Whiskey-Infused Texas Chili with Smoked Sausage

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-22 · Updated 2026-05-22

A hearty Texas-style chili enriched with smoky sausage and a splash of whiskey for depth and warmth. This American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 75 minutes, pairs olive oil, yellow onion, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large, diced yellow onion
• 4, minced garlic cloves
• 12 oz, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds smoked sausage
• 1 lb, 85% lean ground beef
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed kidney beans
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup whiskey
• 1 tbsp (optional) hot sauce

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for about 4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add 12 oz sliced smoked sausage and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges are slightly crispy and browned.
3. Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; cook for 1 minute until the spices are aromatic.
5. Step 5: Pour in 1/4 cup whiskey and let it simmer for 2 minutes to burn off the alcohol and concentrate flavors.
6. Step 6: Add 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) drained kidney beans, and 1 cup beef broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
7. Step 7: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and flavors meld.
8. Step 8: Adjust seasoning with 1 tbsp hot sauce if desired, and serve hot with your favorite toppings.