Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe) Recipe

If you love big flavors and cozy comfort meals, this Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe) is your next go-to dinner! Imagine everything you adore about classic chili, then turn up the vibrance with zesty Italian sausage, sweet peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a shower of fresh parsley. This is one of those sturdy, stick-to-your-ribs meals that simmers gently on the stove, fills your kitchen with incredible aromas, and comes together with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re feeding family, meal prepping, or just craving something bold and warming, this recipe checks every box—and you only need one pot!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity is the real magic here—all the ingredients for Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe) are easy to find, but each one brings its own special touch. Think rich beef, spicy sausage, earthy aromatics, and bright, herby notes, all working together for maximum flavor.

• Kosher salt: Just a pinch at the start for building flavor—you’ll taste the difference in every bite.
• Lean ground beef: The classic backbone of any chili, giving heartiness and meaty depth.
• Ground hot Italian sausage: Adds irresistible boldness, warmth, and those unmistakable Italian spices (use links with casings removed if needed).
• Italian seasoning: A quick way to infuse the entire dish with bright, herbal undertones.
• Yellow onion: Diced for sweetness and loads of savory flavor as the foundation of the chili.
• Red bell peppers: For a gentle crunch and a pop of color—plus subtle sweetness to balance the spice.
• Garlic cloves: Four is the magic number here for irresistible aroma and depth.
• Fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices): Brings a smoky, slightly sweet tomato tang that’s richer than using plain tomatoes.
• Chili beans (with sauce): These beans offer creamy texture and extra flavor thanks to their savory sauce—no plain beans here!
• Tomato sauce: For velvety body and to wrap all the other flavors together.
• Chili powder: The essential chili backbone for warmth and familiar comfort.
• Cumin: Just a dash gives a little earthiness and that classic chili note.
• Flat-leaf Italian parsley: Stirred in at the end, this fresh herb brightens every spoonful and adds a gorgeous green finish.
• Pecorino Romano cheese (for serving): Grating this over the top melts beautifully and brings a salty, nutty finish.
• Garlic cheese croutons (for serving): For crunch and cheesy bliss—trust me, you don’t want to skip this!

How to Make Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe)

Step 1: Brown the Meats and Season

Start with a big heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sprinkle in the kosher salt, then add the ground beef, hot Italian sausage (or links with casings removed), and Italian seasoning. Cook, breaking up the meats with a spoon, until both are deeply browned with plenty of those delicious golden bits on the bottom—this should take 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t rush it; this step builds all the savory flavor we love. Once browned, drain away any excess fat to keep the chili from getting greasy.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Aromatics

Next, toss in all your diced yellow onion and chopped red bell peppers. Continue cooking and stirring until the onion turns soft and translucent and the peppers have softened just a bit—about another 10 minutes. Right at the end, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant, so it doesn’t burn but becomes beautifully aromatic. Your kitchen will already be smelling like heaven at this point!

Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Spices

Now it’s time to make this a true Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe)! Pour in the fire roasted diced tomatoes (with all their juices), chili beans and sauce, tomato sauce, chili powder, and cumin. Give everything a really good stir to combine, scraping up any savory browned bits from the bottom of the pot (that’s all flavor!).

Step 4: Simmer Slowly

Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover your pot, and let the chili gently bubble away for an hour. Give it a stir every now and then—your patience will be rewarded with the ultimate melding of flavors! If you’re in a hurry, you can cut the time to 20 minutes, but for the best depth and richness, let it go the full hour.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Parsley and Serve

When the chili is done, turn off the heat and stir in the chopped Italian parsley. This last touch brightens all the hearty, slow-cooked flavors. Now ladle the hot chili into bowls, top with an extra sprinkle of parsley, plenty of freshly grated Pecorino Romano, and a handful of garlicky cheese croutons for the ultimate Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe) experience!

How to Serve Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe)

Garnishes

When it comes to serving, the right garnishes take this dish over the top. Pecorino Romano, shaved or grated right over hot chili, melts beautifully and adds a nutty, salty kick. Chopped extra parsley brings vivid color and freshness. And don’t forget those garlic cheese croutons—crisp, golden, and loaded with flavor, they add fantastic crunch with every spoonful.

Side Dishes

This hearty chili is filling, but if you want to round out your meal, serve it with sides that soak up all that saucy goodness. Buttery garlic bread or a rustic Italian loaf works wonders, while a side salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon keeps things fresh and light. If you’re aiming for pure comfort, a baked potato or cheesy polenta makes a cozy addition too.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or shake up leftovers? Serve your Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe) in hollowed-out bread bowls or alongside mini grilled cheese sandwiches. Individually portioned chili cups with a cheese crisp on top look utterly charming at parties. For game day spreads, set up a chili bar with bowls of different garnishes—let everyone customize their own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This chili makes even better leftovers! Simply let the pot cool to room temperature, then spoon the chili into a covered container and refrigerate. It’ll keep beautifully for 4 to 5 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making each reheated bowl richer and more delicious than the last.

Freezing

Need to plan ahead or stock your freezer? Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe) holds up wonderfully when frozen (just skip the cheese and croutons until serving). Transfer cooled chili to airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when cravings strike!

Reheating

For single servings, the microwave is perfect—cover loosely and heat, stopping once or twice to stir. To reheat a larger batch, gently warm it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if the chili seems thick, and don’t forget to pile on those fresh garnishes just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use mild Italian sausage instead of hot?

Absolutely! If you or your family prefer a milder flavor profile, swap in mild Italian sausage and maybe add an extra pinch of chili powder if you want a little bit of heat. The flavors will still be rich and satisfying.

What can I substitute for chili beans?

If you don’t have chili beans, you can use canned kidney beans or cannellini beans and add an extra spoonful of chili powder or your favorite chili seasoning blend to mimic that saucy flavor. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

How do I make this chili even healthier?

For a lighter twist, use ground turkey or chicken in place of the beef, and try a turkey or chicken Italian sausage. The chili stays hearty and delicious with less fat—and you still get all that zesty flavor.

Is there a vegetarian option?

While this recipe celebrates all things meaty, you can absolutely make a vegetarian version! Swap the meats for your favorite plant-based crumbles and use extra beans or lentils. Add smoked paprika for a hint of richness, and you’ll have a completely satisfying bowl.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat, sausage, and aromatics as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4, then stir in the parsley just before serving. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy days.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe) is everything you want in a comfort meal: hearty, bold, fresh, and unfussy. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with friends or savor solo on a chilly night. So grab your pot, stock up on those simple ingredients, and get ready to give this flavorful, Italian-inspired chili a try—you’re going to love every spoonful!

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