If you’re a fan of easy-to-make meals that don’t skimp on taste, this Slow Cooker Guinness Chili will be your new favorite. Hearty chili recipe chockfull of veggies and beans with stout beer gives it notes of cinnamon and cocoa for a rich, interesting twist on traditional chili.
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When we’re in the thick of winter, there is nothing more satisfying and soul-warming than a big bowl of chili! Give me the option to cook it in the slow cooker and you’ve got a dish after my own heart.
This crockpot Guinness Chili combines the smoky flavor of traditional chili with dark Irish beer to give it a heft that deepens the flavor. With just a few simple steps and minimal hands-on time, you’ll have a satisfying bowl of chili ready to enjoy, whether it’s for a laid-back dinner or a St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
For more chili recipes, make sure to try our Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili.
Ingredients for Guinness Chili
Ground Beef: Feel free to substitute ground turkey or even cooked lentils for a vegetarian option.
Stout Beer (Guinness): Infuses rich, malty flavors with notes of cinnamon and cocoa. You can use your favorite stout or even use beef broth.
Crushed Tomatoes: You’ll need one (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce.
Aromatics: Aromatics are all about building flavor. I chose to use onions, celery and bell pepper in this recipe. You can substitute or omit any of these ingredients per your personal preference.
Black Beans and Pinto Beans: Provides texture and also bulks up the protein of this chili since we are only using 1 pound of ground beef.
Spices: To really kick up the flavor, you’ll need chili powder, dried oregano, garlic powder, ground cumin, cinnamon, and just a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can absolutely taste and add more cayenne as you like.
Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker (at least 6 quart)
- Knife and Cutting Board or Chopper (y’all this is a game changer when it comes to chopping vegetables!)
- Measuring Spoons
- Can Opener (I’ve had this one for 15 years and it is still going strong!)
- Large Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
How to Make Slow Cooker Irish Chili
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until flavors meld.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream and shredded cheese.
With its robust flavors and easy preparation, our Guinness beef chili is sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion.
How to Freeze Chili for Freezer Meal Prep
You have a couple of options when it comes to prepping this chili ahead of time. My recommendation is to cook the recipe and then freeze it. I love the freezer containers below because they hold the perfect amount for 4-6 servings. I like going this route because I can cook a double batch of this recipe, eat it for dinner, save a little for lunches and freeze the rest for a future meal.
Simply let the chili cool completely. Portion into these freezer containers and freeze. When you’re ready to reheat, I like to stick the container in the fridge the night before to let it thaw a little. Then, you can either reheat it in the microwave (don’t forget to vent the lid), or pour into a saucepan and warm over medium heat until heated through.
These are my absolute favorite containers for freezing leftovers and freezer meal prep. The size is perfect for about 4 servings and easily fits into a slow cooker or electric pressure cooker for easy cooking or reheating.
How to Meal Prep Uncooked Chili
You can also toss all the uncooked ingredients, except the beer, in a gallon-size freezer bag. Put the meat in last so that it is on the top of your freezer bag. Seal and freeze. When you’re ready to cook, thaw in your fridge overnight before dumping the whole freezer bag in your slow cooker, then you can add the beer. Cover and cook on Low for 8-10 hours. You will need to break up the meat once it’s cooked and then stir to incorporate everything. Two options for easy, freezer meal Guinness Chili.
What to Serve With Guinness Beer Chili
- Cornbread: The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread pairs perfectly with the hearty chili. Try our homemade cornbread mix.
- Rice: Serve the chili over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the flavors.
- Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty bread, such as a baguette or sourdough, is ideal for dipping into the chili and savoring every last bit.
- Baked Potatoes: A classic pairing and super budget-friendly.
- Tortilla Chips, Corn Chips or Crackers: Crunchy chips or crackers add texture and can be used for scooping up the chili or enjoyed on the side.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with fresh vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chili.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add additional vegetables like corn? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the chili with your favorite vegetables for added flavor and texture.
Can I substitute the Guinness beer with another type of beer? While Guinness adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with another stout or a dark beer for similar results or use beef broth if you prefer to not use beer at all.
What toppings go well with Slow Cooker Guinness Chili? Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, or green onions.
More Ground Beef Recipes
- Easy Beef Stroganoff
- Beef Enchilada Taquitos (Flautas)
- Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf
- Crescent Taco Ring
- Ground Beef Shepherds Pie
Slow Cooker Guinness Chili
The rich, hearty flavor of Slow Cooker Guinness Chili, infused with stout beer, is a satisfying bowl of comfort food. Perfect for freezer meal prep, this recipe cooks up with very little prep for an easy dinner or St. Patrick's Day celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Oil
- 16 ounces ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion, white or yellow
- 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 (14 ounce) can pinto beans, drained
- 1 (14 ounce) can black beans, drained
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 12 ounces dark Irish beer (Guinness, or beef stock if prefer not to use beer)
Instructions
- Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, salt and pepper. Brown the ground beef, breaking up pieces as much as possible. This should take 5-6 minutes. The meat does not need to be fully cooked. We are only browning it for flavor and color.
- Add the meat, including pan drippings, to slow cooker.
- Add all remaining ingredients to slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours.
- Serve with your favorite toppings or allow to cool completely and package for the freezer for meal prep.
Notes
Use any stout beer or substitute beef broth if you prefer. The alcohol cooks out of the chili and you're left with the rich, malty flavor.
To Freeze: Allow chili to cool completely. Portion into 1 cup servings for single portions or a large container for family portion. Seal and freeze. To reheat: For single portions, vent lid and reheat in microwave 2-2 1/2 minutes. For larger containers, thaw in fridge overnight. Reheat in microwave for 4-5 minutes or in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through.
Instant Pot Instructions: Press "Saute" button. Add oil. When screen says "Hot," add ground beef, salt and pepper. Saute ground beef until mostly cooked. Add all remaining ingredients. Stir to combine. Cover with lid and seal. Cook on High Pressure for 20 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then release pressure.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 387Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 604mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 9gSugar: 5gProtein: 28g
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Love this idea! An Irish-inspired variation on one of my household’s staples – and it’s kept whole food (and that means healthy)! I can’t wait to try out a chili made with a nice draught to provide the undertone. Thanks for sharing this.
Keep up the creativity,
James