Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's ready in under an hour? Look no further! This Johnsonville Sausage Chili recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with delicious Johnsonville sausage, tender beans, and a rich, smoky tomato broth. This easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food, elevated with the signature taste of Johnsonville sausage!
Ingredients:
This recipe provides generous servings, easily adaptable to your needs.
- 1 lb Johnsonville Bratwurst Sausage, casings removed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green 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
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, tortilla chips
Instructions:
Let's get cooking! This recipe is surprisingly simple.
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Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Johnsonville sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion and green bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the Chili: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a deeper, richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld. Stir occasionally.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or tortilla chips.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chili:
- Don't rush the simmering process! Low and slow is key to developing the best flavor in your chili.
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
- For a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before simmering.
- Add some extra veggies! Corn, diced tomatoes, or carrots would be delicious additions.
- Make it a complete meal! Serve with cornbread or crusty bread for a truly satisfying dinner.
Variations:
- Spicy Johnsonville Sausage Chili: Use Johnsonville Spicy Italian Sausage for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Chili: Omit the sausage and add a cup of cooked lentils or another vegetarian protein source.
- Beef Chili: Add 1 lb of ground beef along with the sausage for a heartier chili.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This Johnsonville Sausage Chili recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy meals made easy. It's a perfect quick dinner idea for those busy weeknights, a testament to the power of homemade cooking. Enjoy!