Bell peppers, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime add fresh flavors to this Hearty Pepper Chili; it’s filled with sausage, beans, and an abundance of vegetables.
My entire family gave this meal two thumbs up. I’ve made this chili a couple more times already, just to have some stashed in the freezer for easy lunches.
My kids have a well known and long lasting love for chili. So, several years ago when BUSH’S® Beans asked if I’d create a recipe for them, I jumped at the chance.
My middle son, Ben, would probably eat chili for every meal of his eleven-year-old (15 years old now and still so very true) life if I gave him that option.
So, when he saw me making this chili, I had a very willing helper at my elbows.
As this Hearty Pepper Chili was simmering in the kitchen, the other two boys wandered downstairs with the words “something smells like chili” and “please, please, please say that chili is for our lunch, Mom.”
I loaded this recipe with so many vegetables, I wasn’t 100% sure how well that might go over with them. Fortunately, they went crazy over the new recipe.
Everything from “this tastes so fresh and I love the cilantro and lime” from my oldest to “I don’t know what’s different, but these bell peppers are great, Mom” from the youngest.
Ben, my biggest chili lover, declared this chili the best one I’ve made in a long long time and said that we should make chili this way every time.
I’m calling this a huge win for fresh vegetables and easy dinners.
Kitchen Tip: I use this pot when making this recipe.
Hearty Pepper Chili Recipe
- Cook and crumble the sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions to the skillet when the meat begins to brown.
- When the onions are tender, add the beans, bell peppers, tomatoes, and Mexican spices. Bring to a simmer until the peppers are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, stir in the cilantro and lime juice. Scoop into bowls and garnish with the toppings of your choice.
More Chili Recipes To Love
If you’re looking for a few more great chili recipes, check out Five Bean Chili with Steak and Sausage or Spicy Three Bean Chili with Bratwurst.
Creamy White Chicken Chili, Vegetarian Four Bean Chipotle Chili, and Tomato Chicken Chili are all terrific options for your next chili night too.
Hearty Pepper Chili
Ingredients
- 1 pound hot sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped into ½-inch pieces, about 1 cup
- 48 ounces BUSH’S® Kidney Beans in a Mild Chili Sauce, (3) 16-ounce cans
- 3 large bell peppers, chopped into ½-inch pieces, about 4 cups
- 4-6 medium tomatoes, chopped into ½-inch pieces, about 4 cups
- 2 ½ tablespoons Mexican Spice Mix or store-bought taco seasoning
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped small
- 2 medium limes, about 2-4 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, adjust to taste
Optional Toppings
- fresh cilantro, chopped
- green onions, sliced thin
- sour cream
- shredded cheese
Instructions
- Cook and crumble the sausage in a large pot over medium high heat. Add the onions to the skillet when the meat begins to brown.
- When the onions are tender, add the beans, bell peppers, tomatoes, and Mexican spices. Bring to a simmer until the peppers are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, stir in the cilantro and lime juice. Scoop into bowls and garnish with the toppings of your choice. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
{originally published 9/12/17 – recipe notes and photos updated 11/16/20}
Disclosure: I partnered with BUSH’S® Beans to share this recipe with you. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Barefeet In The Kitchen possible. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Carol says
THANK YOU. I am looking forward to Making this. I am a fan of lime and cilantro and veggies. It looks so pretty too.
Mr. Emerson says
Why must cooks use pork products? Many of us can’t eat pork and do not know what to use as a substitute.
Mary says
You can substitute ground beef or turkey sausage to replace the pork sausage in this recipe.
Kathy Carlson says
Sorry about my curiosity. Mrs. Emerson. Why can’t you eat pork?
Dat Boi says
Dear Mr Emerson. How is that you can’t figure out that you can substitute pork for any meat if your choosing? Get off your religious high horse and think for once.
Debra Gentry says
Making this for a group of ladies on Monday..Hope they like it..
Joan Kintz says
I made a batch of this chili on Monday and it turned out great The lime and cilantro gave it a different flavor which I really did like. I didn’t follow your recipe exactly because I forgot to get taco seasoning at the supermarket Also I used a mild Italian Turkey sausage instead of spicey (sold out). The other changes I made was I used 2 cans of the Kidney Beans and 1 Can of Black Beans in the Chili Sauce and 2 15 oz cans of diced fire-roasted tomatoes. For the taco seasoning I substituted chili powder, cumin, and oregano to taste.
I cooked the sausage on the stove,added the onions and 2 small cloves of minced garlic and cooked until the onions were tender. .I used red,yellow,and orange sweet bell peppers and 1 diced jalapeno pepper Then I put it all in the crookpot abd simmered on high for about 2 hours. This is definitely a keeper and will add it to my Soup and Stew recipe file. Thank you so much.
Patricia L Rose says
Thank You Joan, Putting where it will keep hot makes it easy! Love chili and corn bread!
Kathy cook says
Hi Mary. I was lookin for the chile bean recipt that was the same taste as wendys . If possible could you e-mail that to. Me . Thank you
Susan Donkers says
Hello, I am planning to make this chili recipe this afternoon. My husband and his buddies did a 3 day backpacking trip in the cold and rain and I’d like this warm, spicy chili to greet them when they walk in the door. My question though, is where is the liquid? After browning the sausage and softening the onions, the recipe says to add the beans, pepers, tomatoes, and seasonings, then simmer. Simmer in what? Do the tomatoes throw off the liquid? Or add water? Chicken stock? I do not make soup or stew often….I feel like I am missing something.
Mary says
The tomatoes and the beans will add plenty of liquid. Enjoy!
Erik says
LOVE LOVE LOVE this recipe! My family raves every time I cook it!
Evans says
This looks so tasty! I will try this recipe today.
Mary Younkin says
I hope that you love it as much as we do, Evans.
Steve says
This is a awesome awesome dish thank you so much for sharing
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled that you are enjoying the chili, Steve.
Rachal says
Maybe I missed it, but approximately how long (from start to finish) does this recipe take? My schedule is tight, and it helps to know if I can squeeze certain meals in between events or not.
Mary Younkin says
Hi Rachal, you’ll need less than half an hour for this chili.
Sue says
I made this chili yesterday and you’re right. It is delicious!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you enjoyed the chili, Sue!
Jan Buettner says
Can you make this without beans?
Mary Younkin says
Yes, you can skip the beans, Jan. The chili won’t be quite as hearty that way, but it should still work nicely.