🍺🥩🌶️ Guinness Beef Chili – Rich, Hearty & Boldly Flavorful Comfort in a Bowl!

🍺🥩🌶️ Guinness Beef Chili – Rich, Hearty & Boldly Flavorful Comfort in a Bowl!

When comfort food meets bold, pub-style flavor, you get this irresistible Guinness Beef Chili — a hearty, slow-simmered chili infused with the deep, malty richness of Ireland’s favorite stout. 🍺🇮🇪 Every spoonful is packed with tender beef, smoky spices, beans, and a touch of Guinness that adds complexity and depth you just can’t get any other way. The beer’s roasted notes blend beautifully with tomatoes, chili powder, and a touch of sweetness, creating a bowl that’s rich, balanced, and utterly satisfying. Perfect for cold nights, game days, or any time you crave a cozy, soul-warming meal — this chili is a true crowd-pleaser. Serve it with crusty bread, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of cheese, and you’ve got a meal worthy of a pub feast. 🍲

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Servings: 6 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Chili Base:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ lbs ground beef or use half ground chuck, half brisket for richness
1 large onion diced
1 red bell pepper chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 14.9 oz can Guinness beer (or other dark stout)
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
2 15 oz cans kidney or black beans, drained and rinsed
1 ½ tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar balances the stout bitterness

Optional Toppings:

Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Chopped green onions
Jalapeño slices
Fresh cilantro
Cornbread or crusty bread for serving

Equipment

Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
Wooden spoon or spatula
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle for serving

Method

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste & Spices

Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Toast the spices for 1 minute to enhance their flavor.

Step 4: Pour in the Guinness

Slowly pour in the Guinness beer, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to cook off some of the alcohol and develop flavor.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes & Beans

Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beans, and brown sugar. Stir to combine everything into a thick, hearty mixture.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor becomes.

💡 Pro Tip: For an even richer taste, let it cook for up to 2 hours on low heat — or transfer to a slow cooker on LOW for 6 hours.

Step 7: Taste & Adjust

Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning — add a pinch more salt, spice, or a splash of lime juice to brighten the flavors.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Freeze up to 3 months in sealed portions.

Reheat: Warm over medium heat on the stovetop or microwave until piping hot.

💡 Flavor Tip: Chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded!

🥄 Variations

Smoky Bacon Chili: Add 4 slices of crispy bacon to the pot before browning the beef.

Spicy Kick: Stir in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for smoky heat.

Irish Stew Twist: Use cubed chuck roast instead of ground beef for a stew-like chili.

Vegetarian Version: Skip beef and add lentils, mushrooms, and extra beans.

Beer-Free Option: Replace Guinness with beef broth and 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar.

Guinness & Chocolate: Add 1 square of dark chocolate or 1 tablespoon cocoa powder for deep, complex flavor.

Cheesy Bake: Top with cheese and bake for 10 minutes until bubbly and melty.

Slow Cooker Style: Brown the meat, then cook everything together on LOW for 6–8 hours.

Sweet Corn Addition: Add 1 cup of corn kernels for extra texture and sweetness.

BBQ Twist: Add a spoonful of BBQ sauce for smoky sweetness.

❓ 10 FAQs

Does the alcohol cook out of the chili?
Yes — most cooks off during simmering, leaving just rich flavor.

Can I use another beer?
Any dark stout or porter works well, but Guinness gives the signature depth.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Brown beef on sauté mode, then pressure cook on HIGH for 15 minutes, natural release for 10.

Can I use ground turkey instead?
Absolutely — it’ll be lighter but still flavorful.

Can I make it spicier?
Add cayenne, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce.

Why add brown sugar?
It balances the bitterness from the stout and tomatoes.

Can I skip the beans?
Sure! It’ll be more like a Texas-style chili.

Can I add vegetables?
Yes — corn, zucchini, or bell peppers work beautifully.

What’s the best way to serve it?
With a slice of warm cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips.

Can I make it ahead?
Definitely — it tastes even better the next day!

🏁 Conclusion

This Guinness Beef Chili is the ultimate cold-weather comfort dish — rich, hearty, and packed with deep, roasted flavors that only Guinness can bring. It’s meaty, spicy, slightly smoky, and downright irresistible with a cold pint or a hunk of bread.

Whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day, game night, or just a cozy evening at home, this chili hits every note of comfort and satisfaction. Sláinte to bold flavor and happy bellies! 🍺🥩🍲