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Cozy First Chili of Fall Recipe with Beer and Brown Sugar Easy

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A hearty and comforting chili recipe combining beer and brown sugar for a unique sweet and smoky flavor, perfect for cozy fall evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
  • 1 cup beer (malty lager or amber ale)
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat for about 5 minutes until shimmering.
  2. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 6-8 minutes, until edges start to caramelize.
  3. Add the minced garlic and diced bell peppers; stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  4. Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef or turkey. Break it up and brown evenly for 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Pour in the beer and brown sugar; stir well to deglaze the pot and let bubble gently for about 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Add crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  7. Bring chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and cook gently for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water or broth if too thick.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili powder. Optionally stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness.
  9. Serve hot with optional toppings like shredded cheddar, sour cream, and chopped green onions or cilantro.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free beer or substitute with beef broth and apple cider vinegar. For vegan, replace meat with lentils or tempeh and use vegetable broth or malt-forward non-alcoholic beer. Avoid overly bitter beers like IPAs. Let chili simmer low and slow for best flavor. Make ahead for deeper flavor; reheat gently with added water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili, fall recipe, beer chili, brown sugar chili, easy chili, comfort food, ground beef chili, turkey chili, hearty chili

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/cozy-first-chili-of-fall-recipe-with-beer-and-brown-sugar-easy/