Boilermaker Tailgate Chili Recipe

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Are you ready to make the best chili for your next tailgate party? This Boilermaker Tailgate Chili recipe is just what you need! It’s packed with ground beef, Italian sausage, beans, and veggies, plus a blend of spices that will warm you up from the inside out.

This recipe serves 10 people, takes about 30 minutes to prep, and needs 2 hours to cook. At 900 calories per serving, it’s a hearty meal that will keep you full and happy. The mix of ingredients creates a rich, flavorful chili that’s perfect for game day or any cold evening when you want some comfort food.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s everything you need to make this tasty Boilermaker Tailgate Chili:

• 2 pounds ground chuck
• 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
• 3 (15-ounce) cans chili beans, drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can chili beans in spicy sauce
• 2 (28-ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2 green chili peppers, seeded and chopped

Don’t forget these flavor boosters:

• 1 tablespoon bacon bits
• 4 beef bouillon cubes
• 1/2 cup beer
• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce

And these spices to round it out:

• 1 teaspoon each: dried basil, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, sugar

For topping, grab:

• 1 (10-ounce) bag corn chips (like Fritos)
• 1 (8-ounce) package shredded cheddar cheese

Now you’re all set to make an amazing chili that’ll be the star of any tailgate party!

Instructions

Start by heating a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground chuck and Italian sausage, breaking them up as they cook. Keep stirring until the meat is no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any extra fat.

Next, add all the beans, tomatoes, and tomato paste to the pot. Toss in the chopped veggies – onion, celery, and peppers. Don’t forget the bacon bits and bouillon cubes! Pour in that 1/2 cup of beer for extra flavor.

Time for seasoning! Measure out all your spices and add them to the pot. Give everything a good stir to mix it all up. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing!

Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat. The longer it cooks, the tastier it gets. Aim for at least 2 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes. This helps blend all the flavors together.

Before serving, give it a taste. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. Ladle the hot chili into bowls. Top each serving with a handful of corn chips and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar. Enjoy your delicious tailgate chili!

Possible Substitutes List

You can easily swap out some ingredients in this Boilermaker Tailgate Chili recipe. Here are some tasty options:

• Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
• Vegetarian crumbles for a meatless version
• Black beans or kidney beans in place of chili beans
• Fresh tomatoes instead of canned (use about 4 cups)
• Vegetable broth cubes to replace beef bouillon

For the veggies, try:

• Carrots instead of celery
• Jalapenos in place of green chili peppers
• Yellow or orange bell peppers

No beer? No problem! Use beef broth or apple cider vinegar instead.

Want to change up the toppings? Try these:

• Sour cream
• Sliced avocado
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Crushed tortilla chips

Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. You can use less chili powder for a milder chili or add more cayenne for extra heat. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

You can make this tasty chili more diabetes-friendly with a few simple swaps. Use lean ground turkey instead of beef and sausage to cut down on fat and calories.

Replace regular chili beans with low-sodium versions. This helps control your salt intake. Pick no-sugar-added diced tomatoes and tomato paste too.

Skip the beer and corn chips to reduce carbs. Add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for more fiber and nutrients. Use less chili powder and hot sauce if you’re sensitive to spice.

Try these diabetes-friendly toppings:

• Plain Greek yogurt (instead of cheese)
• Diced avocado
• Chopped fresh cilantro

Measure your portion size carefully. Stick to about 1 cup of chili per serving. Pair it with a small side salad for a balanced meal.

Remember to check your blood sugar after eating. This helps you see how the chili affects your levels. With these tweaks, you can still enjoy this classic tailgate dish!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the best flavor, let your chili simmer for at least 2 hours. The longer it cooks, the tastier it gets! Stir it every 30 minutes to prevent sticking.

You can adjust the heat level to your liking. Add more hot sauce or chili powder for extra kick, or reduce these ingredients for a milder chili.

Try topping your chili with sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or diced avocado for extra flavor and texture. Get creative with your toppings!

To store leftovers, let the chili cool completely. Then put it in airtight containers and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out if needed. Heat it on the stove or in the microwave until it’s piping hot.

Make a big batch and freeze portions for quick meals later. It’s great for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

For a healthier version, use lean ground turkey instead of beef and reduce the amount of cheese on top. You’ll still get tons of flavor!