I know a whole bunch of people who are going to be REALLY excited to see this recipe show up on my blog today. This might as well be a bowl of liquid gold right here! The Italian restaurant I worked at for 10 years serves an Italian chili that’s out of this world. It was my favorite soup at the restaurant, along with a whole lot of others’ favorites. Including my mom and sisters! I was so thrilled when I found a copycat version of this recipe and was able to make it at home. I made some modifications to make it taste the way I remember it. And it sure is tasty!
This isn’t your typical chili. It’s packed full of Italian sausage and other classic Italian flavors. Not to mention the Parmesan cheese loaded on top. You have to pile that stuff high for the ultimate chili bowl. Yummy!
Copycat Johnny Carino’s Italian Chili
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 3 c. tomato juice
- 1 14.5oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 c. chicken broth
- 1 can navy beans
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese grated (garnish)
Instructions
- Place Italian sausage, chopped pepper, and chopped onions in a large saute pan. Brown the sausage till cooked; drain the fat.
- In a large pot, add tomato juice, tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic, navy beans, oregano, and basil. Add sausage mixture and stir together. Turn heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve in 1-cup measurements. Add Parmesan cheese to garnish. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
For National Soup Day today, I’ve teamed up with some of my favorite foodies to share even more fabulous and comforting soup recipes with you! You’re going to want to stay inside all winter long so you can just sit and eat soup the entire time.
Thai Chicken Curry Coconut Soup // Eazy Peazy Mealz
Copycat Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli // Tried and Tasty
Creamy Chicken and Corn Chowder // Dessert Now Dinner Later
Copycat Johnny Carino’s Italian Chili // Cupcake Diaries
Smothered Chicken Burrito Soup // A Dash of Sanity
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup // Like Mother Like Daughter
Slow Cooker Homemade Minestrone Soup // Life Made Sweeter
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup // The Love Nerds
Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup // One Sweet Appetite
New England Corn Chowder with Bacon // Sugar & Soul
Italian Sausage Pizza Soup // Lemon Tree Dwelling
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Yvonne [Tried and Tasty] says
How fun to recreate a memory from your past! I love the story behind this chili – makes me want to try it all the more. If it’s anything like your other soup recipes that Im in LOVE with, then I know it will be good!
aimee @ like mother like daughter says
I’ve never been to Johnny Carinos, but this chili looks incredible! I wish I could have a big bowl for lunch today!
Jesseca says
Can you deliver?? I think I need this for dinner tonight!
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later! says
I like the idea of an Italian chili. Sounds like a lasagna soup with beans and no pasta. Yum!
Amy says
Are you supposed to drain the navy beans?
Alli says
Hi Amy! You can dump the entire can of navy beans in. Liquid and all. Thanks for the question!
Nikki says
Alli, I love the chili at Carino’s, so I’m really excited to try this recipe. How long will it keep? If I made it on a Friday, could I serve it on Sunday?
Alli says
Nikki! I’m so sorry I just now saw your comment. This soup can be stored for a good week. Thanks for the question and sorry again I’m just now responding!
Nikki says
The chili was amazing. My husband said, “You nailed it, babe!” Thank you, Alli. I’ll definitely make it again.
Alli says
Oh my flip, that’s fantastic! Tell your hubby thank you for his critique and I’m SO glad you guys liked it!
Jane says
Hi! How would you change this for a crockpot?
Alli says
Hi Jane! For a crock pot, brown the Italian sausage with the onions as directed. Then add it to the crock pot with the remaining ingredients. Set on low for three hours!