Slow cooker beer chili is one of the easiest ways to serve a warm, satisfying meal without spending all day in the kitchen. You can prep everything ahead, let it cook low and slow, and come back to a rich, flavorful chili that is ready to serve.
This version uses Calamity Jane beer, a Georgia PGA brew that adds subtle depth without overpowering the dish. Whether you are hosting friends for game day or planning a simple Masters watch party, this recipe keeps things easy so you can focus on your guests.
Slow Cooker Beer Chili: Our Go-To Recipe for Gathering
We love serving this slow cooker beer chili when we have people over because it is easy to prep ahead, filling, and always a hit. And honestly, it is just fun to serve. Using Calamity Jane beer brings a little bit of Bobby Jones to the table, which makes it perfect for a Masters watch party or any casual chili bar party.
Why Calamity Jane Beer Makes This Chili Special
This slow cooker beer chili gets its balanced flavor from Georgia PGA Calamity Jane beer, a light blonde ale brewed by Fire Maker Brewing Company.
The name “Calamity Jane” comes from Bobby Jones, who famously gave that nickname to one of his clubs. That connection makes this chili a fun and meaningful choice for a Masters watch party or any golf inspired gathering.
While chili might not be on the menu at Augusta National, the tournament is known for its simple yet iconic food offerings. Explore the History of Masters Golf Tournament Concession Stand Food to see how classic sandwiches and snacks have become just as much a tradition as the tournament itself.
Ingredients You Will Need For Beer Chili
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients. For exact measurements, check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Please note: There are two cans of beer; one is for the chili, and the other is for you to enjoy while making this slow-cooker beer chili. You’re welcome!
- Ground Beef: Use 85/15 organic grass-fed beef for a rich, flavorful base.
- Onion: White or yellow, diced finely.
- Garlic: Always opt for fresh, minced garlic over jarred or powdered for a deeper flavor.
- Beer: Calamity Jane Beer or your favorite light beer.
- Tomatoes: A mix of tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and diced tomatoes for texture.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the tomatoes’ acidity. (My grandma’s secret to good chili)
- Spices: Classic chili seasonings like cumin, oregano, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Vegetables: Black-eyed peas (it’s a Southern thing), pinto beans, and white shoe-peg corn for a Southern twist.
How To Make Slow Cooker Beer Chili
Cook Meat and Add Seasonings
Brown the beef – Cook ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink, then drain excess fat. Add diced onions and minced garlic to the beef and cook until onions become translucent.
Then, transfer the meat mixture into the crock pot. Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Add Tomato Products and Veggies
Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and diced tomatoes, stirring well.
Rinse and drain pinto beans and black-eyed peas before adding them, along with the corn.
Add Beer and Cook
Pour the beer into the chili and stir well to ensure that all the ingredients are combined. Set your crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to develop fully.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beer Chili
Give it time to cook low and slow
If you have the time, cook this chili on low for at least 6 hours. That is where the flavor really develops.
Brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker
This step adds depth and keeps the texture from feeling too soft.
Choose a light, smooth beer
Calamity Jane beer works well because it adds flavor without making the chili bitter. A light lager or blonde ale is a good backup.
Easy Variations for Beer Chili
This chili works so well for a potluck or a casual dinner party because you can tweak it a bit to match your guests’ preferences.
- Make it a little spicier: Add extra cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions.
- Swap the beans: You can use kidney beans or black beans instead of pinto beans if that is what you have.
- Use a different protein: Ground turkey can be used instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Make it thicker: Let the lid sit slightly open during the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce some liquid. For more tips, see my post on How To Thicken Slow Cooker Chili.
- Serve it in a big bowl topped with cheese and hot sauce, or my favorite, spoon it over hot dogs cooked in beer.
Masters Watch Party Food Ideas
If you are hosting a Masters viewing party, this slow cooker beer chili pairs perfectly with other classic Augusta-inspired foods. Host a great party using this Masters Party Food Menu recipes and fun golf-themed party supplies.
Slow Cooker Beer Chili
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef, 85% lean 15% fat
- 1 cup onion, white or yellow, diced small
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt, more or less to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, more or less, to taste
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 15 oz crushed tomatoes, can with their juices
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, canned
- 15.5 oz pinto beans, can, drained and rinsed
- 15.5 oz black-eyed peas, can, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz white corn can, can, drained
- 14 oz beer, Calamaity Jane or your favorite brand
Instructions
Brown the Beef
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until all the pink is gone.1 lb. ground beef
- Carefully tip the pan and spoon off any excess fat.
Cook the Onion and Garlic
- Stir the diced onion and minced garlic into the cooked ground beef.1 cup onion, 2 teaspoons garlic
- Cook until the onion becomes translucent.
- Spoon the meat mixture into the crock pot.
Season the Chili
- Add the chili powder, brown sugar, cumin, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper.2 tablespoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon oregano, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Stir well so the seasonings are evenly combined with the beef mixture.
Add the Tomatoes
- Pour in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes with their juices, and diced tomatoes.6 oz tomato paste, 15 oz crushed tomatoes, 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- Stir everything together in the crock pot.
Add the Beans and Corn
- Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans, black-eyed peas, and drained white corn.15.5 oz pinto beans, 15.5 oz black-eyed peas, 15 oz white corn can
- Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Finish and Cook
- Pour in the beer and give the chili a good stir so everything is well combined.14 oz beer
- Place the lid on the crock pot.
- Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.
Gina’s Notes and Tips
- I like to use Calamity Jane PGA beer, which is a smooth-bodied, easy-drinking, crisp, light beer that works especially well in this chili.
- You can also use any beer you enjoy cooking with.
- Store cooled chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in portioned containers for up to 4 to 6 months.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat.
- Add broth, or a little more beer, if needed to loosen the texture.
- Cook the meat and vegetables ahead of time.
- Place everything else in the crockpot liner and refrigerate overnight.
- Cook fresh the next day for the best results.
