Six Bean Chili With Sausage
A hearty six bean chili with sausage combines smoky, savory flavors and a rich tomato base, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 lb. sausage ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 cans tomato pork and beans
- 1 can molasses pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 can string beans ⓘ
- 1 can wax beans ⓘ
- 1 can lima beans ⓘ
- 1 can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 2 tablespoons molasses ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped celery and onions; simmer until well cooked.
- Stir in brown sugar, tomato paste, chili powder, and dry mustard.
- Mix the ingredients well and transfer to a crock-pot.
- Add all canned beans and vegetables to the crock-pot.
- Stir in the molasses.
- Cover and cook on high for 5 hours or more, or on low for about 7 hours.
- Serve hot with French bread and a salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the sausage for a leaner option. If you're short on time, using pre-chopped vegetables can speed up preparation. This dish is versatile, so feel free to mix in other beans or vegetables based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot with crusty French bread to soak up the flavorful broth. A side salad complements the dish nicely, adding freshness. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a side of Cheese Ham Balls for a delicious pairing. This chili also works well as a filling for baked potatoes or over rice.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. It also freezes well for up to 3 months; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Six Bean Chili With Sausage contains roughly 841 calories, with 25g protein, 171g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (89% of the Daily Value), iron (78% of the Daily Value), and potassium (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1143mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this chili vegetarian by omitting the sausage and using plant-based sausage alternatives. Additionally, ensure that the tomato paste and beans are free from any meat-based additives. This will maintain the hearty texture while keeping it meat-free.
How do I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
To adjust the spice level, you can add more chili powder or include fresh chopped chilies. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the chili powder or omit it altogether. Toppings like sour cream or shredded cheese can also help balance the heat when serving.
What can I serve with the chili?
This chili pairs beautifully with crusty bread, rice, or a refreshing salad. For a fun twist, consider serving it with tortilla chips or cornbread. You can also use it as a filling for burritos or tacos for a delicious variation.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).