Frank's Spicy Alabama Onion Beer Chili Recipe

Name: Frank's Spicy Alabama Onion Beer Chili
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 3020 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef chuck; 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce; 2 (15 ounce) cans spicy chili beans; 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice; 1 (12 fluid ounce) can beer; 2 large white onions, chopped; 4 fresh jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped; 0.33333334326744 cup chili powder; 0.25 cup Worcestershire sauce; 3 tablespoons hot pepper sauce (e.g. Tabasco™), or to taste; 3 tablespoons red pepper flakes, or to taste

Cook Time: 120 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

2 pounds ground beef chuck
2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
2 (15 ounce) cans spicy chili beans
2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice
1 (12 fluid ounce) can beer
2 large white onions, chopped
4 fresh jalapeo peppers, seeded and chopped
cup chili powder
cup Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco), or to taste
3 tablespoons red pepper flakes, or to taste (Optional)

Directions

In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the ground beef chuck. Cook and stir until the beef is evenly browned. Drain excess fat.
Transfer the cooked beef to a large pot.
To the pot, add the tomato sauce, chili beans, diced tomatoes with juice, beer, chopped onions, chopped jalapeos, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine all ingredients.
Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer over low heat. Stir occasionally for about 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
After simmering, let the chili cool completely. Then, refrigerate it for two days. The flavors will improve as it rests.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Each serving provides approximately:

369 Calories
14g Fat
40g Carbs
23g Protein

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Total Fat	14g	18%
Saturated Fat	5g	25%
Cholesterol	52mg	17%
Sodium	1395mg	61%
Total Carbohydrate	40g	15%
Dietary Fiber	11g	39%
Total Sugars	13g	-
Protein	23g	46%
Vitamin C	31mg	35%
Calcium	127mg	10%
Iron	8mg	43%
Potassium	1303mg	28%

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

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

Frank's Spicy Alabama Onion Beer Chili is a delicious, rich, and spicy chili that combines the savory flavors of beef, onions, jalapeos, and beer. This dish originates from Alabama, where the unique combination of ingredients creates a comforting, spicy, and flavorful dish perfect for any gathering. The recipe has earned rave reviews for its robust taste and the depth of flavors that develop as it simmers.

History of the Dish

While chili itself is a popular dish across many regions of the United States, Franks Spicy Alabama Onion Beer Chili has a distinctive southern twist. Originating from Alabama, it incorporates beer as a primary ingredient, adding a unique depth of flavor not found in all chili recipes. The use of beer in chili is not entirely new, but its less common in traditional recipes. In this dish, beer serves to enhance the overall richness and complexity of the chili, making it stand out among other chili variations.

Regional Features

Alabama cuisine is known for its bold flavors, often combining spicy and savory ingredients. The states dishes frequently feature ingredients like pork, corn, and, of course, chili peppers. This recipe is no exception, highlighting local flavors with the addition of jalapeos and chili powder. The inclusion of beer, however, is a defining feature that distinguishes it from many other regional chili recipes, giving it a deeper, more earthy flavor that many find irresistible. Many Alabama recipes also tend to be hearty and designed to feed a crowd, and this chili is no differentits perfect for gatherings and celebrations.

How This Chili Differs from Similar Dishes

What sets Franks Spicy Alabama Onion Beer Chili apart from other chili recipes is the use of beer, which adds a distinctive smoky richness to the dish. Traditional chili recipes often rely on beef stock or water as the liquid base, but the addition of beer elevates the flavor profile, making it richer and more complex. Another key difference is the level of heatthis chili uses a combination of fresh jalapeos, chili powder, and red pepper flakes, making it spicier than many other types of chili. The onions in this recipe also play a significant role in providing sweetness and depth, balancing out the heat of the peppers.

Where It Is Typically Served

Franks Spicy Alabama Onion Beer Chili is commonly served at casual gatherings such as tailgates, barbecues, and family dinners in Alabama. Its also a popular choice for chili cook-offs and parties where the dish can be shared in large quantities. In Alabama, this chili is often paired with sides like cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple dollop of sour cream to help balance the heat. The richness of the chili makes it an ideal comfort food, especially during the colder months.

Interesting Facts

One interesting fact about this chili is its versatility. While the recipe calls for ground beef chuck, many variations of the dish use other types of meat, such as ground turkey, pork, or even smoked meats like bacon or sausage. Additionally, some people prefer to experiment with different types of beer. Some recommend using a smoked beer, such as the German Schlenkerla Rauchbier, for an even deeper, bacon-like flavor. The beer not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat, making it a crucial component of the dish.

Another fun tidbit is that this chili improves significantly when left to rest for a couple of days in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to meld together, making it even more delicious when reheated. Many people find that the chili is even better on the second or third day, which makes it a great dish to prepare in advance for a busy week or a gathering.

FAQ about Frank's Spicy Alabama Onion Beer Chili Recipe

Yes, this chili actually improves in flavor as it rests. It's recommended to refrigerate the chili after it cools completely and let it sit for at least two days before serving. You can store it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Yes, you can freeze the chili. After cooking, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of the chili to your liking. If you prefer it milder, reduce the amount of jalapeños or omit the hot pepper sauce and red pepper flakes. Conversely, for extra heat, you can add more jalapeños or additional hot sauce.

The recipe calls for a 12 oz can of beer, and while you can use any beer, some people prefer using a dark beer or a smoked beer for added depth of flavor. For example, a smoked porter or a stout will give the chili a unique smoky flavor. If you're not a fan of beer, you can substitute it with a non-alcoholic beer or even cola for a different taste.

Yes, you can make this chili in a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and transfer it along with the other ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the flavors meld together. If you're in a hurry, you can cook it on high for about 3-4 hours.

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with other meats like ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork. Keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly depending on your choice of meat.

The chili is done once it has simmered for 2 hours, allowing the flavors to blend. The beef should be tender, and the vegetables should be softened. If you prefer a thicker chili, you can continue to cook it for a little longer to reduce the liquid.

Frank's Spicy Alabama Onion Beer Chili is best served with a variety of accompaniments like tortilla chips, cornbread, sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh herbs like cilantro or chives. You can also serve it over rice for a more filling meal.

Yes, you can reduce the sodium content by using low-sodium or no-salt-added versions of the tomato sauce, chili beans, and Worcestershire sauce. Additionally, you can omit or reduce the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes.

Comments

Jack Torres

05/05/2023 06:27:55 PM

I have experimented with many different chili recipes, and this one truly stands out as one of the best I've ever tried. The flavors were incredibly rich. As usual, I incorporated fresh garlic with the onions and jalapenos, sauteing them in olive oil before adding the meat and other ingredients. I also adjusted the level of spiciness to suit my preference, opting for a balance between heat and flavor without overwhelming my taste buds. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, I recommend using 1/4 cup of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of Tabasco sauce, 2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes, and following the rest of the recipe as written. For future batches, I am contemplating adding some chopped celery or celery seed, and possibly an extra can of beer to enhance the soup-like consistency. I cannot express enough how impressed I am with this recipe! It might sound cliché, but the flavors truly dance on your tongue. I suggest serving it with tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, and freshly chopped chives for a delightful experience. Thank you!

Joseph Perez

05/25/2025 08:04:56 PM

I absolutely love this recipe, although I didn't stick to it exactly for the second batch. Instead of using 2 lbs of chuck, I used 1 lb of ground round and 1 lb of ground turkey. I also opted for 1 large onion and 3 Anaheim peppers rather than 2 onions. I reduced the amount of chili powder, added some cumin and garlic, and skipped the Tabasco, using 1 tablespoon of chili paste instead. I poured in about 18 oz of Fat Tire amber ale, and enjoyed a few more while it simmered. The flavors blend even better with time, but I couldn't resist and devoured a bowl as it cooled down!

Kathleen Adams

08/04/2022 04:12:37 PM

I would give this recipe 4.5 stars if I could. I made some adjustments to suit my taste preferences. The ratio of meat, beans, and spices was spot on, making it easy to follow. I decided to add extra flavor with 1 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp ground cayenne (skipped the red pepper flakes), and 1 1/2 tsp salt. I also included two seeded and chopped serrano chiles and four chopped garlic cloves, while skipping the jalapenos. Instead of tomato sauce, I used tomato paste and water. After simmering for two hours, it turned out perfect!

Kimberly Baker

11/19/2022 10:17:56 PM

Frank, I absolutely adore your chili recipe. I've made it multiple times and whipped up another batch last night, albeit with a few ingredient substitutions. I only had one can of diced tomatoes, so I threw in a can of Rotel cilantro and lime diced tomatoes. I used a pound of ground turkey and almost a pound of chopped sirloin steak since that's what I had on hand. I decided to make do with what was in my pantry rather than making a trip to the store. The Yuengling beer I used turned out to be a perfect choice. To cater to our preference for a bit of heat without going overboard, I added 1/4 cup of chili pepper and a few dashes of Cholula hot pepper sauce. I skipped the pepper flakes and jalapenos but added a sprinkle of red pepper for some extra kick. Instead of two cans of the same beans, I mixed in a can of pintos and a can of kidney beans. Despite these adjustments, the final result closely resembled your original recipe and was a big hit. I wanted to share with you that even small tweaks can yield a fabulous chili. For larger gatherings, serving it over white rice is a fantastic idea to stretch the meal further. Being a parent to college-age kids and hosting friends regularly, cost-effective recipes like this are a lifesaver. Everyone loved it on a chilly evening, and I've continued making this chili with stout beer as suggested. I slightly reduce the spices to suit our taste, but it still receives rave reviews every time I serve it. Thank you for this fantastic recipe!

Adam Martin

01/18/2024 01:32:54 AM

AMAZING RECIPE! I had some leftover shredded beef from my last batch of Bar B Que beef sandwiches and decided to try making this chili with it. I followed the chef's instructions closely and tweaked the ingredients to suit my taste. I included two bottles of beer, fresh diced tomatoes, onions, chili powder, garlic, Tabasco, crushed red pepper, cayenne pepper, jalapeno peppers, and Worcestershire sauce... and the result was absolutely delicious!

Susan Lewis

10/02/2022 04:14:16 AM

Sounded promising, but we both felt that it lacked that certain something.

Alexander Carter

08/08/2024 02:01:05 PM

A fantastic recipe! It has a nice kick to it, so make sure to have some sour cream ready to balance the heat. I didn't go heavy on the spiciness, but the hot sauce I used was extremely hot. I'm happy I only included 2 jalapenos and 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes. The majority of my family enjoys spicy food, so this dish will surely be a hit. I'll definitely save this recipe and prepare it again in the future.

Charles Roberts

12/14/2024 03:35:10 PM

It was incredible! I made it for a chili cookoff at work, and everyone asked for the recipe.

Kevin Campbell

06/05/2023 01:03:33 PM

Here's an improved version of the review: "This chili recipe is truly outstanding. I have a special trick that I always use when making chili - I season the meat with a bit of chili powder before browning it with the onions. This step makes a significant difference in enhancing the richness of flavors. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe!"

Donald Hill

10/14/2023 05:09:52 PM

No changes, excellent chili.

Mark Thomas

05/28/2023 04:20:16 AM

This chili is the most delicious we have ever tasted!

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Cook Time: 35 minutes

Frank's Spicy Alabama Onion Beer Chili Recipe

Ingredients

Directions