Introduction:

Best mamas beer chili slow cooker recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy nights in. This slow cooker recipe combines tender chunks of beef, beans, spices, and a generous splash of beer for a deliciously comforting meal. Set it and forget it – Mama’s Beer Chili will simmer away in the slow cooker, filling your home with irresistible aromas until it’s time to dig in.

Ingredients:

1.5 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 jalapeño pepper, diced (optional, for extra heat)
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (14 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 bottle (12 oz) beer (choose your favorite variety)
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro

Directions:

Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño pepper (if using). Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
Combine Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, beer, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine all ingredients.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors are well combined.
Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or cilantro. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes
Calories: 350 per serving
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Gluten-Free
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Category: Main Dish
Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Nutrients per Serving:
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serve the beer chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings for added flavor and texture.
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Health Benefits:

Protein from beef helps build and repair muscle tissue.
Beans are rich in fiber, promoting digestive health and helping to control blood sugar levels.
Tomatoes provide lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of certain diseases.
Spices like chili powder and cumin contain anti-inflammatory properties and may boost metabolism.
Enjoying a homemade meal like Mama’s Beer Chili encourages mindful eating and promotes family bonding.

Resources:

Conclusion:

Mama’s Beer Chili is the ultimate comfort food, offering a hearty and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare in the slow cooker. With tender beef, beans, and aromatic spices simmered in beer, this chili is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy it on a chilly day or anytime you’re craving a comforting meal.

FAQs:

Can I use ground beef instead of cubed beef? Yes, you can use ground beef for a quicker cooking time. Brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker.
What type of beer should I use in the chili? Choose a beer with flavors that complement the chili, such as a lager, amber ale, or stout.
Can I make this chili vegetarian? Yes, omit the beef and use additional beans or vegetables for a vegetarian version of the chili.
How can I make the chili spicier? Increase the amount of chili powder or add additional chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to adjust the heat level to your preference.
Can I cook the chili on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker? Yes, you can simmer the chili on the stovetop over low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.