Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili

A hearty, comforting bowl of Southern Soul Chili brings together classic flavors and simple ingredients to create a meal that warms you from the inside out. This award-winning recipe balances rich beef with savory spices and hearty beans for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family dinners, game days, or anytime you need something satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Southern Soul Chili recipe hits all the right notes – it’s simple enough for beginners but tastes like it’s been simmering all day. The combination of two types of beans creates wonderful texture, while the blend of spices offers deep flavor without overwhelming heat (unless you want it!). It’s economical, versatile, and makes great leftovers that taste even better the next day. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead, this chili has earned its “award-winning” title through its balanced flavors and comforting appeal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef provides the hearty protein base for this chili, adding rich flavor and satisfying texture. For the best flavor, use an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio that offers enough fat to carry flavor without making the chili greasy.

Onion and bell pepper form the aromatic vegetable foundation, adding sweetness and complexity as they cook down. Feel free to use any color bell pepper you have on hand.

Garlic brings essential pungent flavor that mellows beautifully as it cooks. Fresh is best, but pre-minced works in a pinch if you’re short on time.

Diced tomatoes provide acidity and moisture, helping to create the perfect chili consistency. The tomatoes break down during cooking to form part of the flavorful base.

Kidney beans and pinto beans add hearty texture, plant protein, and fiber. The combination of two different beans creates interesting texture and visual appeal, but you could use all of one type if preferred.

Chili powder is the signature seasoning that gives this dish its name and character. Look for a blend rather than straight chile peppers for the most balanced flavor.

Cumin adds earthy, warm notes that are essential to good chili. Its distinctive flavor helps create that authentic southwestern profile.

Smoked paprika brings a subtle smokiness that adds depth without requiring hours of cooking or specialty ingredients.

Cayenne pepper allows you to customize the heat level. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice – you can always add more later.

Beef broth creates the perfect consistency while amplifying the meaty flavor. If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or even water with bouillon will work.

Directions

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
2. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 6 generous servings, perfect for a family meal with potential leftovers. The preparation takes just 10 minutes, with cooking time of 40 minutes, bringing the total time to 50 minutes from start to finish. Each serving contains approximately 380 calories, making it a reasonably balanced main dish. The recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with an additional can of beans (black beans work well) or 2 cups of diced mushrooms sautéed with the vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Extra Spicy: Double the cayenne pepper and add 1-2 diced jalapeños with the vegetables. A dash of hot sauce before serving kicks it up another notch.

Smoky Chipotle: Add 1-2 chipotles in adobo sauce (chopped) when adding the spices for a deep, smoky heat.

Tex-Mex Style: Add 1 cup of corn kernels and 1 teaspoon of oregano. Top with shredded cheddar, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips.

White Chicken Chili Twist: Substitute ground chicken for beef, use white beans instead of kidney/pinto, and replace the beef broth with chicken broth. Add a 4-ounce can of diced green chiles.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store cooled chili in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Many people find the flavor improves after a day as the spices meld together.

Freezing: This chili freezes exceptionally well. Portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some expansion room. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: For best results, reheat chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if needed to reach desired consistency. Microwave reheating works too—cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through (typically 2-3 minutes total).

FAQs

How can I make this chili thicker?

If you prefer a thicker chili, you have several options. Let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid naturally. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir this slurry into the simmering chili. Another method is to mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon to release their natural starches.

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer, slower cooking will develop even deeper flavors.

What are the best toppings for Southern Soul Chili?

Classic toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro. Corn chips or crumbled cornbread also make excellent additions. Set up a toppings bar and let everyone customize their own bowl.

Is this chili gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific ingredients, particularly the beef broth, which sometimes contains gluten-based additives. Make sure your spices are pure without anti-caking agents that might contain gluten.

How spicy is this chili?

As written with the optional cayenne pepper, this chili has a moderate heat level. You can easily adjust by omitting the cayenne entirely for a mild version or doubling it for more kick. Remember that chili often tastes spicier the next day as flavors meld.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, though you’ll need to cook them separately first. Soak 1 cup each of dried kidney and pinto beans overnight, then cook until tender before adding to the chili at the same point you would add canned beans. This takes more time but can improve flavor and texture.

What’s the best meat to use for chili?

While this recipe calls for ground beef, you could substitute ground turkey for a lighter option. For an extra-rich chili, use cubed chuck roast instead of ground meat (allowing for longer cooking time to tenderize).

How do I store leftover toppings?

Keep any unused toppings in separate containers. Cheese and sour cream can be stored in their original containers. Fresh items like diced avocado should be sprinkled with lemon juice, wrapped tightly, and used within a day to prevent browning.

Can I make this chili ahead for a party?

This chili is perfect for make-ahead situations. In fact, many people find the flavor improves after a day in the refrigerator. Make it up to two days ahead, refrigerate, then reheat slowly on the stovetop or in a slow cooker set to low before your event.

What sides go well with Southern Soul Chili?

Cornbread is the classic pairing for Southern chili. Other great options include a simple green salad, coleslaw, or corn on the cob. For a heartier meal, serve the chili over rice or alongside baked potatoes.

Conclusion

This Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili brings together simple ingredients in a harmonious blend that’s greater than the sum of its parts. The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance—hearty but not heavy, flavorful but not complicated, adaptable yet authentic. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this chili is sure to earn compliments and recipe requests. Make it your own with your favorite variations and toppings, and enjoy the comfort that a good bowl of chili brings to the table. With minimal prep time and straightforward cooking methods, this might just become your new go-to chili recipe for years to come.

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