Slow Cooker Beer Beef Chili Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add an extra layer of flavor, consider sautéing a small amount of diced onion or garlic in a separate pan before adding them to the slow cooker. While the base recipe is delicious on its own, these aromatics can provide a nice texture and a deeper savory foundation. If you choose to do this, ensure the onions are softened but not browned before adding them to the cooker along with the beef.

If you prefer a spicier chili, you can stir in a small amount of hot sauce or diced jalapeños during the final hour of cooking. This allows the heat to infuse into the sauce without overpowering the other ingredients. Taste your chili before adding any extra spice, as the seasoning packet itself may already contain a significant amount of heat depending on the brand and variety you choose to use.

Variations

• Turkey Chili: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option. Follow the same cooking instructions, but keep a close watch as turkey may cook slightly faster than beef.
• Vegetarian Chili: Replace the ground beef with an equal amount of cooked lentils or extra beans. This provides a hearty, plant-based alternative that still maintains a thick and satisfying texture.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until it reaches 165°F (74°C). Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the chili has cooled completely for no more than two hours after cooking before placing it in the fridge to maintain safety and quality.

When reheating, ensure the chili reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) throughout. You can reheat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much during storage.

This chili is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator for 24 hours. You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the slow cooker until it is piping hot throughout. This makes it a perfect option for meal planning or hosting gatherings where you want to minimize last-minute work.

Serving ideas

Serve this chili in warm bowls to help maintain its temperature. You can accompany it with a variety of toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh chopped scallions.

These additions provide a creamy contrast to the robust, savory beef base. A side of warm cornbread or crusty bread is also an excellent pairing, perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce at the bottom of the bowl.

For a more substantial meal, consider serving the chili over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside a baked potato. The mild starch of the rice or potato balances the intensity of the beer-infused chili, making for a very satisfying dinner.

You can also use the leftover chili as a topping for hot dogs or nachos the next day, which is a great way to repurpose the dish and keep things interesting for subsequent meals.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Beer Beef Chili

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb ground beef
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 packet chili seasoning packet
• 12 oz amber beer

Instructions

1. Place the raw ground beef into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Add the kidney beans on top, followed by the chili seasoning packet, and pour the amber beer over everything to finish.
2. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low heat for 4 hours. Stir the mixture halfway through to ensure the seasoning is well incorporated throughout the beef and beans.
3. Once the cooking time is complete, check that the ground beef has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Allow the chili to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

25 g

Fat

22 g

Fiber

6 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.