Sweet Italian Chili
Elevate your chili game with this Sweet Italian Chili, a hearty and flavor-packed twist on the classic comfort food. Featuring a savory blend of mild Italian sausage, ground beef, and tender cannellini and kidney beans, this recipe is infused with the rich, tangy undertones of balsamic vinegar and a touch of brown sugar for a perfectly balanced sweetness. Sautéed onions, red bell peppers, and a medley of Italian seasonings bring depth to every bite, while fresh basil and optional Parmesan cheese add the perfect finishing touch. This one-pot wonder, ready in just an hour, is ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or game day gatherings. Serve it with crusty bread or a crisp side salad for a satisfying meal that’s as comforting as it is irresistible.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or sweet)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 15 ounces cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 ounces kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage and ground beef. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the meat with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Return the cooked sausage and ground beef to the pot. Add in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
Add the cannellini beans, kidney beans, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to integrate the flavors.
Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If a sweeter flavor is desired, add an additional tablespoon of brown sugar.
Serve the chili hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
702 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 42.2 g | 54% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.1 g | 75% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 109 mg | 36% | |
| Sodium | 1453 mg | 63% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 45.9 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.3 g | 37% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.7 g | ||
| Protein | 38.6 g | 77% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 206 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 6.6 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 1421 mg | 30% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
