If you’re searching for a bowl of pure comfort that captures everything soulful and satisfying about Southern cooking, look no further than this Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili. This hearty recipe celebrates robust spices, melt-in-your-mouth beef, and the creamy richness of beans—every spoonful brims with all the homey flavors you crave after a long day. Whether you’re cooking for your family or trying to impress at your next potluck, this dish always draws a crowd and keeps folks coming back for seconds. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on making this chili part of your own kitchen traditions!

Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili lies in its blend of straightforward, well-picked ingredients, each one playing a starring role. These pantry staples and fresh veggies not only create a harmonious flavor, but they’re also easy to find, ensuring you can whip up this crowd-pleaser any night of the week.

1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the meat and vegetables, adding subtle richness to the base.
1 pound ground beef (or half ground beef, half ground pork): This provides hearty, savory flavor and a tender texture.
1 small yellow onion, diced: Brings sweet mellowness and depth—don’t skip it!
1 green bell pepper, diced: Offers color, crunch, and a touch of earthiness.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives bold, aromatic zing you can’t get from powder alone.
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Adds juicy brightness and balances the spice.
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Binds everything together with silky richness.
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Creamy, slightly firm, classic chili beans.
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Brings an earthy, hearty note and color contrast.
2 tablespoons chili powder: The backbone of your chili flavor—use your favorite blend.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds depth and that simmering, subtle smokiness.
1 teaspoon cumin: Essential earthiness that rounds out all the spices.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like a slow burn—totally your call!
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances acidity and spice with just a hint of sweetness.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: A splash at the end wakes up all the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Helps every ingredient shine—taste and adjust if needed.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little extra warmth without overpowering the pot.

How to Make Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Build the Base

Begin by heating your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the ground beef (or your beef and pork mix). Cook, breaking it into crumbles with your spoon, until all the meat is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat, which keeps the chili hearty but not greasy. This is your foundation—the first whiff of sizzling meat will make your kitchen smell like the heart of the South!

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Toss in your diced onion and green bell pepper. Stir everything together, letting the veggies soften for about 5 to 6 minutes. This magical step builds sweetness and depth, creating that soulful aromatic base that sets the Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili apart from ordinary chili recipes.

Step 3: Add Garlic for Fragrant Flavor

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute—just enough time to let its irresistible aroma bloom. Don’t wander away here; you want to catch that moment when garlic turns fragrant without letting it burn.

Step 4: Combine Tomatoes, Beans, and Spices

Now it’s time to build layers of flavor. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne (if you want some spice), brown sugar, vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Give it all a thorough stir—the color alone will tempt you! This combination of beans and spices is at the heart of what makes this chili truly Southern and truly memorable.

Step 5: Simmer Low and Slow

Bring your pot of chili to a gentle simmer, then drop the heat to low and cover. Let it bubble away for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so everything mingles. Take a moment to savor how the kitchen fills with marvelous, homey aromas—the longer it simmers, the richer and smoother the flavors become. For extra depth, you can let it go up to 1–2 hours if you have time!

Step 6: Taste, Adjust, and Serve

When your patience runs out—or the smells are just too tantalizing—give your chili a taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed: a sprinkle more salt, maybe a bit more heat, or a splash of vinegar to pop those Southern notes. Then, ladle it up and get ready for the most soul-warming bowl you’ll ever serve.

How to Serve Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili

Garnishes

No bowl of chili is complete without a handful of tasty toppings! Sprinkle on shredded cheese, dollop with cool sour cream, and scatter bright green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor. Try jalapeños or crispy tortilla strips for a little kick, or even a squeeze of lime to lighten the bowl. The beauty of Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili is how easy it is to make each serving unique.

Side Dishes

Pair this chili with classic cornbread or a heap of fluffy rice for maximum Southern comfort. Warm buttermilk biscuits work wonders at soaking up every last bit, while a simple green salad adds a crisp contrast. And of course, you can’t go wrong with a cold glass of sweet tea or lemonade on the side!

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful and serve your Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili in bread bowls, over roasted potatoes, or as a topping for baked sweet potatoes. Turn leftovers into next-day nachos or stuff them into bell peppers for a whole new meal. However you present it, this chili never fails to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili keeps beautifully in the fridge, making it a perfect meal prep choice. Transfer fully cooled chili to airtight containers and store for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, so don’t be surprised if you love it even more on day two!

Freezing

This chili is a freezer MVP. Let the cooked chili cool completely, then spoon it into freezer-safe containers or bags—be sure to leave a little space for expansion. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. When a chili craving hits, you’ll be so glad you stashed some away!

Reheating

For the best flavor and texture, reheat your chili gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover loosely and stir every minute until steaming hot.

FAQs

Can I make Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! For a fantastic meat-free version, simply swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based meat or crumbled tempeh. You can also add extra beans, corn, or diced sweet potato for even more texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to adjust the spice level?

Start with half the cayenne if you like things mild, or skip it altogether. For extra heat, add more cayenne or stir in chopped jalapeños with the veggies. Spice can always be added at the end, so customize to your crowd’s taste.

Do I have to use both kidney and black beans?

Not at all! Feel free to use any combination of beans you love or have on hand—pinto beans and cannellini beans both work wonderfully. The classic duo just gives you a richer texture and color.

Can I make Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili in advance?

Yes! In fact, making it a day ahead lets the flavors deepen and blend. Just cool, cover, and refrigerate—when you reheat, your chili will taste even more magical.

What’s the best way to serve Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili at a party?

Set up a chili bar! Keep the pot warm on the stove or in a slow cooker, and offer bowls of all your favorite toppings so everyone can build their ultimate bowl. It’s a guaranteed hit for game day or cozy get-togethers.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a meal that warms the soul and brings everyone together, this Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili is it. Uncomplicated yet packed with flavor, it’s a bowl of pure comfort everyone deserves to enjoy. Give it a try—you just might find it becomes your new favorite, too!

Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy nights. Packed with ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices, this chili is a comforting Southern classic that will warm you up from the inside out.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef (or half ground beef, half ground pork)

Vegetable Mix:

1 small yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Chili Base:

1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

Seasonings:

2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large pot, add ground meat, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Cook Vegetables: Add onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add Chili Base: Mix in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, spices, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Simmer: Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.