Cozy up this fall with a warm bowl of our Italian Sausage Chili. This beef and Italian sausage chili doesn’t have any beans in it. It’s hearty and spicy just the right amount. We love to serve it with our Gluten Free Cornbread. Plus it’s made in just over 30 minutes!.
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s officially chili season. Bring on all the warm and comforting dishes; we are so here for it. One word of advice, though: don’t be Kevin from “The Office” and spill your chili all over the floor. Two hands, people. Two hands!.
This Italian Sausage Chili is one of our favorites for the fall months. Our favorite chili recipes are the classic No Bean Chili, Mom’s Green Bean Chili, and our CONTEST WINNING Slow Cooker Steak Chili. But this one is what we make when we want something spicy! The Italian sausage adds a hint of fennel, and a good splash of Frank’s red hot sauce makes it really hot!
Chili is a beloved staple that can be found simmering away in slow cookers and Instant Pots across the country once the weather turns cool. This hearty, comforting dish is the perfect meal for chilly fall and winter nights. While there are countless variations of chili out there, most recipes call for ground beef as the star of the show. However, if you’re looking to add a new spin to your chili routine, substituting Italian sausage for some or all of the ground beef can take your chili from basic to sensational.
Why Italian Sausage Works So Well in Chili
At first glance Italian sausage might seem like an unorthodox choice for chili. However this flavorful sausage variety can add incredible depth and aroma when used in place of regular ground beef. Here’s why Italian sausage and chili are such a winning combo
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It’s inherently seasoned. Italian sausage contains traditional Mediterranean spices like fennel, oregano, basil, garlic, and black pepper baked right in. This means it adds big flavor to your chili without needing to mess with extra spices.
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It provides texture. Ground beef can sometimes turn mushy when simmered for long periods in chili. The mix of fat herbs and texture from Italian sausage keeps each bite interesting.
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It brings sweetness. Quality Italian sausage contains a touch of sweetness to balance the spices. This subtly sweet flavor pairs perfectly with the acidity of tomatoes and heat of chiles in chili.
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It makes it meatier. Italian sausage is densely flavored with its blend of pork and spices. Using it in addition to or instead of ground beef amplifies the meaty richness of the dish.
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It gives it aroma. As your sausage-spiked chili bubbles away, the signature scent of fennel and other Italian spices will fill your kitchen. This aroma adds extra appetizing appeal.
With all of these benefits, it’s easy to see how Italian sausage can take your tried-and-true chili up a notch. Keep reading for tips on how to successfully add this secret ingredient.
Tips for Adding Italian Sausage to Chili
Implementing Italian sausage into your chili is simple. Here are some tips for getting the best results:
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Use hot or sweet. Hot Italian sausage will give your chili serious heat, while sweet Italian sausage provides gentle seasoning. Use one or the other or do a mix of both to achieve your ideal spice level.
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Cook it first. It’s best to brown the sausage before adding your other ingredients. This renders some of the fat and develops the flavors.
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Add veggies after. Wait to add aromatics like onions and peppers until after the sausage has browned. This prevents them from steaming instead of properly sautéing.
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Simmer, don’t boil. Be sure to let your chili simmer gently once assembled rather than letting it boil vigorously. This allows the flavors to meld without overcooking the sausage.
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Go half and half. For a balanced flavor, substitute Italian sausage for 50% of the ground beef called for in your regular chili recipe.
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Make it all sausage. Feeling adventurous? Use 100% Italian sausage and ditch the ground beef entirely for an extra intense sausage chili.
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Finish with fresh basil. Right before serving, stir in some chopped fresh basil. This adds brightness and reinforces the Italian essence of the sausage.
Once you know the basics, it’s easy to start spicing up your chili with sausage confidently. Keep reading for can’t-miss recipe ideas.
Tasting Is Believing – 3 Delicious Sausage Chili Recipes
If you’re still not convinced that Italian sausage chili is a game changer, try out one of these top-rated recipes. The rave reviews on each prove just how delicious this combo can be!
Award-Winning Sausage Chili
This highly rated recipe from AllRecipes features a mix of hot and mild Italian sausage along with ground beef. Chili powder, cumin, and Mexican-inspired spices add Interesting depth. Cannellini beans and bell peppers provide substance, making this a hearty one-pot meal. With almost 50 reviews and solid 5-star rating, it’s clear people are loving the Italian sausage in this chili.
30-Minute Sausage Chili
This quick stovetop chili from NeighborFood skips the beans but keeps things hearty with a full pound each of Italian sausage and ground beef. Jalapeño, tomato sauce, and hot sauce deliver a spicy kick. With a prep time of just 10 minutes, even novices can have this sausage-studded chili on the dinner table fast.
White Sausage Chili
For a creamy, comforting twist, this top recipe from Delish features sweet Italian sausage along with white beans and chicken broth. Spices like chili powder and cumin liven things up while half and half lend a rich velvety texture when blended in at the end. It’s proof that Italian sausage chili works marvelously in white varieties too.
Add Italian Sausage to Your Chili for Standout Flavor
If you’ve never ventured beyond ground beef for your chili, substituting in Italian sausage can open up a world of new flavors. With its seasoning, texture, and aroma, Italian sausage truly elevates chili to the next level. For your next batch, take a cue from the rave reviews on recipes like those above. Ditch the same old ground beef and incorporate Italian sausage instead. Your taste buds will thank you for this fusion that’s destined to become your new favorite chili tradition.
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Much to Love about Italian Sausage Chili
- It’s made in one pot. This recipe only calls for one soup pot or Dutch oven. We call that a win!.
- It’s fast. Some chili recipes have to simmer away all day. This one takes about 30 minutes to make from start to finish.
- It’s customizable. You can make this chili to fit your tastes. There is no need for hot sauce if you don’t like it spicy. You can also choose any other toppings you like.
- You can make it ahead of time. You can make this recipe ahead of time, freeze it, and then use it when you need a quick dinner. Our chili can be frozen for a few months and then put in the fridge overnight to thaw.
How to Make Beanless Chili
- Set a big soup pot or Dutch oven on medium heat. Add enough olive oil to lightly coat the pot. This will take about five minutes of cooking after you add the bell peppers, onion, and jalapeno. Add the garlic and cook for about one minute, until it smells good.
- Toss in the ground beef and Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon or metal spatula to break up the meat. Cook for about 7 minutes, or until browned. Sprinkle the mixture with salt, to taste.
- Franks, chili powder, cumin, and tomato sauce should all be mixed in. Raise the heat to medium-high and slowly boil the whole thing. Turn down the heat and let everything simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often. Taste. If you want it hotter, add salt, pepper, or more Frank’s red hot sauce.
- Serve with toppings of your choice.
Italian Sausage Chili – Spicy Sausage & White Bean Chili Recipe
What can I do with Italian sausage chili?
Chili is perfect to have as a main dish, a side dish, or use as a topping for other recipes. We love to use this creamy Italian sausage chili in various ways. Perfect for adding chips, making some cornbread, top-off fries, tacos, or nachos for more great dinner ideas!
What is the best substitute for chili powder?
Chili powders are usually a combination of garlic, salt, ground chilies, and cumin. For those who cannot eat chili peppers or need a substitute for a recipe, a homemade spice blend is a good option. For example, garlic powder, salt, black pepper for the spicy kick, and cumin. Some people cannot consume peppers because of a nightshade allergy. Making spice blends at home can help minimize the possible cross contamination and give the individual more control over the flavor of their blend.
How do you make Italian sausage chili?
Add more water as needed and skim any fat that floats to the top. Stir in beans and bell peppers. Simmer until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Season with salt. Chef John’s Italian sausage chili combines cannellini beans, red and green bell peppers, and onion for comforting dish with a spicy kick.
What is Italian sausage chili?
Loaded with delicious sausage, ground beef, three types of beans and seasoned just right, this Italian sausage chili will fast become a family favorite. This Italian Sausage Chili is so good, super easy and really hits the spot especially on those cold winter nights. Having a good, easy chili recipe makes enjoying chili even better.