Copycat Johnny Carino's Italian Chili

This has quickly become one of our favorite cold weather recipes, and I just had to share.

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
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese, grated (garnish)

Instructions

1. Place Italian sausage, chopped pepper, and chopped onions in a large saute pan. Crumble sausage and brown until cooked; drain the fat.
2. 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.
3. Add the heavy cream. Mix and heat.
4. Add Parmesan cheese to garnish. Serve and enjoy!

Serves 6-8.

*You can make this one in the crockpot. Follow step 1 as stated. Then add all ingredients to crockpot, except heavy cream. Cook on low. When ready to serve, add cream and mix in.

Adapted from: http://www.cupcakediariesblog.com/2016/02/copycat-johnny-carinos-italian-chili.html