Texan-Inspired Sausage and Pinto Bean Chili

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-20 · Updated 2026-05-20

A hearty chili featuring smoky sausage and tender pinto beans simmered in a robust tomato and chili-spiced sauce, perfect for a comforting meal. This American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs smoked sausage, olive oil, yellow onion 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.

Ingredients

• 1 lb, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds smoked sausage
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 2 cups, drained and rinsed canned pinto beans
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup, chopped (optional) fresh cilantro

The Dutch oven we’d braise this in → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 lb sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and slightly crisp on the edges.
2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices.
4. Step 4: Add 2 cups drained and rinsed canned pinto beans, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, 2 tbsp tomato paste, and 1 cup beef broth. Stir to combine well.
5. Step 5: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes until thickened and flavors meld, stirring occasionally.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro if desired before serving warm.