Beef, Bean, and Beer Chili

Hot chili is a very underrated summer menu item. Bring a big ol' thermos of this to a picnic or other warm weather cookout, and it makes a great side to those grilled burgers and dogs. Just have some insulated cups around, and maybe some hot sauce, and you're in business. But no matter what season it is, I hope you give this beef, bean, and beer chili a try soon.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
• Calories: 649 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 onion, diced
• ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 cups water, or as needed
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 (12 ounce) bottle beer
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
• 3 tablespoons ground ancho chile powder
• ⅔ cup diced poblano pepper
• 2 (12 ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed well

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place a pot over high heat. Drizzle in vegetable oil. Add diced onion, ground beef, and salt. Break up meat with wooden spoon into small pieces as it browns. After meat browns and releases its juices, continue stirring until the released liquid evaporates, about 4 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-high. Add garlic, chile powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and cinnamon. Cook and stir until mixture begins to darken, 3 or 4 minutes.

Step 2

Stir in beer. Add cocoa powder, oregano, cayenne, water, and tomato puree; stir well. Bring to a simmer; adjust heat to medium-low. Simmer 30 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in diced green pepper and pinto beans. If mixture becomes too thick, add a bit more water. Simmer until peppers are tender and flavors have blended, about 30 more minutes.