Slovenian Harvest Chili
A hearty Slovenian-inspired chili featuring smoky sausage, ground beef, and vibrant vegetables, seasoned with spices and topped with melted Cheddar for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. smoked sausage or kielbasi ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 3 (1 lb.) cans crushed or stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 (15 oz.) cans kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup bottled barbecue sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook sausages in boiling water until done, about 10 to 12 minutes. Slice thin.
- In a heavy 5 to 6-quart Dutch oven or stockpot, brown the sausage slices and ground beef, stirring to separate the beef into small pieces.
- Remove the meats from the pan.
- Saute onion, green pepper, celery, and garlic in the remaining fat in the pan.
- Spoon off excess fat. Return the meats to the pan.
- Add crushed or stewed tomatoes, barbecue sauce, drained kidney beans, and seasonings.
- Heat to boiling, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 50 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve topped with shredded Cheddar cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke if you want a more pronounced smokiness. You can substitute the smoked sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the meats with lentils or a mix of beans. Adjust the chili powder according to your heat preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Slovenian Harvest Chili with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with Cabbage Balls or cornbread for a hearty meal. Additionally, offer tortilla chips or crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Slovenian Harvest Chili contains roughly 897 calories, with 42g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (186% of the Daily Value), protein (84% of the Daily Value), and calcium (84% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1157mg 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 in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the meats and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time.
Is this chili spicy?
The heat level depends on the amount of chili powder and Tabasco sauce you use. For a milder chili, start with less chili powder and add it gradually to taste. You can also omit the Tabasco sauce if you prefer no heat.
Can I freeze leftover chili?
Absolutely! Cool the chili completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove or microwave.
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).