If you’ve ever craved a bowl of comfort that warms your soul and sparks a bit of joy with every spoonful, you’re in for a real treat. This Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe is exactly that kind of dish—hearty, flavorful, and packed with the perfect blend of spices and textures that make Southern chili an all-time favorite. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want something that feels like a cozy hug, this chili delivers bold flavors with simple ingredients and a friendly cooking process that anyone can follow. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to become your go-to recipe for entertaining or unwinding after a long day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role— from the richness of ground beef to the warmth of chili powder, every component builds layers of flavor, color, and texture that make this chili truly unforgettable.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein base that brings savory depth and satisfying texture.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and aromatic softness as it sautés down.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: Provides a pop of color and subtle sweetness to balance the spices.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the chili with a robust savory punch that awakens all the senses.
- 1 can diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and juiciness to keep the chili vibrant and rich.
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Brings texture and earthy flavor, plus plant-based protein.
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed: Offers creaminess and complements the kidney beans perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: The star seasoning that delivers warmth and classic chili flavor.
- 1 tablespoon cumin: Adds a smoky, earthy undertone to deepen the spice profile.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Contributes subtle smokiness and rich red color.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who enjoy a nice heat kick to liven things up.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and brightening all the flavors.
- 2 cups beef broth: Builds a rich, savory base and helps everything come together beautifully.
How to Make Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding your ground beef. Brown it thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This step is key because a good sear creates flavor through caramelization. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep your chili from becoming greasy but still rich in flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, stir in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook these together until they soften and the onions turn translucent—this usually takes about 5 minutes. This step awakens the natural sweetness in the vegetables and forms the aromatic base that carries the chili’s flavor nicely.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Spices
Now, stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Follow this by adding chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if you’re using it, salt, and pepper. This is where the dish really starts to come alive, as the spices mingle with the other ingredients, creating that warm, soulful flavor profile you want in an Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe.
Step 4: Simmer with Beef Broth
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture up to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep everything evenly cooked and to let the flavors deepen and marry beautifully. This simmering step is essential for transforming simple ingredients into a rich, comforting bowl of chili.
Step 5: Final Seasoning Adjustments
Before serving, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a bit more salt or a touch more chili powder depending on your family’s preferences. This final tweak ensures your Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe is perfectly tailored to your taste buds every single time.
How to Serve Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl and add texture, consider garnishing with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro. These little toppings add creaminess, brightness, and an extra burst of flavor that makes every bite more exciting.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs wonderfully with classic Southern sides like cornbread or warm, crusty bread to soak up every last bit. For a bit more freshness, a crisp green salad can also be a fantastic complement, balancing the richness of the chili with crunch and lightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve your chili in individual mini cast iron skillets or rustic bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. You can also turn this chili into a loaded baked potato topping or serve it over rice for a hearty twist. The versatility of the Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe means you can get creative based on your mood or occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. The chili flavors actually intensify overnight, so your next serving will taste even better.
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags and store for up to three months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat chili gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, just be sure to stir halfway through so it heats evenly. A splash of beef broth or water can help if the chili feels too thick after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in the recipe. Just be mindful that it can be a bit drier, so consider adding a bit more broth or a splash of olive oil when browning it.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The spice level is moderate and can be adjusted. The optional cayenne pepper adds heat, so you can leave it out or increase it depending on your preference. The chili powder and smoked paprika provide warmth without overwhelming heat.
Do I have to use both kidney and pinto beans?
Using both types adds nice texture contrast and flavor depth, but if you only have one type of bean on hand, feel free to use just that. The chili will still be delicious.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6 hours or high for 3 hours for a wonderful hands-off version of this Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe.
What’s the best way to thicken the chili if it’s too watery?
Simmer it uncovered a little longer to reduce the liquid, or stir in a small amount of cornmeal or masa harina to thicken while maintaining that authentic Southern texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough that you dive into making this Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe yourself. It’s not just a dish, but an experience—a blend of soulful flavors and heartwarming tradition you and your loved ones will savor. Whether you’re sharing it at a family gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, this chili brings a special kind of delicious comfort that stays with you long after the last bite. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create some chili magic!
Print
Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Description
Experience the rich and hearty flavors of this Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili, a satisfying dish packed with ground beef, beans, and a blend of bold spices. Perfect for a comforting meal, this chili simmers to perfection with a smoky and mildly spicy taste that captures the essence of Southern cooking.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
Vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Beans and Tomatoes
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Make sure to break it up 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 to the pot with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste your chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preference. Serve hot and enjoy a bowl of comforting Southern Soul Chili.
Notes
- For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for longer or mash some beans against the side of the pot.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper for desired heat level; omit for a milder flavor.
- This chili can be made a day ahead—it tastes even better after the flavors have melded overnight.
- Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure all canned goods and spices are certified gluten-free.
