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Beef Sausage Chili Recipe

Beef Sausage Chili Recipe - Hearty Food Ideas

Before we roll up our sleeves and dive into the deliciousness of beef sausage chili, let’s chat about what pairs well with this hearty dish. A bowl of chili can be a meal in itself, but if you’re considering sides, look no further than cornbread, whose slightly sweet flavor complements the spicy kick of the chili perfectly. 
Rice, with its neutral flavor and texture, is great for soaking up the chili, making every bite satisfying. Creamy avocado or guacamole brings a refreshing contrast that balances the heat, while a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt is a classic choice to cut through the richness. 
Fresh cilantro, sprinkled on top, adds a bright, fresh taste that lifts the dish. Now that we have our sidekicks chosen, let’s get into the main event.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 415
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
  • 2 pounds of lean ground beef with 5% fat content
  • 1 pound of mild bulk Italian sausage casings removed
  • 1/2 pound of crispy bacon, chopped
  • 2 cans of kidney beans, rinsed and drained 15 oz
  • 1 cans of pinto beans, rinsed and drained 15 oz
  • 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained 15 oz
  • 2 cans of diced tomatoes in their juice 28 oz
  • 1 can of rich tomato paste 6 oz
  • 2 cups of savory beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons of chili powder blend
  • 1 tablespoon of gluten-free Worcestershire sauce or omit if needed
  • 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon of brown sugar

Method
 

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
  1. Begin by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they soften. The aroma begins to build, and your friends will start sniffing the air.
Step 2: Add the Meats
  1. Next, toss in the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped bacon into the pot. Stir it well, breaking apart any clumps of beef. Cook this mixture until the meats are browned and cooked through, roughly 8-10 minutes. You’ll notice that beautiful brown color forming, which is a sign of flavor.
Step 3: Mix in the Spices
  1. Once the meats are perfect, add the minced garlic, chili powder blend, dried oregano, ground cumin, dried basil, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Stir everything together, letting it cook for another 2-3 minutes. This step allows the spices to toast lightly, releasing their oils and creating a wonderful fragrance.
Step 4: Incorporate the Tomatoes and Beans
  1. Now it’s time to bring the tomatoes and beans into the mix. Add those two cans of diced tomatoes along with their juices, the tomato paste, all three cans of drained beans, and pour in the beef broth. This is the moment when things start looking like the hearty chili you’re going to love.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
  1. Stir everything together well. Then, pour in the Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Whoa, brown sugar? Yes! It balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall flavor.
Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
  1. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you notice a little separation, don’t worry; this is just the flavors mingling.
Step 7: Serve!
  1. Once the chili has thickened to your liking, it’s time to ladle it into bowls. Top with your favorite accompaniments like avocado, sour cream, or fresh herbs. Dive in!

Notes

  • Choose the Right Meat: Use quality, lean ground beef for the best flavor without excessive fat.
  • Precook the Bacon: Fry the bacon until crispy before adding it to the pot to achieve the best texture.
  • Spice It Up: Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your heat preference. If you love spice, consider adding jalapeños!
  • Allow for Resting Time: After cooking, let the chili rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld even more.
  • Batch Cooking: Make a big batch. Chili freezes well. Store leftovers in airtight containers for quick meals later.