Spiced Texas Country Chili with Smoked Sausage and Beans

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, smoky chili featuring spicy smoked sausage, tender beans, and a blend of Texas-inspired spices slow-simmered for rich depth of flavor. This american-inspired beef ready in about 75 minutes pairs large, diced yellow onion, medium, 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 420 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: 60 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 lb sliced smoked sausage and cook for 5 minutes until browned and slightly crispy on edges.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large diced yellow onion and 1 medium diced green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp oregano. Cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, 1 can (15 oz) drained kidney beans, 1 can (15 oz) drained pinto beans, and 2 cups beef broth. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Bring chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chili thickens and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot topped with your choice of shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Texas Country Chili with Smoked Sausage and Beans take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 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 Spiced Texas Country 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 Spiced Texas Country 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 Spiced Texas Country 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 Spiced Texas Country Chili with Smoked Sausage and Beans?

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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