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Isla Marie

Chili With Sausage

This chili with sausage is rich, smoky, and incredibly hearty. Using Italian sausage, smoked sausage, or chorizo gives the chili a deep, bold flavor without long simmering. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner, game-day meal, or cold-weather comfort dish ready in just 30–35 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb sausage Italian, smoked sausage, kielbasa, chorizo, or breakfast sausage
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 jalapeño optional for heat
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 1 can 8 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 can 15 oz kidney beans or black beans, drained
  • 1.5 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste
Optional Add-Ins
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste makes chili thicker
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1/2 tsp brown sugar balances acidity
Optional Toppings
  • Shredded cheddar
  • Sour cream
  • Green onions
  • Cilantro
  • Crushed tortilla chips

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife & cutting board
  • Measuring cups

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Sausage:
  2. If using raw sausage, remove casing and brown it. If using smoked sausage, slice into rounds or cubes.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables:
  4. Heat oil in a pot. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook until soft.
  5. Add the Sausage:
  6. Add browned or sliced sausage to the pot and mix well.
  7. Add Spices:
  8. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, pepper, and salt. Bloom for 30–40 seconds.
  9. Add Tomatoes & Beans:
  10. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beans.
  11. Add Broth & Simmer:
  12. Pour in broth and simmer 15–20 minutes to combine the flavors.
  13. Adjust Consistency:
  14. Add broth if thin or tomato paste if thick.
  15. Serve:
  16. Garnish with cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

Notes

Smoked sausage works best for deep flavor.
Hot Italian sausage or chorizo will make it spicy and bold.
Add tomato paste for thicker, chunkier chili.
Add brown sugar only if tomatoes taste too acidic.
Add corn, jalapeños, or green chilies for extra flavor.
For creamy chili, stir in 2 tbsp cream cheese or shredded cheddar.
This recipe also works great with leftover cooked sausage links.