Description
This Sweet Italian Sausage Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish combining crispy bacon, ground beef, and sweet Italian sausage with a rich blend of beans, tomatoes, and spices. Perfect for cozy dinners, this chili simmers to perfection with smoky paprika, chili powder, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar and ketchup. Serve it topped with shredded cheese and sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 8 slices bacon, diced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 white onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (32 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (32 oz) can white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
Tomato and Sauce Ingredients
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup ketchup
- 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 it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set them aside. Carefully drain the excess bacon grease from the pot, leaving just enough to sauté the vegetables.
- Sauté Onion and Brown Meat: Add the diced white onion to the pot and cook until it softens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and sweet Italian sausage (with casings removed) to the pot. Cook the meats, breaking them apart with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the drained kidney beans, white beans, crushed tomatoes (with their juice), ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and water. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Season with chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Then fold in the crispy bacon crumbles that were set aside earlier.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the chili to a gentle simmer and reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer. Allow it to cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and help flavors meld. If the chili becomes too thick, add a bit more water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the chili hot into bowls and garnish with your choice of shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creamy richness. Enjoy your delicious Sweet Italian Sausage Chili!
Notes
- For deeper smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for lower fat content.
- Adjust chili powder according to your preferred heat level.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Serve with cornbread or over steamed rice for a filling meal.
