Boilermaker Tailgate Chili

Get ready to impress your crowd with Boilermaker Tailgate Chili, the ultimate game-day recipe that’s as bold and hearty as your team spirit. Packed with a flavorful medley of ground beef, savory Italian sausage, tender beans, and vibrant bell peppers, this chili is simmered to perfection with robust spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika. A splash of dark beer adds depth, making it irresistibly rich, while optional cayenne and hot sauce let you customize the heat level to suit your taste. Perfect for serving a hungry crowd, this slow-simmered classic is topped with shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and sour cream for a finishing touch that’s as indulgent as it is comforting. Whether paired with cornbread or crackers, this hearty chili is your tailgate MVP, guaranteed to keep everyone warm, satisfied, and coming back for seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 3 medium onions, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 15.5 ounces kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 15.5 ounces pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups beef broth
• 12 ounces dark beer (optional)
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish
• 0.5 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
• 0.5 cup sour cream, for garnish

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef and ground sausage until browned and fully cooked, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Step 2

Add the diced onions, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften.

Step 3

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 4

Add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, beef broth, and dark beer (if using). Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Season the chili with chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if desired), salt, pepper, and sugar. Add the bay leaves.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, spices, or hot sauce if desired.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Step 9

Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve hot with cornbread or crackers on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	4165.9 grams (4165.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5501

Total Fat 341.40g	438%
Saturated Fat 143.00g	715%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 1104mg	368%
Sodium 11127mg	484%
Total Carbohydrate 308.80g	112%
Dietary Fiber 87.80g	314%
Total Sugars 80.10g
Protein 324.90g	650%

Vitamin D 24IU	120%
Calcium 1815mg	140%
Iron 58mg	320%
Potassium 11273mg	240%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.8%

Protein: 23.2%

Carbs: 22.0%