Guinness Spiked Irish Chili Recipe

There’s something almost magical about a pot of chili simmering on the stove. Now, imagine that familiar comfort, but deeper, richer, with a whisper of malty sweetness and a roasty backbone that makes you lean in for a second spoonful. That’s the charm of Guinness Spiked Irish Chili.

It’s a hug in a bowl, but one that’s wearing a cozy Irish sweater. This isn’t your standard chili; it’s a hearty, one-pot wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a complex and deeply satisfying meal. Perfect for a casual weeknight or a festive gathering, it’s ready to warm you from the inside out.

Why This Chili Feels Like a Celebration

This dish goes beyond mere sustenance, it feels like an event. The addition of Guinness is the star here, lending a distinctive character that’s both bold and subtle. It introduces notes of dark chocolate and coffee that meld beautifully with the spices, creating a symphony of flavor in every bite.

It’s the kind of meal that gathers people around the table, sparking conversation and contentment. And the best part? It’s incredibly simple to make, requiring little more than some chopping and stirring, with most of the work happening as it bubbles away on its own.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

Gathering these ingredients is the first step toward a fantastic meal. The list may look long, but it’s mostly pantry staples and spices that come together in a truly spectacular way.

• Avocado oil: Its neutral taste and high smoke point make it perfect for sautéing. Olive oil works just fine, too, if it’s what you have.
• Veggies: A classic base of yellow onion, celery, bell peppers, and garlic builds a foundation of sweet, savory flavor.
• Ground beef: Coarsely ground beef with a slightly higher fat content gives the chili a chunkier texture and more robust flavor.
• Spices: A warm blend of chili powder, paprika, ground cumin, coriander, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper.
• Secret Spice: A cinnamon stick (or a bit of ground cinnamon) adds a subtle, warm complexity that’s utterly irresistible.
• Crushed tomatoes: These form the lush, saucy base of the chili, clinging to every other ingredient.
• Can of Guinness beer: The heart of the recipe, bringing its unique roasty, malty character to the party.
• Kidney beans: Hearty red kidney beans hold their shape and texture perfectly, making every spoonful substantial.
• Toppings: Sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions are optional, but highly recommended for serving.

The Story Behind the “Irish” in This Chili

You might be wondering, what exactly makes this an *Irish* chili? Well, for starters, it’s got a whole can of Ireland’s most famous export, Guinness stout, right in the pot. The beer doesn’t just add moisture; it contributes a profound depth that is both unique and memorable.

The spice profile is also a little nod to Irish cuisine, drawing inspiration from the popular Irish Spice Bag. This clever twist connects the dish to its thematic roots, making it a fun and flavorful tribute.

How to make Guinness Spiked Irish Chili?

Prepping Your Veggies and Pot

Begin by heating the avocado oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook it, giving it an occasional stir, until it just starts to take on a bit of golden-brown color, about 5 minutes.

This initial browning is where the flavor starts, building a delicious foundation. Now, toss in the chopped celery, bell peppers, and that finely grated garlic, letting them all cook together for another 5 minutes until they’ve softened nicely.

Browning the Beef and Toasting the Spices

Next, add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Keep stirring occasionally until the meat is no longer pink, which should take about another 5 minutes. This is where the magic really begins to happen.

Now, stir in all those wonderful spices—the chili powder, paprika, cumin, coriander, oregano, salt, pepper, and that secret weapon, the cinnamon stick. Toasting the spices with the meat for a minute wakes them up, releasing their incredible aromatic oils.

The Grand Simmer: Adding Tomatoes and Guinness

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the entire can of Guinness, and give everything a really good stir, scraping up any tasty bits from the bottom of the pot. This is where the transformation occurs.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chili simmer uncovered for a good 30 minutes. You’ll watch it slowly thicken, and the flavors will meld and deepen into something truly special. The aroma filling your kitchen will be your reward.

The Final Touch: Beans and Taste Test

Once your chili is thick and luxurious, stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans. Let them heat through for just a few minutes. Now, for the most important step: taste it.

Season it with a little more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Then, ladle it into bowls and get ready to dress it up with all your favorite, cool and creamy toppings.

What to Serve With Your Hearty Chili

A bowl of this chili is a meal in itself, but the right side can turn it into a feast. We love it with a slice of buttery, crusty bread or a wedge of easy Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread for dipping and scooping up every last bit.

For a classic pairing, you can’t go wrong with cornbread or a handful of crunchy corn chips. If you’re looking for a lighter contrast, serve it over a bed of rice with a simple, crisp kale apple salad on the side.

Tips

Don’t be afraid of the cinnamon stick! It adds a warm, subtle background note that never tastes overtly “cinnamon-y,” just incredibly complex. If you only have ground cinnamon, that works perfectly well, too.

For the best flavor, use a coarsely ground beef with a bit higher fat content, like 85/15. The fat renders down and carries the spices, creating a much more flavorful chili than using an ultra-lean grind.

Let the chili rest for about 10 minutes after cooking, if you can wait. This allows the flavors to settle and marry even further, resulting in an even more harmonious and delicious bowl.

Ingredient Substitutions for Every Pantry

No avocado oil? No problem. Olive oil, canola oil, or any other neutral cooking oil will work just fine for sautéing your vegetables. The goal is to get them softened and slightly caramelized.

If you’d like to experiment with the protein, ground turkey or even a plant-based ground meat can be used in place of beef. The flavor profile will shift, but it will still be wonderfully tasty.

While Guinness is ideal for its unique malty character, you can substitute another stout or a dark ale. Just try to avoid very hoppy beers, like IPAs, as the bitterness can become overpowering in the finished dish.

Your Guinness Chili Questions, Answered

Does the alcohol cook out? Yes, during the simmering process, the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind only the rich, malty flavor of the stout. What remains is a deep, sweet complexity that enhances the entire pot.

How spicy is this chili? The heat level really depends on your chili powder. For a milder version, start with one tablespoon and add more to taste. If you love heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or a diced jalapeño with the other vegetables.

Can I make it ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, many chili aficionados believe it tastes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld and intensify, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal.

Storing and Freezing for Future Feasts

Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days. Just be sure to let it cool to room temperature before you tuck it into the fridge.

This chili is a freezer champion! Portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags, and it will keep its quality beautifully for 4 to 6 months. It’s like having a delicious emergency meal waiting for you.

Reheating is a breeze. Gently warm it in a pot on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave it in a covered, microwave-safe dish.

So there you have it. A pot of Guinness Spiked Irish Chili is more than just dinner; it’s an experience. It’s the warmth of tradition with a playful, modern twist, all coming together in one incredibly satisfying bowl. Go on, give it a try—your taste buds will thank you.

Print Recipe

Guinness Spiked Irish Chili Recipe

Author: Kelsey Perez Cooking Method: Stovetop Cooking Cuisine: Irish Courses: Soup

Difficulty: easy Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 45 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr 5 mins

Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ moderate Calories: 420

Best Season: Fall, Winter

Description

Nothing says comfort like a hearty bowl of Guinness chili. This rich and flavorful Irish-style chili is perfect for a casual dinner or a game-day snack. It's simple to make in one pot and ready in under an hour! Infused with Ireland’s famous stout, this chili has a unique depth of flavor—roasty, malty, and subtly sweet—with just the right amount of spice.

ingredients

Servings

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
• 1 large yellow onion (chopped)
• 4 stalks celery (chopped)
• 2 bell peppers (chopped (any color))
• 4 cloves garlic (grated or finely minced)
• 1.5 lb lean ground beef (coarsely ground preferred)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons paprika (sweet or smoked)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons coriander (ground)
• 1 teaspoon oregano (dried)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 cinnamon stick (or ¼ tsp ground cinnamon)
• 28 ounce crushed tomatoes (one can)
• 14 ounce Guinness stout (one tall can (440ml))
• 19 ounce red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• Optional toppings (sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, sliced green onions)

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown—about 5 minutes.
2. Add the celery, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook for another 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns—about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, coriander, oregano, salt, pepper, and cinnamon stick. Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes and Guinness. Stir well, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
6. Stir in the kidney beans and cook for another 5–10 minutes to heat through. Remove the cinnamon stick. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve hot with your favorite toppings: sour cream, cheddar cheese, and green onions.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 420kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 18gg28%

Saturated Fat 6gg30%

Trans Fat 0gg

Cholesterol 55mgmg19%

Sodium 920mgmg39%

Potassium 960mgmg28%

Total Carbohydrate 38gg13%

Dietary Fiber 10gg40%

Sugars 11gg

Protein 28gg57%

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Calcium 10 mg

Iron 25 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Want it spicier? Add a diced jalapeño with the veggies or a pinch of cayenne with the spices.
• Make it ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months.
• Gluten note: While Guinness is not gluten-free, you can substitute with a certified gluten-free stout if needed.
• Serve it right: Pair with cornbread, Irish soda bread, or over rice with a side of kale apple salad.

Keywords: Guinness chili, Irish chili, beer chili, one-pot chili, ground beef chili, Guinness beer recipe