If you’re craving a bold, satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out, this Hearty Pork and Beef Chili Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Combining the rich flavors of pork sausage and ground chuck with a vibrant blend of beans, tomatoes, and spices, this chili is comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a delicious dinner with leftovers, this recipe brings together texture, depth, and a touch of tangy brightness that makes every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this chili are straightforward but carefully chosen to create a mouthwatering balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a special role, whether it’s the hearty protein, the bright acidity from tomatoes and vinegar, or the richness from the sausage and spices.
- 16 ounces pork sausage meat (casings removed): Adds rich, juicy flavor and a slightly spicy kick to your chili.
- ½ cup yellow onion (chopped): Brings subtle sweetness and depth that balance out the savory meat.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Infuses a warm, aromatic base to the entire dish.
- 2 pounds ground chuck: Provides the bulk of the protein with a robust meaty flavor.
- 8 ounces tomato sauce (1 can): Offers a smooth tomato foundation that thickens the chili.
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can): Adds bright acidity and a bit of texture for a fresh tomato taste.
- 1 cup water: Helps meld all ingredients together and adjust the chili’s consistency.
- 15 ounces black beans (drained and rinsed, 1 can): Brings earthy flavor and soft texture to enrich the chili.
- 15 ounces red beans (drained and rinsed, 1 can): Adds creaminess and heartiness—pintos work wonderfully here too.
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar: Injects a bright, tangy note that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the savory richness with a subtle umami punch.
- 1 ounce chili seasoning (store-bought or homemade): The essential spice blend that gives the chili its iconic heat and warmth.
- ¼ cup ketchup: Offers gentle sweetness and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard: Provides a pop of acidity and complexity.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors—add more if you like.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of peppery bite.
- Chopped onions, hot sauce, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, crackers, sour cream, fresh cilantro: Fantastic garnishes and toppings to customize your bowl.
How to Make Hearty Pork and Beef Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Aromatics
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the pork sausage meat. Use a wooden spoon to crumble it as it cooks, giving you nice, bite-sized pieces. Just before the sausage is fully browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Let everything sauté together until the onion turns translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. If the skillet releases too much grease, drain it before setting this flavorful mixture aside. This step builds an early flavor foundation that’s rich and savory.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Chuck
Next, take your ground chuck and place it in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Pour in enough water to just cover the meat and bring it to a boil. This method helps remove any excess fat while gently cooking the beef. Once the water is boiling and the meat is brown, drain it thoroughly using a colander and return the lean, cooked beef to the pot. This ensures your chili won’t be greasy but still packed with meaty goodness.
Step 3: Combine the Meats
Now that both the pork sausage mixture and ground beef are cooked and ready, stir them together in the Dutch oven. This marriage of pork and beef is what gives the chili its hearty texture and complex flavor profile. The pork contributes juicy spice and richness, while the beef adds robust depth, creating a perfectly balanced foundation.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Seasonings
Into the pot with the meats, pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and cup of water. Add the black beans and red beans—don’t forget to rinse them well first to keep the chili bright and fresh. Then add the apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili seasoning, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine thoroughly, ensuring that the seasonings are well distributed. This is where the flavors really start to sing together.
Step 5: Simmer Away
Turn the heat down to medium-low and let the chili simmer gently for at least one hour. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking and to help the flavors meld beautifully. You’ll notice the chili thickening and the aromas getting irresistible. If it looks too thick at any point, just add a little more water to reach your desired consistency. This slow simmer is the magic step that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, hearty masterpiece.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chili is thick, bubbling, and full of flavor, it’s ready to be ladled into bowls. Top your chili with your favorite garnishes like chopped fresh cilantro, diced onions, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or even sliced jalapeños if you want some heat. Don’t forget the crackers on the side for a bit of crunch. This final step allows each person to personalize their bowl, making the chili experience uniquely theirs.
How to Serve Hearty Pork and Beef Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your chili is where you can really get creative. Chopped fresh cilantro adds a refreshing herbal note, while shredded cheese melts into the warm chili for creamy bursts of flavor. Sliced jalapeños bring a spicy kick, and a spoonful of sour cream cools things down perfectly. Crumbled crackers or even cornbread on the side offer satisfying texture contrasts that elevate every spoonful.
Side Dishes
While the chili is hearty enough on its own, pairing it with classic sides like warm cornbread, fluffy rice, or even a crisp green salad makes for a well-rounded meal. Each side brings a different sensation—cornbread soaks up every bit of sauce, rice adds neutral comfort, and a salad refreshes the palate between each spicy bite. Pick what suits your mood or mix and match for the ultimate chili feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to shake things up, try serving the chili over baked potatoes or as a topping for nachos. It’s also fantastic stuffed into warm tortillas with cheese and avocado for chili tacos. For a more casual gathering, dish it out in small cups with a side of breadsticks or chips, turning it into a fun, snackable party dish. This recipe’s versatility means you can enjoy your Hearty Pork and Beef Chili in countless delicious ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Hearty Pork and Beef Chili Recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Before serving again, give it a good stir and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing
To enjoy this chili well beyond the initial meal, freeze it in portion-sized containers or freezer bags. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture. Just be sure to cool the chili completely before freezing to preserve its quality.
Reheating
When you’re ready to dig in again, thaw frozen chili overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat from frozen in a microwave but do so in shorter bursts, stirring often to get an even temperature without drying out the chili.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this chili?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can work well as a leaner alternative. Just keep in mind that it has less fat, so you might want to add a touch of olive oil when browning to keep it flavorful and moist.
What if I don’t have pork sausage meat on hand?
If pork sausage isn’t available, you can substitute with pre-ground sausage from any other meat or simply increase the amount of ground chuck. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes can help mimic the sausage’s seasoning.
Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the meats with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and additional beans or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of water and double up on spices to keep the flavors bold and satisfying.
How spicy is the Hearty Pork and Beef Chili Recipe?
The base recipe has a moderate level of spice thanks to the chili seasoning and optional jalapeños in toppings. You can adjust spice levels by choosing milder or hotter chili seasonings and controlling how many jalapeños you add.
Can I prepare this chili in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Definitely! After browning the meats as directed, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or use the sauté and chili functions on an Instant Pot for faster cooking. Just adjust liquid amounts slightly if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Pork and Beef Chili Recipe is such a joy to make and even more of a joy to eat. It’s packed with rich flavors, comforting textures, and a satisfying heartiness that makes it a true crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a game day treat, this chili is ready to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Hearty Pork and Beef Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (approx. 8 bowls)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty chili recipe combines savory pork sausage and ground chuck with a blend of tomatoes, beans, and spices for a rich and flavorful dish. Simmered slowly to meld the flavors perfectly, this chili is ideal for a comforting meal that can be customized with a variety of toppings.
Ingredients
Meats
- 16 ounces pork sausage meat (casings removed)
- 2 pounds ground chuck
Vegetables & Beans
- ½ cup yellow onion (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 15 ounces black beans (drained and rinsed, 1 can)
- 15 ounces red beans (drained and rinsed, 1 can; pintos also work)
Tomatoes & Sauces
- 8 ounces tomato sauce (1 can)
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can)
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Seasonings & Condiments
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ounce chili seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Toppings (Optional)
- chopped onions
- hot sauce
- sliced jalapeños
- shredded cheese
- crackers
- sour cream
- fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage with Onion and Garlic: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork sausage meat and crumble it while cooking. When it is nearly browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Drain excess oil if necessary, then set aside the mixture.
- Cook Ground Chuck by Boiling: Place the ground chuck in a Dutch oven and crumble it with a wooden utensil. Add enough water to cover the meat completely. Bring the water to a boil and boil the meat until it is browned. Drain the meat in a colander and return it to the Dutch oven.
- Combine Sausage Mixture and Ground Chuck: Add the previously cooked sausage, onion, and garlic mixture to the browned ground chuck. Stir well to combine both meats evenly.
- Add Tomato, Beans, and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, 1 cup of water, black beans, red beans, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili seasoning, ketchup, mustard, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly to blend all ingredients together.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Cook uncovered, stirring often, for at least 1 hour or until the chili thickens and the flavors meld. Add a little more water if the chili gets too thick during cooking.
- Serve with Toppings: Spoon the chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings such as fresh cilantro, chopped onions, shredded cheese, crackers, hot sauce, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, or any toppings of choice.
Notes
- Simmering the chili slowly allows the flavors to develop fully and meld nicely together.
- You can substitute the red beans with pinto beans if preferred or for a different texture.
- Adjust seasoning such as salt, pepper, and chili seasoning to taste before and after cooking.
- For a thicker chili, simmer longer; for thinner, add additional water as needed.
- Customize toppings to add texture and extra flavor according to your preference.
