Hearty Italian Chili Soup with Sour Cream Swirl
Warm up with this Hearty Italian Chili Soup featuring savory Italian sausage and a creamy swirl of sour cream. This recipe blends robust flavors from the spicy sausage, hearty beans, and zesty tomatoes, creating a satisfying dish that's perfect for chilly evenings. With its thick consistency and chunky ingredients, this soup delivers a comforting meal or a delightful appetizer. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for weeknight dinners or sharing with family and friends.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bulk Italian sausage
12 ounces (Remove from casing if needed.)
Medium onion
1 (Chopped.)
Vegetable tomato juice
2 cups (No preparation required.)
Diced chili tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can (No preparation required.)
Mexican-style chili beans
1 (15 ounce) can (No preparation required.)
Chili powder
1 tablespoon (No preparation required.)
Sour cream
1 cup (No preparation required.)
Instructions
1
In a large 4-quart saucepan, combine the bulk Italian sausage (or turkey Italian sausage) and chopped onion. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and the onions have softened, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
2
Once browned, carefully drain excess grease if necessary. Add the vegetable tomato juice, diced chili tomatoes (with their juices), Mexican-style chili beans, and chili powder to the pot.
3
Stir the mixture thoroughly and bring it to a gentle boil, allowing it to cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
4
Lower the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors together, for about 10 to 12 minutes.
5
Just before serving, gently fold in the sour cream until it's well mixed yet still shows swirls in the soup. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
20g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Italian Chili Soup?
It is a savory soup featuring Italian sausage, beans, and tomatoes with a signature sour cream swirl.
How long does it take to prepare?
This recipe is designed for quick preparation and can be ready in under 30 minutes.
What type of sausage should I use?
The recipe calls for bulk Italian sausage, though turkey Italian sausage is a great alternative.
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?
Yes, turkey Italian sausage can be used as a leaner substitute for bulk Italian sausage.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of Mexican-style chili beans.
Is this soup spicy?
The soup features spicy sausage and chili powder, giving it a robust and zesty flavor profile.
How do I add the sour cream?
Gently fold in the sour cream just before serving until it is mixed but still shows swirls.
What size saucepan is required?
A large 4-quart saucepan is recommended for preparing this soup.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, you should add the diced chili tomatoes along with their juices into the pot.
Should I drain the chili beans?
The recipe implies adding the beans with their liquid to enhance the soup's flavor.
How much chili powder is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
How long should I cook the sausage and onions?
Brown the sausage and chopped onions for approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this soup provide?
Each serving provides 12.5g of protein.
What is the fat content of the soup?
The soup contains 17.5g of fat per serving.
What kind of juice is used in the soup base?
The recipe uses 2 cups of vegetable tomato juice as the base.
How is the onion prepared for this recipe?
One medium onion should be chopped before being cooked with the sausage.
What is the texture of this soup?
The soup has a thick consistency with chunky ingredients.
Can this be served as an appetizer?
Yes, its hearty nature makes it suitable as a main meal or a delightful appetizer.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: sausage, onion, tomato juice, tomatoes, beans, chili powder, and sour cream.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and is perfect for chilly evenings.
Can I use sausage links for this recipe?
Yes, but you must remove the sausage from the casing to use it as bulk meat.
Should I drain the grease after browning the meat?
Yes, carefully drain excess grease after the sausage and onions are browned.
What heat setting should be used for simmering?
The heat should be lowered to medium-low for the simmering stage.
What heat setting is used for browning?
The sausage and onions are cooked over medium-high heat.
Should the soup be served hot or cold?
The soup should be served hot immediately after the sour cream is added.
Is this a good recipe for weeknight dinners?
Yes, its quick preparation time and ease make it an excellent choice for weeknights.
What gives this soup its Italian character?
The use of Italian sausage provides the distinct savory flavor profile of the dish.