Bobby Jones’ Calamity Jane Beer Chili Recipe

This Crock Pot  Chili recipe is super easy, hands-off cooking, making it a perfect option for busy people who want to come home to a warm, hearty meal.

In this post, I guide you through each step for making this chili so it is easy for you.  Additionally, I want to share with you some yummy ideas for serving the chili, topping ideas and as a bonus, how to host a fun chili bare party.

Bobby Jones’ putter was called Calamity Jane due to its unassuming appearance and humble beginnings. Despite being described as the “worst putter” by some, it became the most famous golf club in the world. The original Calamity Jane, with which Jones won three majors, is now housed in the Augusta National GC clubhouse.

The putter’s history is filled with anecdotes, from Jones almost breaking it in frustration after a lousy putting round to Calamity Jane II being stolen, only to be recovered the next day. Despite the challenges, Jones continued to use Calamity Jane, and it played a pivotal role in his successes, including the remarkable 25-putt round during the 1936 Masters. The putter’s significance is exemplified by its association with key moments in Jones’ golf career, such as the 12-footer at the 1929 U.S. Open and the 40-foot birdie at the 1930 U.S. Open. If only Calamity Jane could speak, it would have countless stories to tell about its journey alongside Bobby Jones. (source: Golf Digest)

I walk by this Bobby Jones sundial statue every Masters, assuming it is bronze-colored. Until I edited this picture for this beer chili recipe, I never noticed all the colors. The red, green, blue, and yellow all blend to create a timeless remembrance of our beloved Bobby Jones. It’s always about the details at The Masters.

Here’s The Groceries You’ll Need 

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: Using organic grass-fed ground beef with an 85% lean and 15% fat ratio will create a great pot of chili because the higher fat content adds flavor and richness to the chili, making it more savory and satisfying. Additionally, grass-fed beef tends to have a more robust and natural flavor profile, which can enhance the overall taste of the chili.
• Onion:  white or yellow diced small
• Garlic: Do not use powdered or minced garlic in a jar. For the best flavor, only use fresh peeled and minced garlic. 
• Beer:  Calamity Jane Beer Of Golf  or your favorite brand
• Tomatoes: For this recipe, you will need tomatoes 3 ways to give the chili thickness and texture. Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and diced tomatoes to your grocery list. 
• Brown sugar:  Adding brown sugar to a chili recipe can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a more well-rounded and flavorful chili.
• Spices: To prepare this hearty chili, I used traditional chili seasonings such as cumin, oregano, mild chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Vegetables: For a unique southern chili recipe, I added the favorite bean of the south, black-eyed-pea. You will also need pinto beans and white shoe-peg canned corn.

📝 Note: You can find the full recipe with ingredients and measurements in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

Step-By-Step Beer Chili Instructions  

1. Let’s start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Cook it until all the pink is gone. If there’s any extra fat, no worries. Just tip the pan and spoon it off. You got this!

2. Once the beef is cooked, stir in the diced onions and minced garlic. Let them cook with the beef for around 2 minutes or until the onions turn a bit see-through. Then, spoon the meat mixture into the crock pot.

3. Now, let’s add some amazing flavors! Sprinkle in the chili powder, brown sugar, cumin, salt, pepper, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Give everything a good stir to mix all the yummy seasonings with the beef. Can you smell those wonderful seasonings coming together?

4. It’s tomato time! Pour in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes with their juices, and diced tomatoes. Make sure to stir everything together in the crock pot to create a perfect blend.

5. Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans, black-eyed peas, and white corn to the crock pot. Stir it all up to really get those flavors mingling.

6. Stir all the seasonings, tomatoes, beans, and corn altogether. Next, we are going to add the magic.

7. Now, let’s give it that extra special touch. Grab the Calamity Jane beer, or your favorite brand, and pour it into the crock pot. Stir it all together, making sure the flavors are all best buddies. You can almost taste the deliciousness, can’t you?

7. Once everything’s in the crock pot, pop on the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It’s gonna be worth the wait! Just wait until the incredible aromas start filling your kitchen!

Chili Toppings Ideas

When serving a big bowl of beer chili, it’s a great idea to serve some toppings to pile on. 

• Shredded cheddar cheese 
• Sour cream 
• Add heat: Sliced pickled jalapenos, hot sauce,  
• Diced Avocado 
• Add a crunch: Crumbled bacon, tortilla chips
• Sliced green onions 
• Red onions, diced
• Cornbread 
• Add freshness: Lime wedges or chopped fresh cilantro.
•  Fried Egg 

Great Ideas For Serving Beer Chili

• Serve the chili in a bread bowl for a cozy and delicious meal.
• Use the chili as a topping for crock pot hot dogs or sausages.
• Pair the chili with cornbread for a comforting and hearty meal.
• Top nachos with the chili for a tasty and satisfying snack.
• Use the chili as a filling for tacos or burritos for a Tex-Mex twist.
• Spoon the chili over an air fryer baked potato for a hearty and filling dinner.
• Use the chili as a filling for stuffed bell peppers for a flavorful and colorful meal.
• Make a chili mac and cheese by combining the chili with macaroni and cheese.
• Create a chili-stuffed omelet for a delicious and hearty breakfast or brunch.
• Incorporate the chili into a layered dip for a game day or party snack.

What To Do With Leftover Chili

Okay, we all know chili is better the next day, so having leftovers is a bonus! Here’s how to store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer.

Refrigerator: Once the chili has cooled down to room temperature, transfer it into an airtight container or a resealable bag. Place it in the refrigerator. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer: If you’d like to freeze the chili, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label it with the date. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 4-6 months.

Reheating: When reheating the chili, place it in a pot or a microwave-safe container.
To prevent scorching, add a little water or beef broth if the chili is too thick. This will also help to loosen it up.
Heat it over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If using the microwave, heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired temperature.