Go Back
+ servings

Smoky Chipotle Stovetop Chili, beer-braised & cozy

Smoky Chipotle Stovetop Chili is beer-braised, cozy, and deeply flavorful, with tender beef, hearty beans, and gentle heat that develops as it simmers.
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Dish, Soup
Cuisine American, Southwestern-Inspired
Keyword Smoky Chipotle Stovetop Chili
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 361kcal

Ingredients

The Aromatics

  • 1 can chipotles in adobo sauce (199 g) 7 ounces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
  • 1 yellow onion diced (about 150 g)
  • 2 jalapeños (about 30 g) finely diced, with seeds = more heat, no seed = less heat
  • 4-6 cloves garlic (12–18 g) minced
  • 1 red bell pepper (about 150 g) seeded and diced

The Protein & Spices

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef (907 g)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder (about 8 g)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (about 2 g)

The Chili Base

  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (411 g) 14.5 ounces
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with juices (411 g) 14.5 ounces
  • 2 cans red kidney beans (about 600 g drained total) 19 ounces each, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons Knorr Beef Bouillon (about 30 g)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (30 ml)
  • 1 can Sapporo Premium Beer (650 ml) 22 ounces
  • 4 tablespoons tomato paste (60 g)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (12 g) optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Garnish Ideas:

  • sour cream
  • red or green onion
  • cheddar cheese
  • freshly sliced jalapenos
  • cilantro
  • avocado and lime wedges
  • tortilla chips

Instructions

  • Blend the Chipotle: Add the chipotles in adobo to a small blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Set aside, this will be your smoky backbone.
    1 can chipotles in adobo sauce
  • Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in the jalapeño and red bell pepper and cook 1 to 2 minutes more. Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 to 60 seconds. Transfer vegetables to a bowl and set aside. Note: remove jalapeño seeds for less heat, or use only one jalapeño.
    2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 yellow onion, 2 jalapeños, 1 red bell pepper, 4-6 cloves garlic
  • Season and Brown the Beef: In the same pot, add the ground beef along with the chili powder and cumin. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. The beef does not need to be fully cooked through yet, it will finish simmering later. If you are using a high fat meat, consider draining off excess fat.
    2 pounds lean ground beef, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Build the Chili Base: Return the sautéed vegetables to the pot. Stir in the blended chipotle mixture, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef bouillon, brown sugar, crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes with juices, drained and rinsed kidney beans, and beer. Mix well to combine.
    1 can crushed tomatoes, 1 can diced tomatoes with juices, 2 cans red kidney beans, 2 tablespoons Knorr Beef Bouillon, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 4 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 can Sapporo Premium Beer
  • Simmer Until Rich and Thick: Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and deeply flavorful. This slow simmer melds the flavors, cooks off the alcohol, and allows the chili to reach its full depth.
  • Serve and Garnish: Ladle into bowls and finish with your favorite toppings. Consider garnishes such as sour cream, red or green onion, cheddar cheese, freshly sliced jalapenos, cilantro, avocado and lime wedges, and tortilla chips on the side.

Notes

Notes & Substitutions:
  • For less heat, more sweet, use one jalapeño, half can chipotle, 2Tbs brown sugar
  • Beer can be replaced with beef broth. *alcohol burns off & leaves a beautiful flavor*
  • Any ground meat will work in this recipe e.g. chicken or turkey.
  • Use a gluten-free bouillon base to keep this recipe gluten-free.
  • Freezes well. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat to serve.
CTA for recipe card

Nutrition

Calories: 361kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 719mg | Potassium: 1114mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1127IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 7mg