How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

What ingredients do I need for Survival Chili?

You need 18 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 Tbsp. salad oil, 2 1/2 lb. boneless lean beef chuck, cut in 1/2-inch cubes, 1 (12 oz.) can beer, 1 1/2 c. water, and more.

Is Survival Chili suitable as soups & stews?

Yes, Survival Chili falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

How do I store leftover Survival Chili?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Survival Chili Recipe

Name: Survival Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp. salad oil; 2 1/2 lb. boneless lean beef chuck, cut in 1/2-inch cubes; 1 (12 oz.) can beer; 1 1/2 c. water; 1 (8 oz.) can whole tomatoes, crushed; 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce; 1 (4 oz.) can mild green chiles, chopped (undrained); 1/2 c. chopped green pepper; 1/4 c. instant minced onion; 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin; 1 tsp. salt; 1/3 tsp. oregano leaves, crushed; 1/2 tsp. instant minced garlic; 1/2 tsp. paprika; 1/2 tsp. cilantro; 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper; 1/16 tsp. ground red pepper; 4 tsp. chili powder

Warm up with this hearty Survival Chili recipe. Made with salad oil, boneless lean beef chuck, beer and water. Easy step-by-step instructions included.

This Survival Chili relies on simple, everyday ingredients such as salad oil, (12 oz.) can beer, water and (8 oz.) can tomato sauce. It comes together quickly and makes 4 servings, at about 811 kcal each. The step-by-step instructions below are written to be easy to follow, even on a busy day.

It works as a light main on its own or as a starter alongside crusty bread, and it's just as good for a cozy night in as it is for feeding a crowd. Leftovers keep well, so it's a smart choice for meal prep too.

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Serves 4 Soups & Stews

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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Survival Chili

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

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