Are you ready to spice up your next gathering with a delicious bowl of Healthier Boilermaker Tailgate Chili? This recipe is packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re cheering for your favorite team or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this chili will warm your heart and fill your belly! Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!

Cook Time: 120

Prep Time: 30

Yields: 12

Calories: 474

Simple Ingredients for Delicious Healthier Boilermaker Tailgate Chili

Making a flavorful and nutritious Healthier Boilermaker Tailgate Chili starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you need to gather before we get cooking:

2 pounds extra-lean ground beef: This is key for reducing fat without sacrificing flavor.
1 pound chicken sausage (casings removed): Adds delicious spice and complements the beef nicely.
3 cans (15 ounces each) chili beans: I prefer using a mix of regular and spicy for a flavor kick.
1 can (15 ounces) chili beans in spicy sauce: This boosts the chili’s depth.
2 cans (28 ounces each) diced tomatoes (with juice): They form the base of our chili.
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste: For richness and thickness.
1 large yellow onion, chopped: A must for flavor.
3 stalks celery, chopped: Adds crunch and taste.
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped: Freshness is important!
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped: This adds sweetness and color.
2 green chile peppers, seeded and chopped: If you like it spicy, don’t skip these!
½ cup beer: Gives the chili a unique flavor, but you can use non-alcoholic beer or broth if preferred.
¼ cup chili powder: The heart of this recipe; adjust according to your heat preference.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: For depth of flavor.
1 tablespoon minced garlic: Fresh is best!
1 tablespoon dried oregano: Adds a lovely aromatic touch.
2 teaspoons ground cumin: Essential for that classic chili taste.
2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce (like Tabasco®): Spice it up!
1 teaspoon dried basil: Just a hint for herbal complexity.
1 teaspoon salt and ground black pepper: To taste.
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Use it carefully for that extra kick.
1 teaspoon paprika: For smokiness.
1 teaspoon white sugar: balances the flavors beautifully.
3 cups baked tortilla chips: For serving; they add a delightful crunch!

gather these ingredients, and we’re ready to make a delicious pot of chili that will warm you up for any occasion.

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Healthier Boilermaker Tailgate Chili

Now that we have all our ingredients prepped, let’s move on to creating our Healthier Boilermaker Tailgate Chili. Follow these simple steps:

Crumble the meats: In a large stock pot, over medium-high heat, crumble the extra-lean ground beef and chicken sausage.Cook them for about 10 to 12 minutes until they turn a nice brown color. Make sure to stir frequently to get even browning.

Drain excess fat: Once the meat is cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pot. This step helps keep your chili healthier.

Add the beans and tomatoes: next, pour in the chili beans, the spicy chili beans, diced tomatoes, and the tomato paste. Stir everything together to combine.

Mix in the veggies: Add the chopped onion, celery, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, green chile peppers, and beer. This mixture not only adds flavor but also color and texture.

Season it up: Sprinkle in the chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, oregano, cumin, hot pepper sauce, basil, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, and sugar. Stir well to make sure everything is evenly coated with those rich spices.

Simmer: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for at least 2 hours. Stir occasionally, and if you find it’s getting too thick, feel free to add a splash of water or broth.

Taste and adjust: After 2 hours, taste your chili. Feel free to adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed.

Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with baked tortilla chips for that perfect crunch.

And there you have it! A warm, hearty bowl of chili perfect for tailgating, game nights, or any time you crave something comforting. Enjoy your cooking!

Serving and Storage Facts for Healthier Boilermaker Tailgate Chili

Once you’ve whipped up your Healthier Boilermaker Tailgate Chili, you’ll want to know how to serve and store it for later enjoyment. This chili is perfect for gatherings, game day, or cozy nights at home. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Serving Suggestions:

Ideal Portions: This recipe yields about 12 servings. Depending on the occasion, feel free to halve the recipe for a smaller group.
Tasty Toppings: Elevate your chili with toppings like diced red onion, fresh cilantro, sour cream, or diced avocado. These add freshness and an extra layer of flavor.
Side Pairings: Serve your chili with baked tortilla chips, cornbread, or a simple green salad to balance the hearty chili.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: If you have leftovers (which is highly likely as it makes a large batch), allow the chili to cool wholly before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: This chili freezes well! Portion the cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or bags.Label them with the date, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months.When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or heat it directly from frozen in a pot on low heat.

By following these serving and storage tips,you can enjoy your flavorful chili anytime,whether it’s fresh from the pot or reheated from the freezer.

Helpful Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting Tips for Making Healthier Boilermaker Tailgate Chili

As you embark on making this Healthier Boilermaker Tailgate Chili, a few notes and troubleshooting tips can be helpful to streamline your cooking process:

Recipe Notes:

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper based on your taste. If you enjoy a milder chili, start with less and add more gradually.
Vegetarian Option: To make this chili vegetarian, substitute the ground beef and chicken sausage with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beer.
Consistency Adjustment: If your chili turns out too thick, add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to thicken.

Troubleshooting Tips:

Too Salty: If your chili ends up too salty, add a few diced potatoes while it’s cooking.They will absorb some of the salt. remove them before serving.
Lack of Flavor: If you find that the chili is lacking flavor, don’t hesitate to add a splash of vinegar or a dash of your favorite hot sauce right before serving.This can brighten the dish significantly.
Overcooked Ingredients: if your vegetables become too mushy during cooking, try adding them in later during the simmering process. This helps retain their texture.

These notes and tips will help you navigate any challenges while cooking, making your experience smoother and more enjoyable.