Rustic Campfire Chili with Smoked Sausage and Beans

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty campfire chili featuring smoky sausage, tender beans, and robust spices — perfect for outdoor cooking and cozy meals. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 55 minutes pairs large, diced yellow onion, large, diced green bell pepper, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb sliced smoked sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and slightly crispy around the edges.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 1 large diced green bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups drained kidney beans, 1 cup drained black beans, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, 2 tbsp tomato paste, and 2 cups vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 30 minutes until thickened and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot topped with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for a satisfying outdoor meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rustic Campfire Chili with Smoked Sausage and Beans take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Rustic Campfire Chili with Smoked Sausage and Beans?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large, diced yellow onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rustic Campfire Chili with Smoked Sausage and Beans?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Rustic Campfire Chili with Smoked Sausage and Beans for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Rustic Campfire Chili with Smoked Sausage and Beans?

American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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