The Ultimate Guide to Making the Best Ground Beef and Sausage Chili

Introduction

There’s something inherently comforting about a bowl of chili. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a cold day, a gathering around the table with loved ones, and a celebration of flavors that can only be described as the essence of comfort food. Among the myriad of chili recipes out there, the ground beef and sausage chili stands out for its hearty richness and depth of flavor. This particular recipe elevates the classic dish by incorporating a unique combination of ground beef and Italian sausage, offering a symphony of tastes that satisfy the soul.

This chili has not only garnered acclaim for its taste but also for its adaptability to various dietary preferences. Whether you’re following a Paleo, Keto, or Vegan diet, this recipe offers modifications to cater to your nutritional needs without compromising on flavor. Its versatility extends beyond just dietary adjustments; it’s a recipe that invites creativity and personal touches, making it a favorite in households across the globe.

The praise for this ground beef and sausage chili isn’t just about its delicious taste; it’s also about how it brings people together. It’s a dish that’s been part of game nights, cozy family dinners, and friendly cook-offs, earning its place in the hearts of many. Its ability to be both a comfort food and a culinary adventure makes it a standout dish that continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by all who taste it.

Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor

Creating this heartwarming chili involves a blend of carefully selected ingredients that come together to form a rich and satisfying dish:

• Meats: 2 pounds of lean ground beef and 1 pound of Italian sausage provide the base of this chili, with ½ pound of bacon adding smokiness and depth.
• Beans: A mix of kidney, pinto, and black beans brings texture and heartiness, making the chili fulfilling.
• Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes and tomato paste create a flavorful and rich tomato base.
• Aromatics and Vegetables: A large yellow onion and a red bell pepper add sweetness and a hint of crunch.
• Liquid: Beef stock enriches the chili, adding another layer of flavor.
• Spices: Chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, dried basil, salt, ground black pepper, and paprika combine to season the chili perfectly.

For those with specific dietary preferences:

• Paleo adaptations might include eliminating beans and increasing the amount of meat or vegetables.
• Keto followers can focus on high-fat meats while reducing or omitting beans to lower the carb content.
• Vegan versions replace meat with plant-based proteins like lentils or textured vegetable protein and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock.

This ingredients list serves as the foundation for a chili that’s not only delicious but also customizable to fit various lifestyles and dietary needs.

Cooking Instructions: Simmering to Perfection

Creating the best ground beef and sausage chili requires patience and attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure a rich, flavorful chili that will become a staple in your recipe collection.

1. Browning the Meats: Begin by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground beef and sausage into the pot, stirring occasionally until the meat is evenly browned. This process should take about 8-10 minutes. Proper browning is crucial as it develops a deep flavor foundation for your chili. Once browned, drain off excess grease to keep your chili from becoming too oily.
2. Cooking the Bacon: While the beef and sausage brown, cook the bacon in a separate pan until crispy. This not only adds texture but also introduces a smoky flavor that’s key to a robust chili. Once cooked, crumble the bacon and add it to the pot with the browned meats.
3. Sautéing Vegetables: In the remaining bacon grease, sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper until the onion becomes translucent—about 5 minutes. This step layers the chili’s flavor profile with sweetness and a hint of bitterness.
4. Combining Ingredients: Add the drained beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, and beef stock to the pot. Stir in the chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and the rest of the spices. The spices are what truly define your chili’s character, so feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences.
5. Simmering to Perfection: Once all ingredients are combined, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow the chili to simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The long simmering time melds the flavors together and tenderizes the meat, creating a rich and complex chili. For an even more intense flavor, consider letting it simmer for up to 3 hours.
6. Final Adjustments: Before serving, taste your chili and adjust the salt, pepper, and chili powder as needed. Remember, the chili’s flavor deepens over time, so leftovers will be even more delicious the next day.

Customizations and Dietary Adjustments

This chili recipe is versatile and can easily be adapted to fit Paleo, Keto, or Vegan diets:

• Paleo: Substitute the beans with additional vegetables like diced zucchini or mushrooms to maintain the hearty texture without legumes. Use a Paleo-friendly Worcestershire sauce or omit it entirely.
• Keto: Focus on increasing the meat content and eliminating the beans to keep the carb count low. Consider adding more bacon or using higher-fat cuts of beef to increase the fat content, aligning with Keto dietary requirements.
• Vegan: Replace the meats with a mix of mushrooms, lentils, and walnuts to mimic the texture and richness of the meat. Use vegetable stock instead of beef stock and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based.

For all diets, the spice level can be adjusted to suit individual tastes. Some prefer their chili with a mild warmth, while others enjoy a fiery kick. Start with the recommended amount of chili powder and gradually add more until you reach your desired spice level. This way, everyone can enjoy this comforting dish exactly how they like it.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

The versatility of ground beef and sausage chili extends to its serving and pairing options, making it a perfect dish for various occasions. Here are some recommendations:

• Toppings: Elevate your chili experience with a variety of toppings. Offer shredded cheese, chopped green onions, diced avocados, sour cream, and cilantro. A squeeze of lime can add a refreshing zest, enhancing the flavors.
• Sides: Serve your chili with a side of cornbread, a classic pairing that balances the chili’s robust flavors. Tortilla chips, a simple green salad, or rice can also complement the meal, providing a satisfying crunch or a neutral base.
• Beverages: Pair your chili with a cold beer or a glass of red wine for an adult gathering. For a non-alcoholic option, iced tea or a robust coffee blend can stand up to the chili’s flavors.
• Occasions: This chili is perfect for game day gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner. Its hearty nature makes it a crowd-pleaser, satisfying even the most diverse palates.

Storage and Leftovers

Proper storage is key to enjoying your chili beyond the initial meal. Follow these tips:

• Cooling: Allow the chili to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation inside the container, which can make the chili watery.
• Storing: Transfer the cooled chili into airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days, making it a great make-ahead meal.
• Reheating: Reheat the chili on the stove over medium heat until it’s thoroughly warmed. If it seems too thick, add a little water or stock to reach your desired consistency.
• Freezing: Chili freezes beautifully for up to 6 months. Freeze it in portion-sized containers for easy thawing. To use, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as above.

Following these serving and storage tips ensures that your ground beef and sausage chili remains a delightful and convenient option for various meals and occasions.

Conclusion

This ground beef and sausage chili is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a cold day. It’s a testament to the magic of combining simple ingredients with love and care to create something truly special. So, why wait? Dive into the full recipe, tweak it to your heart’s content, and discover why this chili is the best you’ll ever have.

Best Ground Beef And Sausage Chili Recipe

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• Author: Wendy Balderas
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This ultimate chili recipe combines ground beef, sausage, and bacon for a hearty and comforting meal. Perfect for any occasion, it’s packed with rich flavors and can be customized for various diets, including Paleo and Vegan.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds ground beef (lean)
• 1 pound bulk Italian sausage (casings removed)
• ½ pound bacon
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained
• 1 can pinto beans, drained
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 2 cans diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 can tomato paste
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2 cups beef stock
• Spices: chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, dried basil, salt, ground black pepper, paprika

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef and sausage in a large pot; drain excess grease.
2. In a separate pan, cook bacon until crispy; add to pot.
3. Sauté onion and bell pepper in bacon drippings; add to pot.
4. Mix in beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, beef stock, and spices.
5. Cover and simmer over low heat for at least 2 hours.

Notes

• For a thicker chili, simmer for an additional hour.
• Adjust spices according to taste preferences.
• For Paleo and Vegan versions, substitute or omit specific ingredients as needed.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: per serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg