Texas Country-Style Chili with Smoked Sausage and Beans

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

A hearty chili combining smoked sausage, tender beans, and deep, smoky spices reflecting Texas country cooking traditions. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 75 minutes pairs large, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves, canned diced tomatoes 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: 60 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 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 smoked sausage slices and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cook spices for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 15 oz kidney beans, 15 oz pinto beans, browned sausage, and 3 cups beef broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes until chili thickens and flavors meld. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Texas Country-Style 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 Texas Country-Style 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 Texas Country-Style 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 Texas Country-Style 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 Texas Country-Style Chili with Smoked Sausage and Beans?

American bbq & smoked 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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