why make this recipe

Mama’s Beer Chili is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for gathering with family and friends. Made with simple ingredients, it is flavorful and fills you up. The addition of dark beer adds depth to the flavor, while the ground turkey keeps it light. This chili is also easy to prepare in a slow cooker, making it great for busy days.

how to make Mama’s Beer Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen corn
• 1 can (about 15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup dark beer
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup diced mild green chiles
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 3 tablespoons hot pepper sauce
• 3 cubes beef bouillon
• 1 to 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large Vidalia onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds ground turkey
• Sliced green onions, for garnish
• Prepared corn bread (optional)

Directions:

1. In your trusty Crockpot Slow Cooker, combine the crushed tomatoes, frozen corn, kidney beans, dark beer, honey, diced green chiles, chili powder, hot pepper sauce, beef bouillon cubes, flour, and curry powder. Give it a good stir to blend all those delicious flavors together!
2. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and fragrant. Toss in the crushed garlic and stir for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Now, add in the ground turkey. Cook and stir for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the turkey is no longer pink, making sure it’s cooked through.
4. Transfer the turkey mixture to the Crockpot and cover with the lid. Cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 6 hours—it’s really up to you!
5. When you’re ready to serve, garnish each bowl with sliced green onions. Pair it with some warm corn bread if you like, and enjoy!

how to serve Mama’s Beer Chili

Serve Mama’s Beer Chili hot in a bowl. It’s great on its own or with a slice of warm corn bread. You can also add toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado for extra flavor.

how to store Mama’s Beer Chili

To store Mama’s Beer Chili, allow it to cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

tips to make Mama’s Beer Chili

• Make sure to rinse the kidney beans well to remove excess sodium.
• Adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce to your spice preference.
• Feel free to add other vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, for added nutrition.
• If you want a thicker chili, add more flour.

variation

You can swap ground turkey for other meats like ground beef or pork if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add more beans or lentils.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of beer?
Yes, you can use any dark beer you like. Just remember that the flavor of the beer will affect the taste of the chili.

Can I make this chili in advance?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Make it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.

Is this chili spicy?
It has a mild spice level due to the hot pepper sauce and green chiles. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less hot sauce based on your taste.