Beer-infused chilli recipe with Badger and Outland beers

As the days grow colder, it’s time to fire up the stove and embrace the ultimate comfort food: chilli. But not just any chilli—this is beer chilli, a flavoursome twist that pairs the deep malty richness of Badger Beers’ Fursty Ferret and the bold hoppiness of Outland’s West Coast IPA with the usual ingredients added to create this hearty dish.

Together, these brews elevate chilli to a whole new level. Here’s how to make it…

What You’ll Need

Serves 6–8

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 450g ground beef (substitute for a vegetarian or vegan alternative if applicable)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green for colour)
• 2 tbsp chilli powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 bottle Badger Fursty Ferret (a malty or amber option works best)
• 1 cup of Outland West Coast IPA (for a hoppy IPA contrast)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional garnishes: sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped coriander, or tortilla chips

How to Make Our Beer Chilli Recipe

1. Brown the meat

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground meat, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the veggies

In the same pot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Spice it up

Sprinkle in chilli powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne. Stir for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.

4. Add the base ingredients

Return the browned meat to the pot. Pour in the Fursty Ferret, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the tomatoes, beans, and a splash of West Coast IPA for a hoppy twist. Stir to combine.

5. Simmer away

Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the chilli simmer for at least 30 minutes (though an hour is even better). Stir occasionally and add salt and pepper to taste. If the chilli gets too thick, add a little more IPA.

6. Serve and enjoy

Ladle the chilli into bowls and top with your favourite garnishes. Pair it with any remaining Badger and Outland beer for the perfect meal.

Why add beer to chilli?

Using two distinct beers enhances the depth of flavour. Badger’s malty amber ale brings a sweet, roasted backbone, while Outland’s hoppy IPA adds brightness and complexity. Together, they create a chilli that’s robust, hearty, and unforgettable.

Grab a spoon, crack open a cold one, and let your taste buds celebrate this dynamic duo of brews!