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.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

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)

Directions

Step 1

In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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

Step 4

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

Step 5

Return the cooked sausage and ground beef to the pot. Add in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth, stirring to combine.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If a sweeter flavor is desired, add an additional tablespoon of brown sugar.

Step 9

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

Serving size	(3631.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4101.3

Total Fat 252.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 90.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 666.2mg	0%
Sodium 8059.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 242.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 59.9g	0%
Total Sugars 72.7g
Protein 232.8g	0%

Vitamin D 23.8IU	0%
Calcium 1360.6mg	0%
Iron 34.1mg	0%
Potassium 7249.2mg	0%

*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: 54.5%

Protein: 22.3%

Carbs: 23.2%