Boilermaker Tailgate Chili

Looking for the perfect chili recipe to make for your next tailgate party or game day? This Boilermaker Tailgate Chili is a crowd favorite packed with ground beef, Italian sausage, and a blend of chili beans, spicy sauce, and flavorful spices. With diced tomatoes, beer, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce, this chili is rich, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s topped with Fritos corn chips and shredded Cheddar cheese for an extra crunch and cheesy goodness.

This easy chili recipe is perfect for football season, parties, or any occasion when you need a delicious, comforting dish. With the perfect balance of heat and savory ingredients, it’s sure to be a hit at your next tailgate, BBQ, or family gathering. Whether you’re serving it in bowls or over hot dogs, this spicy chili is versatile and satisfying for any crowd. Try it today and enjoy a chili that’s both delicious and easy to make!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef chuck
• 1 lb bulk Italian sausage
• 3 (15 oz) cans chili beans, drained (I used white beans)
• 1 (15 oz) can chili beans in spicy sauce (I used spicy pinto beans)
• 2 (28 oz) cans diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 tbsp bacon bits
• 4 cubes beef bouillon
• ½ cup beer
• ¼ cup chili powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp hot pepper sauce
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground pepper
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp white sugar
• 1 (10.5 oz) bag corn chips (such as Fritos)
• 1 (8 oz) package shredded Cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef chuck and sausage over medium heat, stirring occasionally to crumble the meat as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion, celery, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, bacon bits, chili beans, and tomato paste. Add Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, beef bouillon, and beer.
4. Sprinkle in the chili powder, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, hot pepper sauce, basil, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, and white sugar. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5. Let the chili simmer on low heat for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Taste midway and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve the chili in bowls, topping with Fritos corn chips and shredded Cheddar cheese. Enjoy!

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Tips

• Simmering Time: The longer you let the chili simmer, the more the flavors will develop. Letting it cook for 2-3 hours is ideal, but if you’re short on time, a minimum of 1 hour will still give great results.
• Adjust Spice Level: For a spicier chili, add more hot pepper sauce or cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the cayenne pepper or leave out the hot pepper sauce.
• Meat Variations: You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef and sausage.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with plant-based sausage or extra beans (like black beans or kidney beans).
• Beer Substitution: If you prefer not to use beer, substitute with beef broth or chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor.
• Cheese: Try using different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a mix of cheddar for extra flavor.
• Corn Chips: You can use tortilla chips, tortilla strips, or crushed crackers as an alternative to Fritos for topping the chili.

FAQs

Can I make Boilermaker Tailgate Chili ahead of time?
Yes, this chili tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat before serving.

Can I freeze the chili?
Yes, you can freeze this chili for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Reheat over low heat when ready to serve.

What kind of beans should I use?
You can use any type of beans you like, but the original recipe calls for chili beans and spicy beans for added flavor. You can substitute with black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans based on your preference.

Serving Suggestions

• As a Main Dish: Serve the chili with a side of cornbread, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• With Toppings: Customize with extra toppings like sour cream, jalapeño slices, diced onions, or fresh cilantro for added flavor.
• Chili Dog Style: Pour the chili over hot dogs or grilled sausages for a hearty chili dog meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Boilermaker Tailgate Chili is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Packed with savory beef, sausage, and a spicy kick from the chili beans and hot pepper sauce, this recipe is perfect for tailgating, game day, or any hearty family meal. With rich flavors that simmer for hours and a fun, crunchy Fritos topping, this chili offers comfort and excitement in every bite. Whether you’re a spice lover or prefer a milder chili, this recipe is versatile enough to satisfy everyone!