Pizza Chili combines the best flavors of two beloved dishes: pizza and chili! This hearty, comforting dish is packed with ground beef, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered in a robust tomato base spiced with classic pizza herbs like oregano and basil. The result is a rich and flavorful chili that tastes like a bite of pizza in every spoonful. Serve it with shredded mozzarella cheese and crusty breadsticks for a meal that’s sure to satisfy pizza and chili lovers alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black olives, sliced
- 1 (6 oz) package pepperoni slices
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the meat: In a large pot, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, green and red bell peppers, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
- Add the tomato base: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Mix well.
- Season the chili: Add the oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir in the kidney beans, black olives, and pepperoni slices.
- Simmer: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Enjoy your Pizza Chili with garlic bread or breadsticks on the side!
