Beer Chili Spaghetti

Beer Chili Spaghetti

I was very excited when Lazaro of Lazaro Cooks! invited me to guest post on his blog. I'm a fan of Laz's creative and inspiring dishes and admire him for his mission to eat sustainably, organically, and seasonally.

My recipe for Beer Chili Spaghetti is a family favorite for its rich, meaty, chili-inspired sauce and hearty whole wheat noodles. Topped with extra-sharp cheddar cheese and chopped red onions, it's a nice way to warm up on a cold winter day.

Beer Chili Spaghetti

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

1 16-ounce package whole wheat spaghetti

2 pounds lean ground beef (I use natural grass fed beef)

1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 3/4 teaspoons paprika

1 1/4 teaspoons cayenne pepper (a little less if you like no heat)

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground oregano (the kind that is finely ground like a powder)

1 Tablespoon onion powder

1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder

1/2 cup chili powder

1 8-ounce can tomato sauce

1 12-ounce beer (I used a dark regional beer from Shiner, Texas but your favorite beer works just as well)

Garnish:

diced red onion

shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese

chopped fresh parsley if desired

In a large pot over medium heat add the olive oil and then brown the ground beef breaking it up and crumbling as you go. If you’re not using lean ground beef, skip adding the olive oil. While the beef is browning, cook the spaghetti noodles in heavily salted water and according to package directions.

Next add the rest of the ingredients. The beer will fizz for a few seconds and then reside:

Stir well, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Meanwhile drain the spaghetti and toss with a small amount of olive oil to keep moist.

When ready to serve, top spaghetti with meat sauce, then cheddar cheese and red onion.

Beer Chili Spaghetti

For the holidays, I used Shiner's special edition Cheer Beer but you can use any beer you like.

Shiner's Cheer Beer

I hope you'll go pay Lazaro Cooks! a visit and check out all the great stuff he has going on over there.