Jamie Deen's Award-Winning Chili Recipe with Beer (2024)

This post probably contains affiliate links. You can read the details about what that means here.

Rachael recently attended a huge church teen event that had a Chili Cook-Off, and she informed me that not only did I need to make chili more often, but I needed to try making different kinds of chili.

Fair enough. I’d been making the same type of chili for at least five years now, so it was time to try something new.

I discovered that Jamie Deen (one of Paula Deen’s sons, of course) has a very popular award-winning chili recipe.

And his cookbook Jamie Deen’s Good Food: Cooking Up a Storm with Delicious, Family-Friendly Recipes, has some really great reviews on Amazon, including ones calling it “normal food for normal families” and “delicious and didn’t have me searching all over town for obscure and expensive ingredients!”

Jamie Deen's Award-Winning Chili Recipe with Beer (1)Jamie Deen’s Good Food: Cooking Up a Storm with Delicious, Family-Friendly RecipesJamie Deen's Award-Winning Chili Recipe with Beer (2)Jamie Deen's Award-Winning Chili Recipe with Beer (3)Y’all Come EatJamie Deen's Award-Winning Chili Recipe with Beer (4)Jamie Deen's Award-Winning Chili Recipe with Beer (5)The Deen Bros. Take It Easy: Quick and Affordable Meals the Whole Family Will Love: A CookbookJamie Deen's Award-Winning Chili Recipe with Beer (6)

Need to Freeze Your Chili?

One of the great things about chili is that you can make extra (and this recipe makes a lot!) and freeze some or all of in portion sizes for future meals.

One of the things I like to do is wake up one morning about a month later, dump the frozen leftovers into the crockpot, and turn it on low. Pretty easy way to make dinner, huh?

The only problem is that packing up and storing those leftovers can be kind of a pain.

Big Tupperware-like containers take up too much space in the freezer (and I’ve even had some containers crack from the cold temperature).

Freezer bags work better, but getting the chili into the bag is usually a two-person job that ultimately makes a mess no matter how I do it.

That’s why I was excited to find these really cool plastic racks for filling storage bags.

No-Spills Adjustable Baggy Rack Stands

Jamie Deen's Award-Winning Chili Recipe with Beer (7)No-Spills Adjustable Baggy Rack StandsJamie Deen's Award-Winning Chili Recipe with Beer (8)

It makes the job much easier — and a whole lot less messy! You fasten the freezer bag under the clips, which makes the bag “stand up” and stay open so you can easily pour your chili in.

If you give these a try, be sure to check out this advice from Amazon reviewer LV:

For those of you that reviewed about it not being strong enough to hold a sandwich baggy. I had this problem in the beginning. Then it dawned on me!! The base between the arms is to HOLD the contents.

Place your baggy and adjust the clips low enough to where the bottom generously covers the base.

Now when filling, the cups and arms hold the baggy up and the base holds the weight. Just like in the seller’s picture. Should have looked earlier!! Genius!!

One extra bonus — if you like to clean and re-use your baggies, it also doubles as a drying rack!

CLICK HERE to see a video demonstration of how these cool baggie racks work.

What Does Adding Beer to Chili Do?

Jamie Deen's Award-Winning Chili Recipe with Beer (9)

The idea of using beer in a chili recipe was intriguing to me: not only did it sound like something that would be tasty, but it also struck me as something that “cool people do.”

But other than sounding cool (“Hey, there’s beer in this chili!”), what does the beer actually do?

According to this forum, beer is used in cooking for the same reason that wine usually is.

When you’re making a pot of chili, you’re doing what’s called a “reduction” (thickening and intensifying the flavor of a liquid mixture).

You already have plenty of water from the cans of tomatoes, so adding more water would be … well, kind of boring.

The beer adds a “malty” flavor, and its sugars that give the chili a deeper flavor.

So what kind of beer should you add?

Basically, whichever kind you like!

I use Sam Adams Boston Lager, because that’s what Rob drinks and we typically have it in the house.

I’ve also heard Dos Equis recommended as a good “chili beer.”

The more flavor your beer has, the more it will impact the flavor of your chili.

Jamie Deen's Award-Winning Chili Recipe with Beer (10)

What Gives Chili the Best Flavor?

Jamie Deen's Award-Winning Chili Recipe with Beer (11)

My family always jokes about how when you find a recipe online, the comments will say something like:, “This is a great recipe! Instead of butter, I used coconut oil. Also, I cut the amount of sugar by half, used cloves instead of nutmeg, doubled the amount of cinnamon, and added some ginger. We all loved it.”

If you’re the kind of person who likes to experiment with recipes, here are things you might want to try adding to your next batch of chili:

  • Cinnamon (I’ve done this and love it, but other family members do not)
  • Cocoa Powder
  • Molasses
  • Soy Sauce
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Mangoes (yes please)
  • Sriracha (no thank you)
  • Honey (ooh boy, would my family hate that)
  • Olives
  • Barbecue Sauce

Also, I bet it would be interesting to substitute coffee for the beer, although I have not tried it.

If you do, let us know how it came out in the comments!

We topped our chili with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and Fritos. Rebecca made mini corn muffins on the side.

Jamie Deen's Award-Winning Chili Recipe with Beer (12)

We also like to make rice to go with our chili.

For one thing, my oldest daughter Rachael loves rice and will eat an entire bowl by itself and call it a meal.

Plus I like the fact that it’s an inexpensive way to make stretch the chili out and make it last longer.

I use the Aroma 8-cup rice cooker.

Jamie Deen's Award-Winning Chili Recipe with Beer (13)Aroma Rice Cooker With Delay TimerJamie Deen's Award-Winning Chili Recipe with Beer (14)

One thing that’s nice about the rice cooker is that it has a delay timer, so you can set up your rice, and then begin making the chili and forget all about the rice, knowing it will ready when you need it.

Almost everyone in my family agreed that this was better than my usual chili.

The one exception was my middle daughter, Rebecca. However, Rebecca dislikes sausage (for some crazy reason), so that could be why she didn’t care for it as much.

If you have someone in your home who isn’t a sausage fan, I’m sure you could just substitute more ground beef, or even ground turkey, if you wanted to.

Jamie Deen's Award-Winning Chili Recipe with Beer (15)

Jamie Deen's Award-Winning Chili Recipe

Yield: 6 tp 8 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large red onion, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 8 ounces Italian sausage, casing removed
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 4-ounce can tomato paste
  • 12-ounce bottle beer
  • 42 ounces of canned diced tomatoes
  • 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 15-ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • Sour cream, cheddar cheese, olives, tortilla chips, and other optional toppings

Instructions

  1. Add the olive oil to a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Once hot, add the onions and peppers and saute until soft, about 4 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic and saute until just fragrant.
  4. Stir in the beef and sausage, breaking it up with the back of a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, about 6 minutes.
  5. Drain the beef mixture through a colander. Add it back to the Dutch oven and stir in the chili powder, cumin and oregano. Cook for about 2 minutes.
  6. Stir the tomato paste into the beef mixture; this will “toast” it and give the chili more flavor.
  7. Add the beer and stir up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
  8. Bring to a simmer, and then add the diced tomatoes and beans.
  9. Simmer on medium-low for 2 hours, stirring on occasion to keep the bottom from sticking.
  10. Serve over rice, if desired, with toppings of choice

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Other Food & Recipe Posts:

  • Easy Crockpot Spaghetti Recipe — with Uncooked Noodles!
  • 43 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Spaghetti
  • 15 Easy Meals to Make with Leftover Spaghetti
  • The Best Belgian Waffle Makers with Removable Plates
  • Baking Starter Kits for Beginners

Jamie Deen's Award-Winning Chili Recipe with Beer (19)

Jamie Deen's Award-Winning Chili Recipe with Beer (20)

Jamie Deen's Award-Winning Chili Recipe with Beer (21)

Jamie Deen's Award-Winning Chili Recipe with Beer (22)

Jamie Deen's Award-Winning Chili Recipe with Beer (23)

Jamie Deen's Award-Winning Chili Recipe with Beer (2024)

FAQs

Jamie Deen's Award-Winning Chili Recipe with Beer? ›

Adding a bottle of beer to homemade chili can add some additional flavor and depth to the dish, but whether it makes the chili taste better or not depends on personal preferences. The addition of beer to chili can add some maltiness, bitterness, and sweetness to the flavor profile.

What does adding beer to chili do? ›

Adding a bottle of beer to homemade chili can add some additional flavor and depth to the dish, but whether it makes the chili taste better or not depends on personal preferences. The addition of beer to chili can add some maltiness, bitterness, and sweetness to the flavor profile.

What beer is best in chili? ›

Stout is a perfect base ingredient for stew because it combines the flavors of several "secret" chili ingredients into one, easy-to-add package: beer, coffee, and chocolate. An Irish stout like Guinness Draught Stout is particularly well-suited here because of the beer's roasted flavor and creamy texture.

How to make chili Martha Stewart? ›

Add chili powder, cocoa, and tomato paste; cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes more. Add tomatoes, broth, and cooked beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, until thickened slightly, 25 to 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; serve with sour cream and chives.

Do you put beer or wine in chilli? ›

According to Wide Open Eats, pinot noir is the best red wine option due to its berry and earthy tones, dark stout beers will release more sweetness and add a depth of flavor that makes it taste like the chili has been simmering for hours, and any type of original flavored hard cider is good.

Which beer is best for cooking? ›

Wheat beers are great for chicken and seafood. If you're cooking pork, beef, and lamb, you will need ales, porters, and stouts. Hearty meat goes well with belgian ales. Stews pair well with ale.

Is chili better with beer? ›

Go on, spill the beans — we won't tell!) Here's a secret we'll share with you: beer is the perfect drink to pair with chilli. Cold and thirst quenching, it refreshes your palate between each hot, savoury bite. What style of beer to choose depends on what's in the bowl.

How much beer should I add to chili? ›

And to me, beer is an essential ingredient. What I've found over the years is that different styles of beers can add different flavors and textures. What I do is just choose the beer I want, pour in a twelve ounce bottle once all the other ingredients are there and the chili is ready to simmer.

What gives chili the best flavor? ›

Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight. Warming spice blends, like Garam Masala, Ras el Hanout or Baharat are another simple and delicious way to add layered flavors to this simple one-pot meal.

Does beer make chili bitter? ›

Adding a bottle of beer to homemade chili can add some additional flavor and depth to the dish, but whether it makes the chili taste better or not depends on personal preferences. The addition of beer to chili can add some maltiness, bitterness, and sweetness to the flavor profile.

What is the trick to a good chili? ›

A cup of strong, brewed coffee will work wonders for your pot of chili, imparting a deep, roasted flavor that will make the chili taste like it simmered away all day long. For maximum flavor, reduce the coffee along with a blend of tomato paste, aromatic veggies and spices like we do in our Spicy Vegetarian Chili.

How do you make chili taste richer? ›

I like to give my chili a little more complexity, so I'll often add canned chipotle chili peppers, a touch of cinnamon or Chinese 5 spice, chocolate and cilantro or coriander. A few other flavor boosting ingredients could be: smoked sausage, grilled corn kernels, coffee, beer or roasted tomatoes.

Is it better to thicken chili with flour or cornstarch? ›

Add cornstarch or all-purpose flour: Cornstarch and all-purpose flour are common thickening agents that you might already have on hand in your pantry. Adding flour directly into the chili will create lumps. Instead, make a slurry by mixing one tablespoon of cold water with one tablespoon of cornstarch.

What alcohol is best in chili? ›

Booze. Dark, rich stouts or a couple glugs of red wine have an extremely welcome place in any chili situation. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a rich, deep flavor that will pair up nicely against the heat and smoke of the surrounding ingredients.

What does coffee do for chili? ›

This is why adding coffee—or even beer—to your chili will produce a result that works. Using coffee in the mix adds all the subtle flavor notes you love—like the subtle hints of chocolate and cherry from Death Wish Coffee. Beer, meanwhile, incorporates a light, malty sweetness.

What style of beer is chili? ›

Roasty stouts and rich schwarzbiers work well with earthier peppers such as dried red New Mexico chiles and chipotles. A higher malt sweetness can accommodate a stronger pepper bite, as well. A Scottish Wee Heavy, for example, can support a lot more heat than a blonde ale.

Does beer intensify spice? ›

Moreover, beer actually can make the spice effect worse. A super sour beer or one with huge bitterness, like an India pale ale, only intensifies the heat in your mouth because it also can be an irritant. The same with high alcohol levels.

Does beer cook out of chili? ›

The science: Alcohol does partially evaporate during cooking, but not as much as you might think. Depending on the cooking method and how much alcohol is used, anywhere from 4 to 85 percent of the alcohol may remain. After 15 minutes of cooking, about 40 percent of the alcohol remains.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

Elevate with Extra Flavor

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

Does alcohol make chilli hotter? ›

On the other hand, wine is often seen as intensifying the spiciness of food, as it can enhance the perceived heat of capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their spiciness.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Catherine Tremblay

Last Updated:

Views: 6194

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Catherine Tremblay

Birthday: 1999-09-23

Address: Suite 461 73643 Sherril Loaf, Dickinsonland, AZ 47941-2379

Phone: +2678139151039

Job: International Administration Supervisor

Hobby: Dowsing, Snowboarding, Rowing, Beekeeping, Calligraphy, Shooting, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Catherine Tremblay, I am a precious, perfect, tasty, enthusiastic, inexpensive, vast, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.