The Ultimate Game Day Comfort Food
When it comes to game day, nothing beats a big, steaming bowl of hearty chili. Whether you’re hosting a tailgate party, feeding a hungry crowd, or just looking for the ultimate comfort food, this Boilermaker Tailgate Chili is a must-try. Packed with bold flavors from beef, sausage, Worcestershire sauce, and a medley of spices, this chili will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chili is the perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors. The combination of ground beef chuck and Italian sausage gives it a rich, meaty taste, while the beer and Worcestershire sauce add depth. Plus, with a slow simmer of at least two hours, all the ingredients meld together beautifully, creating a thick and hearty dish that is sure to impress.
This recipe is great for:
- Game day gatherings – Serve a large batch and let guests customize their bowls with toppings.
- Cold weather comfort – Warm up on a chilly evening with a bowl of this flavorful chili.
- Meal prep – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients List
Meats
- 2 lbs ground beef chuck
- 1 lb bulk Italian sausage
Beans & Vegetables
- 3 (15 oz) cans chili beans, drained (white beans recommended)
- 1 (15 oz) can chili beans in spicy sauce (spicy pinto beans recommended)
- 2 (28 oz) cans diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 stalks of celery, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 tbsp bacon bits
Seasonings & Flavor Enhancers
- 4 cubes beef bouillon
- ½ cup beer (choose your favorite lager or ale)
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp hot pepper sauce
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp white sugar
Toppings & Garnishes
- 1 (10.5 oz) bag corn chips (such as Fritos)
- 1 (8 oz) package shredded Cheddar cheese
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this chili, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven – A deep pot is essential for cooking and simmering the chili.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring the meat and ingredients.
- Chef’s knife and cutting board – To chop the vegetables.
- Can opener – For opening canned tomatoes and beans.
- Measuring spoons and cups – For precise seasoning measurements.
Instructions
- Brown the Meat
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Stir frequently to crumble the meat and ensure even cooking.
- Add the Vegetables and Beans
- Once the meat is browned, mix in the chopped onion, celery, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, diced tomatoes (with juice), bacon bits, and both types of chili beans.
- Incorporate the Flavor Enhancers
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, beef bouillon cubes, and beer. Allow everything to combine evenly.
- Season and Simmer
- Add chili powder, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, basil, salt, black pepper, cayenne, paprika, and sugar. Stir well to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Taste midway and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve and Garnish
- Ladle into bowls and top with corn chips and shredded Cheddar cheese. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Want it spicier? Add more hot sauce, cayenne, or diced jalapeños.
- Prefer a thicker chili? Let it simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
- Swap the meat! Try ground turkey or chorizo for a different flavor profile.
- Make it vegetarian! Skip the meat and double the beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon.
- Slow cooker method – Brown the meat first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
What to Serve with This Chili
- Crusty bread or cornbread – Great for soaking up all that flavorful sauce.
- Rice or baked potatoes – Serve the chili on top for a filling meal.
- A cold beer – A crisp lager or amber ale pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of this chili.
FAQs
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.
What’s the best beer to use?
A mild lager or ale works best. Avoid overly hoppy beers as they can add bitterness.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just brown the meat first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How do I make it less spicy?
Reduce the cayenne, hot sauce, and spicy chili beans. You can always add heat later!
Final Thoughts
This Boilermaker Tailgate Chili is a game-day classic that brings bold flavors and ultimate comfort to the table. Whether you’re making it for a tailgate, a family dinner, or meal prep, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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