This Lager Chili with Black Beans is a straightforward, full-flavored chili built around bold spices, tender black beans, and the smooth, malty depth of a crisp lager.

It’s easy to make, easy to customize, and hits all the right notes — smoky, hearty, and just spicy enough to keep you going back for one more bite (or bowl).

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this is a chili that’s light on effort and heavy on flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 green or red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 oz lager (or a light amber or golden ale)
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup vegetable broth or water
• Juice of ½ lime (to finish)
• Optional: 1 chipotle pepper in adobo (for heat), or 1 tsp brown sugar (to balance bitterness)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

• Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add onion and bell pepper, and cook until soft — about 6–8 minutes.
• Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Spices

Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Toast the spices for 30 seconds to bloom the flavor.

Step 3: Deglaze with Beer

Pour in the lager, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the alcohol cook off slightly.

Step 4: Add Beans, Tomatoes & Broth

Add black beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), and broth.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Step 5: Finish with Lime

Stir in lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

• Top With:
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Shredded cheese or crumbled cotija
  • Pickled onions or jalapeños
  • Tortilla chips or cornbread croutons
• Serve With:
  • Cornbread, beer bread, or crusty sourdough
  • A pint of the same lager used in the recipe
  • A grilled cheese or quesadilla on the side

Beer Pairing

• Best Beers for the Pot:
  • Lager (clean, crisp)
  • Pilsner (light, slightly bitter)
  • Golden or blonde ale (adds maltiness without heaviness)
• Best Beers in the Glass:
  • Pale ale or amber lager to match and elevate the chili’s depth
  • Wheat beer for contrast
  Avoid IPAs or dark stouts — their bitterness or roastiness can overpower the balance.

Final Thoughts

Lager Chili with Black Beans is a stripped-down, amped-up chili that lets the beer do the talking and the beans carry the texture.

It’s warm, filling, and made for nights when you want something big in flavor and easy on effort — no meat, no problem.

Cheers to simple chili with beer at its heart! 🫘🍺🌶️

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