Craving a warm, comforting, and incredibly flavorful meal that's perfect for a chilly evening or a weekend gathering? Look no further than this hearty Beef and Sausage Chili recipe! This delicious dish is surprisingly easy to make, packed with protein and satisfying goodness, and easily customizable to your liking. It's the ultimate example of delicious dishes achievable through simple homemade cooking, perfect for those busy weeknights seeking quick dinner ideas. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, cilantro
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Brown the Meats: Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot. Break the meat up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
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Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes, until slightly softened.
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Simmer the Chili: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a deeper, richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors will meld!
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or fresh cilantro.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chili:
- Don't rush the simmering process: Allowing the chili to simmer for a longer time will develop a more complex and flavorful chili.
- Adjust the spice level: Start with less cayenne pepper and add more to taste, depending on your preferred heat level.
- Use quality ingredients: The better the ingredients you use, the better your chili will taste.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with different beans, vegetables, or spices to create your own unique chili recipe. Consider adding corn, diced tomatoes, or even chocolate for a surprisingly delicious twist.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chili: Omit the ground beef and Italian sausage and add 1 cup of cooked lentils or 1 cup of chopped mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
- White Chicken Chili: Replace the beef and sausage with cooked chicken breast, and omit the cayenne pepper. Add a can of white beans instead of kidney and pinto beans.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This Beef and Sausage Chili recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. It's a testament to the ease and satisfaction of homemade cooking, offering a delicious and healthy meal without sacrificing time or flavor. Enjoy!