Description
This Sweet Italian Sausage Chili is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal combining savory sausage, beans, and a blend of spices simmered to perfection. Ideal for a cozy dinner, it offers a satisfying mix of protein, fiber, and vibrant seasonings with optional garnishes for a personalized touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Beans and Tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
Spices and Liquids
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup water or beef broth
Optional Garnish
- Chopped cilantro or green onions
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sweet Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture for about 1 minute to release the spices’ aroma.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Add tomato paste and stir well to coat the sausage and vegetables evenly with the paste.
- Add Tomatoes and Beans: Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, and water or beef broth. Stir everything to combine thoroughly.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally as it thickens and the flavors fully develop.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and serve hot. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions if desired for added freshness and color.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, substitute hot Italian sausage or add cayenne pepper to taste.
- This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread or served over fluffy rice.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
