My favorite sausage chili recipe. A hearty yet rich slow cooker chili recipe thats perfect for game day or a cold night.
Growing up a crockpot of chili was a staple in my moms kitchen during the Winter. I’ve continued that tradition in my own home. The chili recipe has evolved over the years and this slow cooker sausage chili is not only a simple recipes but the depth of flavor will leave you wanting seconds.
Now traditionally chili is made with ground beef. I like using a mild Italian sausage (or hot). I first tried this out at a local restaurant. The spices in the ground sausage added additional flavors to the chili. I also noticed when shopping the Italian sausage was significantly cheaper than ground beef. This is why my favorite chili is now sausage chili it’s flavorful and affordable.
Looking for another chili recipe? Try this turkey sweet potato chili. Looking for a game day recipe? Try these jalapeño popper biscuit pockets or these steak and cheese wonton cups. This crockpot hamburger helper is also delicious!
Why Make Chili In A Slow Cooker?
When cooking chili you want to cook it low and slow. This will not only help it develop a depth of flavor but it will also keep it thick instead of a runny like traditional soup.
What’s great about the crockpot is that you can set it and forget it for a few hours. I made this pot during a blizzard. When I came in from snow blowing I had the ultimate bowl of comfort waiting for me.
This is the newer version of the slow cooker I have. I love that it has a timer and travel clips for when I bring it to a potluck. It even has a meat thermometer.
Sausage Chili Ingredients
- Olive Oil
- Sausage– Italian ground mild sausage works well. If you would like a little more spice use a hot Italian sausage.
- Vegetables– Chopped onion, bell pepper and minced garlic
- Canned Tomatoes– Crushed tomatoes, tomato Sauce and tomato Paste
- Beans– Kidney beans are my favorite in chili but you could also use black beans, pinto beans or cannellini beans. You want a firm bean that will holds it’s texture or shape.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce– This is optional but adds a great flavor and spice.
- Seasonings– A combination of chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper
How To Make Sausage Chili
Sausage chili is really easy to make you will need to brown meat on the stovetop and then cook it in the slow cooker.
Start by heating oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook and stir Italian sausage, onion, and bell pepper. Break up sausage with a wooden spoon. Cook until sausage is browned and crumbly about 10 minutes.
Combine all ingredients into the slow cooker and stir. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Top with cheese, sour cream, avocado or serve with tortilla chips.
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
4 hours 10 minutes
Total Time
4 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp of Olive Oil
- 1 lb Italian Ground Mild Sausage
- 1 Onion Chopped
- 1 Bell Pepper Chopped
- 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes
- 2 15.5 oz Cans of Kidney Beans, Drained and Rinsed
- 15 oz Tomato Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Tomato Paste
- 2 Tbsp Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce Chopped
- 3 Tbsp Chili Powder
- 1 Tsp Cumin
- 3 cloves of Minced Garlic
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook and stir Italian sausage, onion, and bell pepper. Break up sausage with a wooden spoon. Cook until sausage is browned and crumbly about 10 minutes.
- Combine all ingredients into the slow cooker and stir. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
- Top with cheese, sour cream, avocado or serve with tortilla chips.
Notes
Chipotle peppers add depth of flavor and a nice heat. This can be adjusted to how spicy you like your chili. This is still pretty mild. The heat builds slightly more the second day.
Don’t have a slow cooker or crock pot. You can make this recipe stove top. Just let it simmer on the stove for at least an hour. The longer it sits the thicker and more flavor it develops.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 451Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 1633mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 11gSugar: 14gProtein: 20g
Nutrition values are estimates only.
Chili Toppings
- Avocado
- Cheddar Cheese
- Sour Cream
- Tortilla Chips
- Scallions
- Onions
- Jalapenos
- Lime
- Queso Fresco
Hosting a football game party or a cozy night in? Set up a chili bar with toppings. Or make nachos this chili is the perfect addition to any nachos.
Can you freeze sausage chili?
Yes you can freeze chili. Store it in an air tight container and freeze. It will last for 4-6 months in the freezer. I like to freeze them in single serve containers like this.
Looking For More Soup Recipes?
