Name: Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pinch kosher salt; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 pound ground hot Italian sausage, or links with casings removed; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 red bell peppers, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 30 ounces fire roasted diced tomatoes, plus their juices; 30 ounces chili beans, (with sauce); 30 ounces tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon cumin; 1 cup chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley; Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated; garlic cheese croutons

Jump to Recipe·5 from 27 reviews

Looking for a hearty, flavor-packed dinner that warms your soul and brings everyone straight to the table? Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe) is just what you’re after! This wonderfully robust chili is loaded with bold Italian sausage, lean beef, sweet peppers, rich tomatoes, and classic Italian herbs—all simmered together in one trusty Dutch oven. Every spoonful has the comforting, savory intensity of traditional chili, with an irresistible Italian twist. Whether it’s a bustling weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, this comforting dish promises delicious simplicity and big, bold flavor in every bite.

Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed how a handful of staple ingredients come together to create something truly special! Each element in this chili lends a unique layer of taste, texture, or color, making every ingredient an essential player in this flavor-packed meal.

Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the meats and veggies, rounding out the whole dish.
Lean ground beef: Offers hearty depth and soaks up all the delicious Italian spices.
Hot Italian sausage: Brings a delightful, zesty kick and mouthwatering savoriness—remove casings if using links.
Italian seasoning: Fragrant dried herbs provide the iconic Italian flavor backbone.
Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and extra depth to the chili base.
Red bell peppers: Bring brilliant color and juicy crunch to each hearty bite.
Garlic cloves: A must-have aromatic for authentic bold Italian notes.
Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Their smoky richness infuses the chili with complexity—don’t forget the juices!
Chili beans (with sauce): Creamy beans in a spiced sauce deliver classic chili body and boldness.
Tomato sauce: Balances acidity and provides a velvety, rich base for simmering.
Chili powder: Deepens the warmth and adds gentle heat.
Cumin: Offers a subtle earthiness that lifts the other spices.
Flat-leaf Italian parsley: Bright, fresh herby finish for color and a burst of green flavor.
Pecorino Romano cheese: Freshly grated on top, this salty, nutty cheese is pure magic.
Garlic cheese croutons: Crunchy, cheesy bites add the perfect finishing texture when serving.

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

Step 1: Brown the Meats and Seasonings

Begin by heating your Dutch oven over medium-high and sprinkling in that pinch of kosher salt—you’ll be amazed how much this little step enhances every bite. Add the ground beef, hot Italian sausage, and Italian seasoning. Let everything sizzle and brown, stirring and breaking up the meats. After 8–10 minutes, once the meats are nicely browned, be sure to drain off any excess fat. This keeps your chili hearty but not greasy, allowing the flavors to shine.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Toss in the diced onions and those brightly colored red bell peppers. Sauté everything for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, fragrant, and translucent, and the peppers are just starting to tenderize. Now, add the minced garlic, letting it sizzle for just 30 seconds so it doesn’t burn but infuses the base with delicious garlicky aroma.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Spices

With your kitchen already smelling amazing, it’s time to add the fire roasted diced tomatoes (including every drop of juice), chili beans with their sauce, tomato sauce, chili powder, and cumin. Stir well to combine, making sure everything is evenly distributed. Now’s the moment when your chili officially comes together!

Step 4: Simmer the Chili

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let your Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe) gently simmer for at least one hour. The longer it simmers, the deeper and richer the flavors become, so give it an occasional stir and let your house fill with irresistible aromas!

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Serve

Just before serving, stir in the chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley. This last flourish of freshness brightens up all those deep, slow-cooked flavors. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with extra parsley, plenty of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and a generous handful of garlic cheese croutons. It’s chili, but with a cozy Italian twist!

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

Garnishes

Don’t skip the fun garnishes—they elevate every bowl! A little extra Italian parsley keeps things fresh, a heavy sprinkle of Pecorino Romano melts slightly into the hot chili, and those crunchy garlic cheese croutons? Utterly addictive, and a perfect contrast to the warm, saucy goodness underneath.

Side Dishes

Serve your Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe) alongside a simple green salad with lemony vinaigrette, thick slices of crusty bread for dunking, or even a classic antipasto platter for a festive twist. These sides keep the meal fresh and hearty, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling chili into individual oven-safe bowls and topping with a handful of cheese before a quick broil for melty, bubbly magic. Or, for a fun party idea, set up a chili bar with various toppings and let everyone customize their bowl—think fresh basil, sliced olives, or mini mozzarella balls for a true Italian chili experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chili always gets better overnight! Cool leftovers to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days. The flavors deepen even more, so tomorrow’s lunch or dinner is guaranteed to be delicious.

Freezing

This Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe) freezes beautifully. Ladle cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or bags (leave off any cheese or croutons until serving), seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chili gently over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave single portions—just cover and heat in bursts, stirring between each, until everything is steaming hot. Add fresh cheese and croutons right before eating for best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute the beef or sausage for other meats?

Absolutely! Swap in ground turkey for a lighter option, or mix half turkey and half sausage to keep that big flavor but with less fat. You can also experiment with ground chicken or even use mild Italian sausage if you don’t want extra heat.

Is it possible to make this Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe) vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the beef and sausage with plant-based meat crumbles or extra beans, and use a vegetarian Italian sausage if you like. The rest of the recipe stays the same—just as hearty and satisfying.

What’s the best pot to use for this recipe?

A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven is perfect—it distributes heat evenly and holds in moisture as the chili simmers. Any large, sturdy soup pot with a tight-fitting lid will also get the job done.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Definitely. Use mild Italian sausage instead of hot, or reduce the chili powder if you want less kick. Conversely, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra zip if you like things fiery!

Does Italian chili taste better the next day?

It certainly does! The flavors meld and intensify as the chili rests in the fridge, making leftovers even more comforting and delicious. Just reheat and enjoy all over again.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this crowd-pleasing Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe)! It’s pure comfort, ridiculously easy, and bursting with flavor from the very first simmer. Gather your loved ones, make a big pot, and dig in—you’re in for a real treat!