If you are craving a rich, comforting meal that radiates deep warmth and soulful flavor, look no further than this Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe. It’s the kind of chili that wraps you in a big, cozy hug with every spoonful—brimming with tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a blend of spices that dance on your palate. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a weekend gathering with friends, this chili is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that embodies Southern hospitality and homestyle goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity but perfectly balanced ingredients. Each component contributes essential textures, colors, and layers of taste that make this chili truly special. Here’s what you’ll gather to bring your Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe to life:
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides hearty, savory richness that’s the foundation of the chili.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed until tender.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: Brings a pop of color and subtle crunch for balance.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and a little bite.
- 1 can diced tomatoes: Offers juiciness and a slightly tangy brightness.
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Gives hearty texture and mild creaminess.
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed: Adds variety and a soft, buttery element.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: The chili’s soul, lending robust warmth and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon cumin: Brings an earthy, smoky undertone that’s essential to Southern chili.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky character with a gentle sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a kick of heat, adjustable to your preference.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Perfectly rounds out the flavors and balances the spice.
- 2 cups beef broth: Creates a rich, flavorful base that ties everything together.
How to Make Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding the ground beef. As it cooks, break it apart with a spoon so it browns evenly. Once it’s beautifully caramelized and no longer pink, drain off the excess fat to keep your chili from feeling greasy, while still keeping plenty of beefy flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic right into your pot with the browned beef. Sauté these together until they soften and release their sweetness, creating a fragrant, colorful base that promises great depth in your Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Spices
Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and pinto beans—these provide heartiness and creamy textures that complement the meat. Then sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well so that every bite is bursting with those signature Southern spices.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Pour in the beef broth and turn up the heat to bring the chili to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes. This slow cooking melds the flavors beautifully, thickens the chili, and lets those spices mellow and deepen.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
After simmering, give your chili a careful taste. Adjust the salt, pepper, or spice level if needed—remember, this is your creation, so feel free to tweak until it feels just right. Then, it’s ready to serve with all the comforting goodness packed inside every spoonful.
How to Serve Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your chili, consider topping it with a sprinkle of freshly shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of cool sour cream. Chopped green onions or a handful of fresh cilantro add bright, fresh bursts that contrast beautifully with the warm, smoky chili base. Don’t overlook a few crunchy tortilla chips for some texture and fun with every bite.
Side Dishes
This chili shines alongside classic Southern accompaniments like buttery cornbread or warm buttermilk biscuits. A simple side salad or some pickled jalapeños also offer a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty, spicy main dish, keeping your meal balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the chili in individual bread bowls for a rustic, fun presentation. Layer it over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up all that delightful sauce, or build a chili bar where everyone can customize their bowls with various toppings and sides. The possibilities are as vibrant as the flavors themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chili is a total gift—the flavors only get better after a day in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container and it will keep well for up to 4 days, perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
This Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a comforting meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating
Warm leftover chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of beef broth or water to get the perfect, cozy consistency again. This chili always feels like a warm welcome back home.
FAQs
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. You may also want to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it fully vegetarian while maintaining that rich chili flavor.
How spicy is this chili?
This recipe has a mild to medium heat thanks to the chili powder and optional cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust the cayenne to make it milder or dial it up for more kick, so it’s perfect for anyone’s spice tolerance.
What kind of beans work best?
Kidney and pinto beans are classic and provide great texture and flavor contrast. However, black beans or navy beans can work well too depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
Can I prepare this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. It’s an easy way to have a deeply flavorful chili ready when you walk in the door.
What toppings complement the chili best?
Cheese, sour cream, green onions, and fresh herbs bring freshness and creaminess. Cornbread crumbles or crispy fried onions also add delightful texture. Feel free to get creative and tailor toppings to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe is one of those dishes that fills your kitchen and heart with warmth and flavor. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying a quiet night in, it’s reliably satisfying and irresistibly delicious. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll soon understand why it has earned such a special reputation in the world of Southern soul food.
Print
Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish combining ground beef, fresh vegetables, beans, and a robust blend of spices. Perfect for family dinners, it simmers to rich perfection in just 50 minutes, delivering a satisfying taste of Southern comfort food.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Beans and Tomatoes
- 1 can diced tomatoes (approximately 14.5 oz)
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (approximately 15 oz)
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed (approximately 15 oz)
Spices and Broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the chili from being greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic into the pot with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined for even seasoning.
- Simmer the Chili: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and allow the chili to simmer gently for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to meld the flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust the salt, pepper, or spice levels as desired. Serve hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
- To reduce fat, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- Beans can be substituted with black beans or chickpeas based on preference.
- Serve with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
