If you love a rich, hearty bowl of chili but want something with bold Italian flavors, this Italian Style Chili is going to become a family favorite. Instead of traditional chili seasoning, this recipe combines savory Italian sausage, lean ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, herbs, beans, and plenty of Parmesan for a comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly nights.
It’s thick, meaty, loaded with protein, and develops even more flavor the next day, making it ideal for meal prep. Serve it with crusty garlic bread, homemade focaccia, or a fresh Caesar salad for an easy dinner everyone will ask for again.
More Italian Inspired Dishes To Try
Why You’ll Love This Italian Chili
- Rich, hearty Italian-inspired flavor
- Made in one pot
- Easy 45-minute dinner
- Freezer-friendly
- Great for meal prep
- Loaded with beef, sausage, beans, and tomatoes
- Comfort food the whole family loves
What Makes Italian Chili Different?
Traditional chili relies heavily on cumin and chili powder. Italian chili swaps those Southwestern flavors for garlic, oregano, basil, fennel from Italian sausage, tomatoes, Parmesan, and Italian herbs.
The result tastes somewhere between a hearty pasta sauce and classic chili—in the very best way.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon fennel seed (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional but highly recommended)
- Fresh Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
How to Make Italian Style Chili
Step 1
Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2
Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook another minute.
Step 3
Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly.
Step 4
Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, paprika, fennel seed, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and Parmesan rind.
Bring to a boil.
Step 5
Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
Step 6
Stir in the kidney beans and cannellini beans.
Cook another 15 minutes.
Remove the Parmesan rind before serving.
Step 7
Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan, parsley, and plenty of crusty bread.
More Ground Beef Recipes You’ll Love
Tips for the Best Italian Chili
- Use mild or hot Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
- Let the chili simmer longer if you have time. One hour develops incredible flavor.
- A Parmesan rind adds amazing richness.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the broth.
- Don’t skip browning the meat—it builds deep flavor.
Variations
Add Pasta
Stir in cooked ditalini or small shells before serving.
Make it Spicy
Use hot Italian sausage and extra crushed red pepper.
Add Vegetables
Mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or carrots all work well.
Make it Creamy
Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
What Beans Work Best?
This recipe is delicious with:
- Cannellini beans
- Kidney beans
- Great Northern beans
- Butter beans
- Chickpeas
What to Serve with Italian Chili
Italian Style Chili Recipe | Sausage, Beef and Beans
This hearty Italian Style Chili combines lean ground beef, savory Italian sausage, tomatoes, beans, garlic, Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese for the ultimate cozy one-pot dinner. It’s rich, flavorful, easy to make, freezer-friendly, and even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: DINNER | SOUP
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: ITALIAN INSPIRED
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking the meat into crumbles. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, paprika, fennel seed, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and Parmesan rind if using.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the kidney beans and cannellini beans. Simmer for another 15 minutes.
- Remove the Parmesan rind. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and crusty Italian bread.
Notes
- A Parmesan rind adds incredible richness and authentic Italian flavor.
- Hot Italian sausage can be substituted for extra heat.
- This chili tastes even better after sitting overnight.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
- Great served with garlic bread, focaccia, Caesar salad, or garlic knots.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Italian chili in the slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the meat first, then add everything except the beans to the slow cooker. Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours. Stir in the beans during the last 30 minutes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. The flavors become even richer after sitting overnight.
Can I use all ground beef?
Yes, but Italian sausage adds a signature flavor that makes this recipe stand out.
Can I make it without beans?
Of course! Simply omit them for a meatier version.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting twist on traditional chili, this Italian Style Chili with Ground Beef, Sausage, and Beans delivers incredible flavor in every bite. Rich tomatoes, savory Italian sausage, hearty beans, herbs, and Parmesan come together in one cozy bowl that’s perfect for busy weeknights, football Sundays, or meal prepping for the week ahead.
