Chef John's Italian Sausage Chili

Chef John's sausage chili has an Italian twist with cannellini beans, red and green bell peppers, and onion for pure comfort food with a spicy kick.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 30 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins
• Calories: 599 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• salt to taste
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 2 tablespoons ancho chile powder
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2.5 cups water, or as needed
• 0.5 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
• 1.25 pounds hot Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1.25 pounds mild Italian sausage, casings removed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook and stir hot and mild Italian sausage, onion, and a pinch of salt in hot oil until sausage is browned and crumbly, and most of the liquid is evaporated, about 10 minutes.

Step 2

Stir in ancho chile powder, paprika, cumin, black pepper, chipotle chile powder, and oregano; sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Step 3

Pour in water and tomato purée; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook at a steady simmer until sausage is tender, about 45 minutes. Add more water as needed and skim any fat that floats to the top.

Step 4

Stir in beans and bell peppers. Simmer until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Season with salt.