If you’re looking to cozy up with a bowl of hearty comfort, you have to try this Sweet Italian Sausage Chili Recipe. It’s a fantastic twist on traditional chili, bursting with layers of flavor thanks to the combination of sweet Italian sausage, smoky bacon, and a blend of spices that make every spoonful unforgettable. This recipe balances the savory depth of meat with a touch of sweetness and tanginess from brown sugar, ketchup, and Dijon mustard, creating a chili that’s rich, bold, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a warm, filling meal, this Sweet Italian Sausage Chili Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this chili lies in its simple, approachable ingredients that each add their own magic to the pot. From the crispy bacon that lends a smoky accent, to the savory Italian sausage that brings a sweet, aromatic spice—every element is essential for the perfect balance.
- Bacon (8 slices, diced): Adds a smoky crunch and depth of flavor that sets the foundation for the chili.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Provides hearty texture and rich savory notes.
- Sweet Italian sausage (1 lb, casings removed): The star ingredient that infuses sweetness and spice into the dish.
- White onion (1, diced): Softens and sweetens as it cooks, enhancing the overall flavor base.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings warmth and aromatic depth with every bite.
- Kidney beans (1 can, 32 oz, drained and rinsed): Adds hearty texture and protein, making this chili satisfyingly filling.
- White beans (1 can, 32 oz, drained and rinsed): Creamy contrast that balances the robust flavors and adds extra fiber.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can, undrained): The rich, tangy base that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
- Ketchup (1 cup): Adds sweetness and a hint of tang, rounding out the chili’s flavor profile.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): Enhances the sweetness and counterbalances the heat and acidity.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Boosts umami and deepens the savory notes.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Introduces a subtle tang and complexity.
- Water (1 cup): Helps achieve the perfect consistency during simmering.
- Chili powder (3 tablespoons): Brings bold, layered chili heat without overpowering sweetness.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds smoky warmth that complements the bacon perfectly.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Earthy spice that deepens the overall flavor complexity.
- Salt (2 teaspoons): Essential for enhancing all the flavors harmoniously.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Provides a mild heat and sharpness to balance the dish.
How to Make Sweet Italian Sausage Chili Recipe
Step 1: Cook Bacon and Sauté Aromatics
Start by cooking the diced bacon in a large Dutch oven until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, scoop out the bacon and set it aside. Drain any excess bacon grease to avoid greasiness but keep just enough to sauté the onions. Toss in the diced white onion and cook it gently until it becomes soft and translucent, creating a flavorful base for the chili. Then add the ground beef and sweet Italian sausage, breaking them up with your spoon as they brown evenly. Lastly, stir in the minced garlic and cook until it releases its wonderful aroma, making your kitchen smell irresistible.
Step 2: Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Flavor Boosters
With your browned meat and softened onions as the base, pour in the drained and rinsed kidney beans and white beans. Then add the entire can of crushed tomatoes, ketchup, and brown sugar, mixing everything together to combine sweet, savory, and tangy layers. Splash in Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard for umami and a touch of zest. Pour in water to adjust the liquid, ensuring the chili stays juicy but thick enough to coat each spoonful. Finally, sprinkle in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper to season the pot and awaken all the robust flavors.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the chili mixture up to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat down and let it cook slowly for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to let all the flavors meld beautifully. If the chili thickens up too much during this time, just add a splash more water to reach your preferred consistency. Near the end, toss the crispy bacon crumbles back into the pot, so they retain some crunch without becoming soggy. This slow simmer is key for mellowing spices and marrying all those wonderful tastes.
How to Serve Sweet Italian Sausage Chili Recipe
Garnishes
The perfect bowl of this Sweet Italian Sausage Chili Recipe becomes downright decadent when topped with a sprinkle of shredded cheese that melts into the warmth of the chili. Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to introduce a creamy tang that balances the richness. Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or green onions also brighten it up, adding a fresh bite with every spoonful.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs brilliantly with simple sides that soak up its delicious juices. Crunchy cornbread or soft, fluffy dinner rolls make excellent companions to scoop and savor every bit. For a lighter option, try a crisp green salad with a vinegar-based dressing to complement the hearty flavors without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next potluck or gathering? Serve this chili in individual bread bowls for an edible, rustic charm everyone will love. Or use it as a topping for baked potatoes or even grilled polenta rounds for an exciting twist that feels comforting yet creative. Making chili-stuffed bell peppers is another colorful, tasty way to serve this crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sweet Italian Sausage Chili Recipe keeps remarkably well in the refrigerator. Transfer cooled chili to an airtight container and store for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, so leftovers can taste even better than day one!
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for a no-fuss meal later, this chili freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving space for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months, making weeknight dinners a breeze when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly without scorching. If the chili is too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it back up. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring every minute for an even temperature throughout.
FAQs
Can I make this chili spicier?
Absolutely! You can add more chili powder or toss in some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to bring heat to your Sweet Italian Sausage Chili Recipe. Just adjust spices gradually so the heat complements the sweetness instead of overpowering it.
What can I substitute for sweet Italian sausage?
If you can’t find sweet Italian sausage, mild or spicy Italian sausage works too, depending on your heat preference. You could also mix ground pork with Italian seasoning as a homemade alternative.
Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this Sweet Italian Sausage Chili Recipe are naturally gluten-free as long as your Worcestershire sauce and other condiments are verified gluten-free. It’s a safe and hearty choice for those avoiding gluten.
Can I use canned beans without rinsing?
It’s best to drain and rinse canned beans to reduce excess sodium and remove the canning liquid’s metallic taste. This also helps create a cleaner flavor profile in your chili.
How thick should the chili be?
Ideally, your chili will be thick enough to cling to a spoon but still saucy enough to feel hearty and comforting. You can control the consistency by adjusting the water during simmering—make it slightly thinner or thicker based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warmth and satisfaction of a bowl of Sweet Italian Sausage Chili Recipe on a chilly day. It’s a dish that brings people together with its irresistible blend of flavors, comforting textures, and versatility. I really encourage you to give this recipe a try. Once you do, it may just become one of your all-time favorite chili recipes for busy weeknights or lazy weekend meals. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Sweet Italian Sausage Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This Sweet Italian Sausage Chili is a hearty and flavorful twist on traditional chili, featuring a blend of ground beef, sweet Italian sausage, and a medley of beans simmered in a savory tomato base. Infused with smoky bacon, garlic, and a rich combination of spices including chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin, this chili balances sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors perfectly. Topped with shredded cheese and sour cream or Greek yogurt, it’s a comforting meal ideal for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Meat and Bacon
- 8 slices bacon, diced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 white onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Beans
- 1 (32 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (32 oz) can white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
Tomato Base and Sauces
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup ketchup
Sweeteners and Condiments
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup water
Spices and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Cook Bacon and Sauté: In a large Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside on paper towels to drain. Carefully drain the rendered bacon grease from the pot, leaving only a small amount for sautéing.
- Sauté Onion and Brown Meats: Add the diced white onion to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add the ground beef and sweet Italian sausage (with casings removed) to the pot. Brown the meats thoroughly, breaking them up with a spoon as they cook. Once browned, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Beans and Tomato Base: To the pot, add the drained kidney beans, white beans, undrained crushed tomatoes, ketchup, and 1 cup of water. Mix all ingredients well to combine.
- Season the Chili: Stir in the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add the previously cooked bacon crumbles back into the pot and stir thoroughly to incorporate all flavors.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the pot to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and let the chili cook gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to blend flavors. If the chili becomes too thick, add a little more water to achieve desired consistency.
- Serve: Once the chili is fully cooked and flavors melded, serve hot. Offer optional toppings such as shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to enhance the dish.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Using a Dutch oven ensures even heat distribution and excellent flavor development.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Drain and rinse canned beans well to reduce sodium content.
- Adjust the brown sugar amount to balance sweetness according to taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
