chili with italian sausage recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
chili with italian sausage recipe
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The Best chili with italian sausage recipe

I’ve always been a fan of hearty, comforting dishes that warm the soul, and this chili with Italian sausage recipe is one of my absolute favorites. I first tried it at a family gathering when I was a kid, and it’s been a staple in our household ever since.

The combination of rich, meaty sausage and tender beans in a flavorful broth is just irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make – just brown the sausage, cook the onions and garlic, add in some diced tomatoes and beans, and let it simmer until the flavors meld together.

It’s perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening, or even for a quick weeknight dinner. My kids love helping me stir the pot and adding their own favorite toppings, like shredded cheese or crushed tortilla chips.

And let’s not forget the health benefits – this recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from the beans and tomatoes. It’s also surprisingly low in calories considering how satisfying it is.

I’ve made this recipe countless times over the years, but I still get excited every time I take that first bite. There’s something about the way the flavors come together that just feels like home.

Italian Sausage Chili

Italian Sausage Chili

4.6 from 932 votes

This hearty chili combines spicy Italian sausage with classic chili ingredients for a bold and satisfying meal. It simmers to perfection in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chili

1 pound hot Italian sausage, casings removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving (optional)

Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Chopped fresh cilantro
Sliced green onions

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes.
3Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
4Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot.
5Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
6Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
7Return the cooked sausage to the pot and pour in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and chicken broth.
8Stir everything together to combine, then bring the chili to a boil over high heat.
9Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the chili thickens slightly.
10Taste the chili and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
11If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a splash more broth.
12Serve hot in bowls with your desired toppings like shredded cheddar, sour cream, cilantro, or green onions.

🔧Equipment

Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
Wooden spoon
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Can opener

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 10g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 24g

📝Notes

For a milder chili, use sweet Italian sausage instead of hot. This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Watch Video Of How Italian Sausage Chili Works

This chili with Italian sausage recipe is an absolute winner for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just need a quick weeknight dinner solution. Not only does it taste incredible (the combination of rich sausage and tender beans in a flavorful broth is just irresistible), but it also happens to be relatively healthy compared to other comfort foods out there (packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from the beans and tomatoes).

As an added bonus, leftovers reheat beautifully so don’t be afraid to double (or triple!) this recipe when planning for larger crowds.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Sausage Chili

1. What type of Italian sausage should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using sweet Italian sausage – it has a milder flavor that balances out nicely with the acidity of the tomatoes.

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