Easy Guinness Chili – Bold & Savory Comfort Food
Guinness Chili: The Ultimate Hearty Bowl of Comfort
This isn’t just chili; it’s an experience. Imagine a rich, robust, and deeply flavorful bowl that warms you from the inside out. My friends, welcome to the magic of Guinness Chili! This recipe takes your favorite comfort food and elevates it to new heights with the unmistakable depth of Guinness stout. It’s savory, slightly sweet, with a subtle bitterness that perfectly complements the hearty beef and spicy chili notes. Forget those bland, watery chilis of the past – this is the bowl you’ll crave all season long. Perfect for a cozy night in, game day, or feeding a hungry crowd, this Guinness Chili is truly a masterpiece.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)
📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Guinness Chili
The secret to this chili’s incredible flavor profile lies in the star ingredient: Guinness. When simmered low and slow, this iconic Irish stout transforms, lending a dark, malty complexity and a subtle sweetness that balances the spices beautifully. It adds an umami depth that you just can’t achieve with broth alone. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, mostly hands-off, allowing you to enjoy the amazing aromas filling your kitchen. Get ready to impress everyone with this unique and unforgettable chili!
What You’ll Need for the Perfect Guinness Chili
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
2 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean for best flavor)
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 (14.9 oz) can Guinness Draught stout
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup beef broth
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp cocoa powder (unsweetened, optional but recommended for depth)
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, cornbread.
How to Make Guinness Chili
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Deglaze with Guinness: Pour in the Guinness stout, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to concentrate.
4. Combine & Simmer: Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their liquid), kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Add the chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, cocoa powder (if using), and cayenne pepper. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Stir everything well to combine.
5. Low and Slow: Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld and deepen, creating that signature rich Guinness Chili taste.
6. Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or a pinch more cayenne for extra heat.
7. Serve it Up: Ladle the hearty chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or chopped green onions. Enjoy!
Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
Smoky Heat: Add a can of diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced) for a smoky kick.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles, extra beans, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Spice it Up: For a spicier chili, add a finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the bell peppers.
Serve with Bread: A side of warm cornbread, crusty bread, or even cheesy garlic bread makes for a perfect pairing to soak up every last drop.
Chili Dogs/Nachos: This Guinness Chili makes an incredible topping for hot dogs, nachos, or baked potatoes!
What Our Fans Are Saying
“This Guinness Chili is an absolute game changer! The depth of flavor is unreal, and it’s so comforting on a cold day. My husband, who usually isn’t a chili fan, devoured two bowls. Will be making this again and again!” – Sarah P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I was skeptical about adding beer to chili, but wow! The Guinness adds such a unique, rich complexity. It’s truly gourmet chili that’s still so easy to make. Loved the hint of cocoa powder too!” – Mark T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Finally found my go-to chili recipe! This Guinness Chili is perfect. The ingredients are simple, but the result is anything but. Freezes beautifully too, which is a huge plus for meal prep.” – Jessica L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of stout beer?
A: Yes, while Guinness Draught is highly recommended for its classic flavor, you can certainly experiment with other dark stouts or porters. Just be aware that the flavor profile might vary slightly.
Q: Can I make this chili ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Q: How do I freeze Guinness Chili?
A: Allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Q: Is this chili very spicy?
A: The recipe provides a moderate level of heat. You can easily adjust the cayenne pepper to your preference – omit it for milder chili or add more for a bigger kick!
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Comfort Food Awaits!
There you have it, folks! My absolute favorite recipe for a truly unforgettable bowl of Guinness Chili. It’s a culinary journey that takes a classic dish and infuses it with a depth and richness that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones, enjoying a quiet night in, or hosting a big game day, this chili is guaranteed to be a showstopper. So grab your pot, a can of Guinness, and get ready to create some delicious magic. Happy cooking!
Recipe Note: This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings. Remember, the longer it simmers, the better it gets!
Guinness Chili
Total Time: 2 hours
Course: Main Dish
Servings: 6-8
Calories: 500 calories per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (optional, for depth)
- 1 (14.9 oz) can Guinness Draught stout
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup beef broth (optional, for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, cornbread
Instructions
1.Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease and set the beef aside.
2. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cocoa powder (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
4. Pour in the Guinness stout, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze and loosen any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing some of the alcohol to cook off.
5. Return the browned ground beef to the pot. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their liquid), and tomato paste. Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans and black beans.
6. If the chili seems too thick, stir in the beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. For a richer flavor, simmer for up to 2 hours.
8. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
Chef’s Notes: This Guinness Chili offers a rich, deep flavor profile thanks to the stout, which adds a subtle malty sweetness and a touch of bitterness that complements the spices and beef perfectly. It’s an excellent make-ahead dish as the flavors tend to meld and improve overnight. Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
