Smoked Beef and Sausage Chili with Roasted Peppers
A hearty chili featuring smoked ground beef and sausage with roasted tomatoes and peppers, layered with bold spices for a smoky, rich flavor. This american-inspired beef ready in about 140 minutes pairs pound ground beef, ounces smoked sausage, sliced, medium yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 28 ounces (1 can) diced tomatoes
- 15 ounces (1 can) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your smoker to 225°F with wood chips of your choice for smoke.
- Step 2: Spread 1 pound ground beef and 8 ounces sliced smoked sausage on a foil-lined tray and smoke for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and smoky flavor infusion.
- Step 3: While the meats smoke, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion, 1 diced large red bell pepper, and 1 diced large green bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to the vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes until spices bloom.
- Step 5: Add the smoked ground beef and sausage to the pot along with 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes, 15 ounces drained kidney beans, and 1 cup beef broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Step 6: Reduce heat to low and let chili cook gently for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoked Beef and Sausage Chili with Roasted Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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 Smoked Beef and Sausage Chili with Roasted Peppers?
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 pound ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Beef and Sausage Chili with Roasted Peppers?
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 Smoked Beef and Sausage Chili with Roasted Peppers 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 Smoked Beef and Sausage Chili with Roasted Peppers?
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.
