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Three-Bean Dark Beer Slow Cooker Chili

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A hearty and flavorful slow cooker chili featuring three types of beans and dark beer, perfect for game day or cozy evenings. This recipe combines smoky, rich flavors with easy prep and slow-simmered goodness.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup dried black beans, soaked overnight (or 2 cans, drained)
  • 1 cup dried kidney beans, soaked overnight (or 2 cans, drained)
  • 1 cup dried pinto beans, soaked overnight (or 2 cans, drained)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
  • 12 ounces dark beer (such as Guinness or porter)
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (or beef broth)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
  • Shredded cheese and sour cream for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. If using dried beans, rinse thoroughly and soak overnight in plenty of cold water (about 8 cups). Drain and rinse again before cooking.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. Add soaked beans (or canned beans, drained), sautéed veggies, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Pour in the dark beer and vegetable broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until beans are tender and flavors meld. Alternatively, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours if short on time.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. If chili is too thick, stir in a little extra broth or water to reach preferred consistency.
  6. Ladle into bowls and top with chopped cilantro or green onions. Serve with shredded cheese and sour cream if desired.

Notes

Soaking dried beans overnight improves texture and reduces cooking time. Sautéing vegetables before adding to the slow cooker unlocks deeper flavors. Use a good-quality dark beer like stout or porter for best flavor. Adjust heat gradually by adding jalapeño and cayenne pepper to taste. Stir occasionally if your slow cooker allows to prevent sticking. Can be made vegan by substituting cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives. For meat lovers, add browned ground beef or turkey before slow cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chili, three-bean chili, dark beer chili, game day recipe, vegetarian chili, easy chili recipe, hearty chili

Find it online: https://milacook.com/three-bean-dark-beer-slow-cooker-chili-recipe-easy-game-day-favorite/