If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming dish that bursts with rich flavors and comforting textures, this Sweet Italian Sausage Chili Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the savory goodness of sweet Italian sausage with crispy bacon, tender beans, and a medley of spices, it’s a vibrant chili that stands out from the crowd. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this chili delivers that perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory all in one bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating a chili that’s both satisfying and complex. From the richness of bacon to the sweetness of brown sugar, every component contributes to the irresistible taste, appealing texture, and beautiful color.
- Bacon (8 slices, diced): Adds a smoky depth and crispy texture that elevates the chili beyond the ordinary.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Provides a hearty base and meaty bite alongside the sausage.
- Sweet Italian sausage (1 lb, casings removed): The star of the dish, bringing a lovely sweetness and spice that defines this chili.
- White onion (1, diced): Softens while cooking to add subtle sweetness and aromatic flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses that unmistakable warm and savory note every great chili needs.
- Kidney beans (1 32-oz can, drained and rinsed): Adds creaminess and hearty texture to every spoonful.
- White beans (1 32-oz can, drained and rinsed): Complements the kidney beans with a softer, delicate bite.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 28-oz can, undrained): The tangy, vibrant liquid base that ties all flavors together.
- Ketchup (1 cup): Offers a mild sweetness and slight acidity, perfectly balancing the savory ingredients.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): Infuses gentle sweetness that contrasts the spices and meat.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and an umami boost that rounds out the chili.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): A subtle tang that brightens the complex flavor profile.
- Water (1 cup): Helps create the ideal chili consistency as it simmers.
- Chili powder (3 tablespoons): Brings warmth and mild heat for that signature chili kick.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Enhances smokiness and adds vibrant color.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Introduces earthiness and a subtle nutty flavor.
- Salt (2 teaspoons): Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds gentle spiciness and depth.
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, or Greek yogurt for creamy, cooling accents.
How to Make Sweet Italian Sausage Chili Recipe
Step 1: Cook the bacon and sauté the aromatics
Start by crisping the diced bacon in a large Dutch oven until golden and crunchy. Once done, remove the bacon and set it aside, making sure to drain most of the bacon grease to prevent the chili from becoming greasy. In the same pot, toss in the diced onions and cook them until they are soft and translucent — this builds a flavorful foundation. Then add both the ground beef and the sweet Italian sausage, cooking until the meat is nicely browned and broken into small pieces. Finish this step by stirring in the minced garlic, allowing its aroma to awaken your senses.
Step 2: Combine the main ingredients
Now comes the heart of your Sweet Italian Sausage Chili Recipe. Pour in the drained kidney beans, white beans, and the undrained crushed tomatoes. Follow with the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and a cup of water. Stir everything thoroughly so all these wonderful flavors start mingling. Sprinkle in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, distributing the spices evenly throughout. Don’t forget to fold the crispy bacon bits back into the pot for that extra smoky punch that ties everything together.
Step 3: Simmer to perfection
Bring your chili to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, then let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes. This slow simmer gives the flavors time to marry and the liquid to thicken into a luscious consistency. Stir occasionally, and if the chili ever looks too thick, feel free to add a splash more water to loosen it up. This step truly transforms your chili into the cozy, hearty meal you’re dreaming of.
How to Serve Sweet Italian Sausage Chili Recipe
Garnishes
The best part about this chili is how easily you can customize each bowl. Freshly shredded cheese melts beautifully on top, while a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt cools the palate against the warmth of the spices. Adding chopped green onions or fresh cilantro can also bring a pop of freshness if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
Serve your Sweet Italian Sausage Chili Recipe alongside some crusty bread or warm cornbread to soak up every delicious drop. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables provide a fresh contrast, making the meal balanced and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your chili to the next level by using it as a filling for baked potatoes or topping nachos for a fun twist. You can even spoon it onto soft tortillas and fold it into hearty chili tacos that everyone will adore. No matter how you present it, this chili will impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your chili feast, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy a second helping or pack it for a quick lunch.
Freezing
This Sweet Italian Sausage Chili Recipe freezes wonderfully! Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want a delicious and effortless meal, just thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water to adjust the consistency. It’s also microwave-friendly for a quick, satisfying meal.
FAQs
Can I use spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet in this recipe?
Absolutely! Using spicy Italian sausage will add a bolder heat to your chili. If you prefer less spice, stick to the sweet Italian sausage as it balances well with the other ingredients.
Is it necessary to use both kidney and white beans?
While not essential, the combination of kidney and white beans offers a wonderful mix of textures and flavors, making the chili more interesting and hearty. You can use just one type if you prefer simplicity.
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, definitely! Brown the bacon, meat, and sauté the onions and garlic as suggested, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method enhances flavor and is super convenient.
How spicy is this Sweet Italian Sausage Chili Recipe?
This chili has a mild to medium heat level thanks to the spices and sweet Italian sausage. You can easily adjust the chili powder and pepper to suit your desired spice preference.
What can I use instead of ketchup?
If you don’t have ketchup on hand, tomato paste mixed with a little honey or maple syrup can be a great substitute to add sweetness and tanginess. Just start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to make this Sweet Italian Sausage Chili Recipe your next go-to meal. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, and its layers of savory and sweet flavors will keep you coming back for more. Whether for family dinners, entertaining friends, or cozy nights in, this chili is sure to become a cherished favorite.
Print
Sweet Italian Sausage Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sweet Italian Sausage Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish combining crispy bacon, spicy Italian sausage, and a rich blend of beans and tomatoes. Simmered to perfection with smoked paprika, chili powder, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar and ketchup, it’s an ideal comfort food for chilly evenings. Topped with shredded cheese and sour cream or Greek yogurt, it offers a satisfying and balanced meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
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 and Tomatoes
- 1 (32 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (32 oz) can white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, undrained
Condiments and Spices
- 1 cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup water
- 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 turns crispy. Once done, remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside. Carefully pour out the excess bacon grease, leaving a small amount in the pot.
- Sauté Onion and Brown Meat: Add the diced onion to the pot with the remaining bacon fat and cook until softened and translucent. Then add the ground beef and sweet Italian sausage (with the casings removed). Cook until the meat is browned throughout, breaking it up with a spoon to ensure even cooking. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the drained kidney beans, white beans, and undrained crushed tomatoes. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and water. Mix everything thoroughly to combine. Season the mixture with chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Finally, stir in the reserved crispy bacon crumbles.
- Simmer: Bring the chili to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld. If the chili becomes too thick, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Once simmered and flavorful, ladle the chili into bowls. Serve hot with optional toppings such as shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess and richness.
Notes
- Removing the sausage casings helps the meat brown evenly and blend better into the chili.
- If you prefer a spicier chili, consider adding chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
- Leftover chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- This chili freezes well; portion it into airtight containers and store up to 3 months.
- Adjust salt and seasoning to taste after simmering, as flavors intensify while cooking.
