Bourbon Beef And Bean Chili Recipe

Let me take you on a flavor journey where bold spices meet a splash of bourbon, marrying rich, meaty flavors with the warmth of a cozy kitchen—get ready for a chili experience that’s both comforting and a little bit rebellious.

I adore making wholesome meals that fill our home’s kitchen with warmth and comfort, and my Bourbon and Beef Chili does just that. With a bourbon-infused, beefy base and cascading layers of tantalizing flavors—cumin and smoked paprika to name just two—that’s what this chili brings to the table.

Plus, of course, it offers an excellent combination of protein and beans that any chilly day calls for.

Bourbon Beef And Bean Chili Recipe Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Adds healthy fats and aids in sautéing.
• Garlic: Enhances flavor, supports immunity, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Ground Beef: Rich in protein and iron, provides a hearty base.
• Chili Powder: Adds warmth, depth, and mild spiciness to the dish.
• Bourbon: Introduces a smoky, sweet complexity to the chili.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides freshness and serves as a sauce base.
• Kidney Beans: Added protein, fiber, and heartiness to the chili.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional heat for those who love spicy food.

Bourbon Beef And Bean Chili Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

How to Make this Bourbon Beef And Bean Chili Recipe

1. Warm the olive oil in a big pot at medium heat. Put in the chopped onion and cook for approximately 5 minutes, until the onion turns soft and clear.

2. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, until the mixture is fragrant.

3. Add the pot to the ground beef, and then season the beef with salt and pepper while it’s cooking.

4. Blend in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to toast the spices.

5. Add the bourbon and deglaze the pot, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Allow it to simmer for 1–2 minutes until it’s slightly reduced.

6. Include the tomatoes that have been cut into cubes, the bulk tomato sauce, and the concentrated form of the tomato paste. Thoroughly stir to achieve a homogenous mix of the ingredients.

7. Add the kidney beans, black beans, green chilies, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth into the mixture. Stir well.

8. Incorporate the brown sugar, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using) into the mixture.

9. Let the chili simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

10. Chili tastes best when you adjust the seasoning to your own preferences before serving it up. Enjoy it hot, with a side of cornbread, or over rice.

Bourbon Beef And Bean Chili Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot or Dutch oven
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cup
7. Can opener
8. Stirring spoon or ladle
9. Heat-resistant spatula (optional)

FAQ

• What type of bourbon should I use?Any type of bourbon that you like to drink will work. I find that a reasonably priced, smooth-flavored bourbon produces the best result.
• Can I make this chili in advance?Absolutely, the next day is when this chili really shines. You could say it has a 24-hour window to become even tastier, as the flavors meld and intensify in the absence of heat. It’s not shy, and it’s not a wallflower, either. It kicks. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and I promise you’ll savor every single spoonful.
• Can I make this chili spicier?For sure! Up the cayenne pepper or toss in some fresh jalapeños for more fire.
• Is there a substitute for bourbon?If you would rather not use alcohol, substitute apple cider or beef broth for the bourbon. You’ll get a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
• How can I make this chili vegetarian?To turn it into a vegetarian dish, substitute the ground beef for plant-based meat or more beans, and swap in vegetable broth for beef broth.
• What can I serve with this chili?This cornbread enhances the chili, which matches nicely with a bed of cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips and which is the perfect vehicle for any combination of melted cheese, sour cream, and/or chopped cilantro.

Bourbon Beef And Bean Chili Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Canola oil or avocado oil can be used instead of olive oil.
You can exchange ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option.
Bourbon: Replace with whiskey or leave out for a non-alcoholic version.
Pinto beans or cannellini beans can be used in place of kidney beans.
Brown sugar: Substitute honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor with a Slow Cook: For an even richer taste, consider slow-cooking the chili for several hours on low heat. This extended cooking time allows the flavors to deepen and meld even more.