Whiskey-Infused Texas Chili with Smoked Sausage

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty Texas-style chili enriched with smoky sausage and a splash of whiskey for depth and warmth. This american-inspired beef ready in about 75 minutes pairs olive oil, large, diced yellow onion, minced 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves 6 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Whiskey-Infused Texas Chili with Smoked Sausage 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 Whiskey-Infused Texas Chili with Smoked Sausage?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Whiskey-Infused Texas Chili with Smoked Sausage?

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 Whiskey-Infused Texas Chili with Smoked Sausage 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 Whiskey-Infused Texas Chili with Smoked Sausage?

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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