Hearty Italian Chili

Warm up with a bowl of Hearty Italian Chili, a bold and flavorful twist on the classic comfort food. This recipe combines savory ground beef and zesty Italian sausage with a medley of vibrant aromatics like garlic, onion, and red bell pepper. Simmered to perfection with crushed tomatoes, two types of beans, and a blend of fragrant Italian herbs, this chili boasts a rich, robust flavor that’s perfect for cozy nights. A touch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, while optional garnishes like fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese elevate every spoonful. Ready in under an hour and perfect for serving with crusty bread or creamy polenta, this Italian-inspired chili is a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal your family will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 15 ounces dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 ounces cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3

Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, kidney beans, and cannellini beans to the pot. Stir well to combine.

Step 6

Season the chili with oregano, basil, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 7

Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken slightly.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Step 9

Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Step 10

Serve hot with crusty bread or over polenta for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3527.6 grams (3527.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4200

Total Fat 255.60g	328%
Saturated Fat 96.30g	481%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 737mg	246%
Sodium 12332mg	536%
Total Carbohydrate 221.90g	81%
Dietary Fiber 61.60g	220%
Total Sugars 48.90g
Protein 263.30g	527%

Vitamin D 48IU	238%
Calcium 2087mg	161%
Iron 39mg	219%
Potassium 7797mg	166%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.2%

Protein: 24.8%

Carbs: 20.9%