🏈 Boilermaker Tailgate Chili

Ohh yes — get ready for some serious comfort food! 🍲🏈 Boilermaker Tailgate Chili is thick, meaty, spicy, and made to feed a crowd. It’s the ultimate game day or cozy weekend chili packed with bold flavor and a touch of heat.

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🏈 Boilermaker Tailgate Chili

🍽️ Dish Type: Main

🍴 Servings: 10–12

🕒 Total Time: 2–3 hours (mostly simmering)

🌶️ Flavor Profile: Bold, smoky, spicy

🥄 Texture: Hearty and chunky

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📝 Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
• 3 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
• 2 (28 oz) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 bottle (12 oz) beer (lager or amber)
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp cayenne (adjust to taste)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp hot sauce

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🔥 Directions:

1. Cook meats: In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, brown ground beef and sausage. Drain excess grease.
2. Sauté veggies: Add onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until softened.
3. Stir in seasonings: Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Stir for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.
4. Add liquids & beans: Pour in beer and beef broth. Add tomatoes, beans, and optional ingredients like brown sugar or hot sauce.
5. Simmer: Reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 90 minutes to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer, the better!
6. Taste & adjust: Add more spice, salt, or sugar to balance flavors.

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🧀 Serving Suggestions:

• Top with shredded cheddar, sour cream, jalapeños, or green onions
• Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or baked potatoes
• Pile into bowls, mugs, or even Fritos bags for walking tacos!

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🔁 Variations:

• Sub in ground turkey or bison for a leaner version
• Add corn, chipotle peppers, or smoked paprika for a twist
• Make it vegetarian with plant-based meat and extra beans

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🍽️ What to Serve with Homemade Tailgate Chili

Chili is bold and hearty, so sides that are crisp, creamy, or bready make the perfect match!

🥖 1. Breads & Crackers

• Cornbread (sweet or savory – add jalapeños or cheese!)
• Buttery biscuits
• Saltine crackers, Fritos, or tortilla chips
• Garlic bread or cheesy pull-apart bread

🥗 2. Fresh Sides

• Simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
• Coleslaw (classic or vinegar-based for crunch)
• Sliced avocado or guacamole on the side

🧀 3. Chili Bar Toppings

• Shredded cheddar or pepper jack
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Diced onions, scallions, jalapeños
• Hot sauce, lime wedges, or crushed red pepper

🍟 4. Hearty Add-Ons

• Loaded baked potatoes or baked sweet potatoes
• Mac and cheese (especially fun at tailgates)
• Chili over nachos or fries for the win

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❄️ Can You Freeze Boilermaker Tailgate Chili?

YES — chili freezes beautifully! 🙌

🧊 To Freeze:

1. Let the chili cool completely.
2. Portion into airtight containers or freezer bags (lay bags flat to save space).
3. Label with date. Freeze up to 3 months.

🔥 To Reheat:

• From frozen: Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stovetop or in a slow cooker until hot.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container. Stir every 1–2 minutes for even heating.
• Stovetop: Place in a pot over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.

Pro tip: Chili usually tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld!

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