Everyone loves chili. Simple, hearty and crowd-pleasing are among the descriptions commonly used to describe one of the West’s go-to foods. Good chili brings people together, so put your best foot forward and spice up a timeless classic with Colorado ingredients.

Colorado-raised buffalo provides a lean protein source for the health conscious. Dried chili flakes from Flatiron Spice Co. provide a depth of flavor that run-of-the-mill chili flakes simply can’t. Lastly, Elevation Beer Co.’s Oil Man Cinnamon Stout rounds out the robust and complex flavors found within the chili.

The recipe was adapted from Ayesha Curry’s, The Seasoned Life. Enjoy it with family and friends and freeze the leftovers for an easy meal a few weeks later!

Ingredients

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp coarse salt
1 tsp pepper
2 lbs locally sourced buffalo meat
4 carrots
1 red onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 orange bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 jalapeno pepper, diced, seeded, deveined
2 serrano peppers, diced, seeded, deveined
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 6-oz can tomato paste
1/4 cup chili powder
1 tbsp dried oregano
2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon dried chili flakes (Flatiron Spice Co Dark and Smoky Mix)
1 bottle beer, Elevation Brewing - Oil Man Cinnamon Imperial Stout
1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
1 14-oz can fire roasted tomatoes
1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 15-oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 15-oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup maple syrup
Topping options: grated cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, chives, cilantro, red onion

Directions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high and add buffalo meat. Brown the buffalo meat while seasoning with salt and pepper.

Once browned, remove the meat with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the carrots and onion to the pot and begin to sauté for several minutes. Then add peppers, garlic, salt, pepper and more olive oil.

After vegetable mixture has softened (5-10 minutes), add tomato paste, chili powder, oregano, paprika and chili flakes. Stir the mixture periodically until it darkens in color. Add the beef back into the pot.

Pour the beer into the pot and deglaze the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape any residue from the bottom.

Add the crushed tomatoes, fire roasted tomatoes, beans and maple syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce it to a simmer. Cook for at least an hour and up to four.

Pair with

Elevation Beer Co.
Oil Man

Oil Man is a perfect pairing for both inside and alongside the chili. Thick and viscous with flavors of cinnamon, coffee and chocolate, this beer is incredibly complex. The Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels carries a distinct whiskey flavor that translates nicely into a layered chili recipe.