasts, green peppers, hot peppers, garlic, and onion.
- Add olive oil to the bottom of a 5-quart Dutch oven.
- Brown the ground meats and vegetables; pour off excess fat.
- Add tomato juice, tomato paste, chili mix, kidney beans, Sam Adams wheat beer, chili powder, oregano, basil, and bay leaf to the Dutch oven.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir occasionally, then cover the pot.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
- Let cool to room temperature, then reheat before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a spoonful of brown sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the meats with textured vegetable protein and increase the beans. Adjust the heat level by selecting milder or spicier peppers based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sam Adams Chili with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad, like Chicken-Avocado Salad, for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the chili on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covered, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sam Adams Chili contains roughly 1227 calories, with 56g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (169% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (146% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (127% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 610mg per serving (27% 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 different types of meat for this chili?
Yes, you can definitely experiment with other meats, such as ground turkey or beef. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may require varying browning and simmering times.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, consider adding more hot peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also incorporate some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to enhance the spiciness to your liking.
Can I prepare this chili in advance?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to reheat thoroughly before serving.
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).