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
Scale
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.
