Description

Southern Soul Chili is a hearty and flavorful comfort food classic featuring a savory mix of ground beef or turkey, kidney and black beans, diced tomatoes, and a blend of spices. Slow-simmered on the stovetop to develop rich, deep flavors, this gluten-free chili offers the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet notes. Ideal for cozy family dinners or gatherings, it’s delicious served with cornbread, rice, or your favorite toppings like shredded cheese and sour cream.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Beans and Tomatoes

1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste

Spices and Seasonings

1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn.
Cook Meat: Add ground beef or turkey to the pot. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Season Meat: Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to coat the meat evenly.
Add Tomato Paste: Mix in tomato paste to blend with the seasoned meat, intensifying the flavor base.
Combine Beans and Tomatoes: Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Partially cover the pot and let chili cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and meld flavors.
Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasonings as desired. Serve hot with cornbread, rice, or toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

Notes

For a richer flavor, prepare the chili a day ahead and let it rest overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Add corn, hot sauce, or a splash of apple cider vinegar for added twists and complexity.
Use ground turkey for a leaner, lower-fat option without sacrificing flavor.
Check labels on canned items to ensure they are gluten-free.