Rustic Stow-Style Campfire Chili with Smoked Sausage

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty and smoky chili inspired by Ohio’s outdoor sporting culture, simmered with smoked sausage, beans, and bold spices for a satisfying meal after a day on the trails. This american-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs smoked sausage, sliced, olive oil, medium yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium heat. Add 12 oz sliced smoked sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and slightly crisp, about 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 1 diced medium green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juice, 15 oz drained kidney beans, 15 oz drained black beans, and 2 cups beef broth. Stir to combine.
  4. Step 4: Season the chili with 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot topped with shredded cheese or sour cream if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Rustic Stow-Style Campfire Chili with Smoked Sausage 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 Stow-Style Campfire Chili with Smoked Sausage?

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 smoked sausage, sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rustic Stow-Style Campfire Chili with Smoked Sausage?

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 Stow-Style Campfire Chili with Smoked Sausage 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 Stow-Style Campfire Chili with Smoked Sausage?

American beef 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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