Slow-Simmered Beef Chili with Dark Ale

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty beef chili enriched with the deep, malty flavors of dark ale, simmered until tender and robust. This american-inspired beef ready in about 135 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking up the meat until browned and no longer pink.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 12 oz dark ale beer and 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices. Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained kidney beans, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and 1 cup water.
  4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the chili thickens to your preferred consistency.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Beef Chili with Dark Ale take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Simmered Beef Chili with Dark Ale?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Beef Chili with Dark Ale?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Simmered Beef Chili with Dark Ale for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Simmered Beef Chili with Dark Ale?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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