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 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; 1 pinch kosher salt; Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated; Garlic cheese croutons

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 28 reviews

Bring a burst of Italian flair to your comfort food lineup with this Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe)! This bold, cozy chili is savory and deeply satisfying, with spicy Italian sausage, ground beef, and a medley of aromatic vegetables simmered together in a vibrant tomato base. Chock-full of hearty beans and laced with classic Italian herbs, every bowl brims with colorful flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or settling in for a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe transforms simple, everyday ingredients into an easy, unforgettable meal—all in just one pot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This ingredient list is made up of humble pantry staples and fresh produce, but each item plays a starring role in flavor, texture, and even a little flair. The combination of Italian sausage, ground beef, and an Italian-inspired lineup of vegetables truly sets this chili apart.

Kosher salt: Just a pinch brings all the flavors into harmony right from the start.
Lean ground beef: Adds hearty, beefy flavor and satisfying texture without making the chili greasy.
Ground hot Italian sausage (or links, casings removed): Packs every spoonful with zesty, savory, unmistakable Italian spice.
Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs infuses the chili with rustic, herby notes reminiscent of your favorite Italian dishes.
Yellow onion, diced: Provides a sweet-savory backbone that melts into the base of the chili.
Red bell peppers, chopped: Add a pop of color and gentle sweetness, balancing out the richness of the meats.
Garlic, minced: A must for real depth and an irresistible aroma as everything simmers together.
Fire roasted diced tomatoes (plus juices): Bring a smoky tang and juicy texture to the sauce—don’t skip the juices for maximum flavor.
Chili beans (with sauce): Provide protein, hearty bite, and a great thickened sauce that melds perfectly with the tomatoes.
Tomato sauce: Adds silky body and deepens the tomato flavor in every spoonful.
Chili powder: This classic chili spice adds just the right amount of warmth.
Cumin: Earthy and fragrant, just a touch enhances every other ingredient.
Flat-leaf Italian parsley, chopped: Brings a fresh, peppery pop at the end that brightens the entire pot.
Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated (for serving): Lends a salty, nutty finish with authentic Italian flair.
Garlic cheese croutons (for serving): Add a satisfying crunch and really drive home the Italian comfort food vibe.

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

Step 1: Brown the Meats and Start the Flavor Base

Grab your favorite Dutch oven or a large heavy-bottomed pot, and begin with a sprinkle of kosher salt. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and Italian seasoning. Break the meat apart and cook over medium-high heat until everything is deeply browned—about 8 to 10 minutes. This step builds rich, savory flavor right from the start, so take your time. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to keep the chili from turning greasy later.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Next, toss in the chopped red bell peppers and diced onion. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and beautifully translucent, mingling with the pepper for about 10 to 12 minutes total. Right at the end, stir in your minced garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds—just enough to release that irresistible aroma without burning.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes, Beans, and Spices

Pour in the fire roasted diced tomatoes with all their juices, along with the chili beans (sauce included), tomato sauce, chili powder, and cumin. These ingredients meld together to form a lush, savory broth packed with Italian and chili-inspired flavor. Give everything a big stir, then reduce the heat to medium-low so the chili can simmer and deepen.

Step 4: Simmer Low and Slow

This is where the magic really happens in your Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe). Let the pot gently bubble and mingle away for a full hour, stirring occasionally. If you’re impatient, 20 minutes is the minimum, but that extra time rewards you with a thicker, richer, more luscious chili. Partially cover the pot to keep moisture in while allowing the sauce to reduce a bit.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Right before serving, stir in the chopped Italian parsley for that burst of color and fresh herbal zip. Ladle the chili hot into bowls and pile on your favorite toppings: extra parsley, a generous grating of Pecorino Romano, and a handful of garlic cheese croutons for crunch. Set the table and get ready for big smiles and empty bowls!

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

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

Garnishes

A simple flourish of freshly chopped parsley, curls of Pecorino Romano, and a scatter of garlic cheese croutons are all you need to take every bowl of Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe) over the top. If you love a little heat, toss on a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes as well.

Side Dishes

This chili is deeply filling on its own, but try serving it alongside a crusty Italian loaf or focaccia to soak up every spoonful of sauce. You could also pair with a crisp Caesar salad or oven-roasted green beans for a bit of freshness and texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chili in bread bowls for an extra-cozy touch, or spoon it over baked potatoes for a hearty Italian-inspired chili-stuffed potato. It also makes a spectacular topping for pasta or zoodles if you want to lean even further into those Italian flavors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe) stores beautifully. Just cool the chili completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Tucked into the fridge, it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 or 5 days, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights or work lunches.

Freezing

This chili freezes like a dream. Skip the croutons and cheese when freezing, and ladle the cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (flattened for easy stacking). It keeps well for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. If the chili has thickened a bit, add a splash of water or tomato sauce to loosen things up. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for busy days—just cover to prevent splatters!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without Italian sausage?

Absolutely! While the sausage is a big flavor driver in Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe), you can swap in all ground beef, turkey, or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer. It’ll still be hearty and delicious, just with a slightly different flavor profile.

Is this chili very spicy?

The hot Italian sausage gives a gentle kick, but it’s balanced by the other ingredients. If you prefer a milder chili, use sweet Italian sausage instead, or reduce the chili powder. For heat lovers, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes either to the pot or on top as a garnish.

Can I make this chili ahead of time for a party?

Yes, in fact, Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe) tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight. Make it a day in advance, cool and refrigerate, then gently reheat before serving. This makes it perfect for game days, potlucks, or casual gatherings.

What kind of beans are best for this chili?

The recipe uses chili beans with sauce for that classic chili taste and extra thickness, but you can swap in kidney beans, cannellini, or even black beans if you want to play around. Just make sure to include some liquid for the right consistency.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Sure! Brown the meats and sauté the vegetables first on the stovetop, then transfer everything except the parsley to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, then stir in the parsley and serve as usual.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a fun, flavor-packed meal to cozy up with or share with friends, you can’t go wrong with Italian Chili with Sausage (Easy One Pot Recipe). Each bite is a hug in a bowl—heartwarming, simple, and full of love. Gather your ingredients and give it a try soon; I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own!