If you love chili and have a passion for Italian flavors, then this “Chili Italiano” is for you.  I think it tastes like a meat-lovers pizza in a bowl!  This recipe is easy to make and a nice departure from the traditional-style chili.  You can even use a jar of spicy tomato and basil sauce to give the chili a nice kick.  As with traditional chili, sour cream and grated cheese are ideal garnishes, here I got a little creative and used Parmesan!   Mangia bene!

CHILI ITALIANO

2 Tablespoons olive oil

1 pound bulk hot Italian sausage

1/2 pound whole pepperoni stick, cubed

2 cups chopped onion

2 large cloves garlic, minced

3 Tablespoons chili powder

1-1/2 Tablespoons dried Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 can (29 ounces) tomato sauce

1 can (14 ounces) petite-diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup chicken broth

2 cans (15 ounces each) cannelloni beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (3.8 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained

Garnish:  grated Parmesan cheese

1.  Heat olive oil in Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat.  Crumble Italian sausage into pot and cook until browned, breaking up meat.  Stir in the pepperoni, onion, and garlic; cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

2.  Stir in chili powder, Italian seasoning, sugar, and red pepper flakes; stir to combine.  Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth.  Bring to a simmer, reduce heat slightly and cook, uncovered, for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3.  Stir in beans and olives and heat until hot.  Spoon chili into bowls and sprinkle each with Parmesan cheese.  Serves 8.

Categories: Around the World, Better Recipes, Dinner Tonight, Fast and Fabulous, On A Budget | Tags: Beef Recipes, Easy Recipes, Italian Recipes, Pork Recipes, Soup Recipes
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