Can You Put Breakfast Sausage In Chili? The Surprising Answer Will Change Your Chili Game

Chili is a classic comfort food that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients, including ground beef, turkey, or pork. But have you ever considered using breakfast sausage in your chili? If not, you are missing out on a delicious and flavorful twist on this classic dish. In this blog post, we will explore the question: “Can you put breakfast sausage in chili?” We will discuss the benefits of using breakfast sausage, provide a step-by-step recipe, and answer some frequently asked questions. So, grab your apron and let’s get started!

Benefits of Using Breakfast Sausage in Chili:

1. Unique Flavor: Breakfast sausage has a unique flavor that is different from other types of sausage. It is typically made with a blend of pork, beef, and spices, which gives it a savory and slightly sweet taste. This flavor profile adds a delicious dimension to chili, making it more complex and interesting.

2. Texture: Breakfast sausage has a coarser texture than ground beef or turkey, which adds a nice bite to chili. This texture helps to balance out the other ingredients and prevents the chili from becoming too mushy.

3. Juiciness: Breakfast sausage is typically made with a higher fat content than other types of sausage, which makes it juicier. This juiciness helps to keep the chili moist and flavorful, even after it has been reheated.

4. Versatility: Breakfast sausage can be used in a variety of chili recipes. It can be used as the main protein, or it can be combined with other meats, such as ground beef or turkey. It can also be used to make vegetarian or vegan chili by substituting plant-based sausage.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Chili with Breakfast Sausage:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage, casings removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green bell peppers, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) corn, drained
• 2 cans (10 ounces each) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

2. Add the Vegetables: Once the sausage is browned, add the onion, garlic, green bell peppers, and red bell peppers to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the black beans, corn, tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.

4. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, or diced avocado.

Variations on the Recipe:

• Spicy Chili: If you like your chili spicy, add a diced jalapeño pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pot.

• Vegetarian Chili: To make vegetarian chili, substitute plant-based sausage for the breakfast sausage.

• Three-Bean Chili: Add a can of kidney beans to the chili for a three-bean chili.

• Loaded Chili: Top the chili with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, diced avocado, or crumbled tortilla chips.

Tips for Making the Best Chili with Breakfast Sausage:

• Use a variety of vegetables: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables in your chili. Some good options include onions, garlic, bell peppers, corn, and black beans.

• Season to taste: Chili is a versatile dish that can be seasoned to your liking. Taste the chili as it cooks and adjust the seasonings as needed.

• Let the chili simmer: Simmering the chili for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to develop and meld together. The longer you simmer the chili, the better it will taste.

• Serve with your favorite toppings: Chili is a great dish to serve with a variety of toppings. Some popular options include sour cream, shredded cheese, diced avocado, or crumbled tortilla chips.

“The Final Touch”:

Chili with breakfast sausage is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold day. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So, next time you are in the mood for chili, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Common Questions and Answers

1. Can I use other types of sausage in chili?

Yes, you can use other types of sausage in chili, such as ground beef, turkey, or pork. However, breakfast sausage has a unique flavor that is different from other types of sausage, so it is a good option to try if you are looking for a new twist on this classic dish.

2. What are some good toppings for chili with breakfast sausage?

Some good toppings for chili with breakfast sausage include sour cream, shredded cheese, diced avocado, crumbled tortilla chips, and chopped fresh cilantro.

3. Can I make chili with breakfast sausage in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make chili with breakfast sausage in a slow cooker. Simply brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, then add it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.