Sweet Italian Sausage Chili Recipe

This Sweet Italian Sausage Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in! Imagine a rich and comforting chili with a blend of ground beef, sweet Italian sausage, and a medley of beans, all simmered in a smoky and slightly sweet tomato-based sauce. This recipe is easy to make and delivers a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a game day gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of ground beef, sweet Italian sausage, and a variety of beans creates a delicious and satisfying chili that’s packed with protein and fiber.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup! Everything cooks together in one pot, saving you time and effort.
• Versatile: Feel free to customize the chili with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado. You can also adjust the spice level to your preference.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Bacon: Diced and cooked until crispy, it adds a smoky and salty flavor to the chili.
• Ground beef: Adds a hearty and savory base to the chili.
• Sweet Italian sausage: Adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of fennel and other Italian spices.
• White onion: Diced and adds a savory base and sweetness.
• Garlic: Minced and adds a fragrant and savory punch.
• Kidney beans and white beans: Drained and rinsed, they add protein, fiber, and a creamy texture to the chili.
• Crushed tomatoes: Adds richness and a deeper tomato flavor.
• Ketchup: Adds sweetness and tanginess to the sauce.
• Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a depth of umami flavor.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor.
• Water: Thins the chili to the desired consistency.
• Chili powder: Adds a smoky and slightly spicy flavor.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and vibrant color.
• Cumin: Adds a warm and earthy flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Season the chili to perfection.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Sweet Italian Sausage Chili

Step 1: Cook the Bacon and Ground Meats

In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and let it drain on paper towels. Discard most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot. Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 2 minutes, or until softened. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and white beans, crushed tomatoes, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and water to the pot. Stir well to combine. Add the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir again to incorporate the spices. Finally, add the crispy bacon crumbles to the chili.

Step 3: Simmer and Serve

Bring the chili to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. If the chili becomes too thick, add more water as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or Greek yogurt.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use lean ground beef: For a healthier option, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
• Adjust the spice level: Adjust the amount of chili powder or red pepper flakes to your liking, depending on how spicy you want the chili.
• Add other vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the pot along with the onions, such as diced bell peppers, corn, or chopped spinach.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the chili ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen over time, making the leftovers even more delicious.

How to Serve

This Sweet Italian Sausage Chili is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas for serving it:

• Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, or chopped green onions, for people to customize their bowls.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chili.
• Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread complements the flavors of the chili beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sweet Italian Sausage Chili is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bean?

Yes, you can! Other beans that would work well in this recipe include black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas.

2. Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, you can! Omit the ground beef, bacon, and Italian sausage, and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add chickpeas, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute for protein.

3. Can I make this chili spicier?

Definitely! Add more chili powder, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or some diced jalapeños to the pot.

4. Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Brown the ground beef, sausage, and onions first, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the flavors have melded and the chili has thickened.

This Sweet Italian Sausage Chili Recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. With its simple preparation, versatile ingredients, and hearty flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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