Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe
There is nothing quite as comforting and crowd-pleasing as a big, bubbling pot of Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili. With hearty meats, vibrant bell peppers, creamy beans, a backbone of aromatic spices, and a soul-soothing, slow-simmered flavor, this chili represents the heart and soul of down-home Southern cooking. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner, game day party, or cook-off, this award-winning recipe will win over every single guest—just get ready for second helpings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to truly irresistible Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili lies in its humble, everyday ingredients, each one playing a vital role in layering flavor, heartiness, and a touch of Southern warmth. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item matters:
- Olive oil: A couple tablespoons coat the pan and give a beautiful, rich foundation for sautéing your vegetables.
- Yellow onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and rounds out the base flavors.
- Green bell pepper: This brings earthy, grassy notes that balance the richness of the meat.
- Red bell pepper: Offers an extra pop of color and a mild, sweet edge.
- Garlic: Four cloves infuse the pot with bold, aromatic flavor right from the start.
- Ground beef: Two pounds create a savory, meaty backbone for that classic chili texture.
- Ground pork or sausage: Adds juiciness and a slight smokiness that makes this chili irresistible.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor thickens the chili and intensifies the sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes: One big can ensures a luscious, tangy tomato base.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds extra texture and little tomato pops throughout each bite.
- Kidney beans: Drained and rinsed, they offer a creamy, hearty texture integral to traditional chili.
- Black beans: Earthy, buttery beans that add even more soulful heartiness.
- Chili powder: The main spice—¼ cup gives deep, warm flavor and that southern red color!
- Ground cumin: Brings nutty, earthy undertones that can’t be left out of real Southern chili.
- Smoked paprika: One teaspoon brings a subtle, smoky complexity.
- Dried oregano: Adds herbal notes that lift all the richer flavors.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like a kick of heat—add to your preference!
- Worcestershire sauce: Just a tablespoon deepens the umami and gives the chili a savory edge.
- Brown sugar: Balances out the acidity of tomatoes and spices with a subtle sweetness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer to bring all the flavors together.
- Beef broth or water: Adds enough liquid to keep the chili stewy and rich—use broth for extra flavor.
- Toppings (shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, hot sauce): Optional, but they let each bowl shine and add creamy, melty, crunchy, or spicy finishes to every serving!
How to Make Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Start by heating your olive oil in a big, sturdy Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Toss in those diced onions and both the green and red bell peppers. Give them about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is fragrant and the veggies have softened. Right at the end, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute to release all its mouthwatering aroma—don’t walk away or you’ll risk burning it!
Step 2: Brown the Meats
Crumble your ground beef and ground pork or sausage into the pot. With a sturdy spoon, break up the meat as it cooks and sizzles. Take your time—let everything brown nicely until no pink remains. If there’s a bit too much grease, carefully drain some off, but leave a little behind for flavor!
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
It’s time to stir in your tomato paste—a small but mighty ingredient! Cook it with the meat and vegetables for about two minutes. This caramelizes the paste, deepens the chili’s flavor, and makes the tomato taste richer and more complex.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Spices
Pour in your crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes—juice and all—then follow with the kidney beans and black beans. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if you like spice), Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Finally, pour in the beef broth or water. Give everything a thorough stir, making sure the spices and beans are well distributed.
Step 5: Simmer Low and Slow
Bring the chili up to a gentle boil, then drop the heat to low. Cover the pot partially and let your Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili bubble away gently for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring from time to time. This unhurried simmering lets all the flavors meld beautifully and turns your kitchen into a chili-scented haven. Taste and adjust seasonings as you like near the end.
Step 6: Time to Serve
Once your chili is thick, rich, and irresistibly fragrant, it’s ready for the finishing touch! Spoon steaming bowls for your family and friends and set out toppings galore: shredded cheese, tangy sour cream, green onions, and hot sauce for a true Southern soul feast.
How to Serve Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili
Garnishes
The best part about a great bowl of Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili is dressing it up just how you like. I love offering bowls of sharp shredded cheddar, creamy sour cream, crisp green onions, and a splash of hot sauce. For a Southern touch, try a few crushed saltine crackers or even a sprinkle of pickled jalapeños on top. Every bowl becomes a canvas!
Side Dishes
If you want to make this a truly southern feast, serve your chili with warm slices of cornbread (with honey butter if you’re feeling fancy), a side of fluffy white rice, or some simple cheese quesadillas. For a lighter spread, consider a platter of mixed greens topped with pickled vegetables—the cool crunch is the perfect contrast to your soul-warming chili.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the usual bowl: ladle Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili over baked potatoes, spoon it onto nachos for a game-day crowd, or even fill up hollowed-out bread bowls for a hearty meal. Consider making chili-mac by swirling in some cooked pasta, or layering it into mini mason jars for a backyard cookout with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili actually gets better after a night in the fridge! Let leftovers cool, then store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making every reheat even more delicious.
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out as much air as possible. It’ll keep well for up to three months. To defrost, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently in a bowl of cold water if you’re short on time.
Reheating
When you’re ready for round two (or three!), reheat your chili gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water as needed to loosen it. For a quick lunch, the microwave works perfectly—just cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring every so often until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I make Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! After browning your meats and sautéing the veggies, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, give it a good stir, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The slow simmer makes it even more flavorful!
What can I use instead of ground pork?
If you prefer not to use pork, you can substitute with extra ground beef, ground turkey, or even a plant-based meat for a different (but still delicious) twist. Each protein will bring its own character to your chili.
How do I adjust the spiciness?
For a milder chili, skip the cayenne pepper and use a mild chili powder. If you want to turn up the heat, add extra cayenne, use spicy sausage, or serve with jalapeños and hot sauce on the side so everyone can customize their bowl.
Is Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili gluten-free?
Yes! This chili is naturally gluten-free as long as you check your Worcestershire sauce and toppings to ensure they’re gluten-free as well. Always double-check any packaged ingredients if you’re cooking for someone with sensitivities.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the ground meats for additional beans, lentils, or a plant-based crumble and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You’ll still get all the classic chili spices, richness, and comfort—just with extra plant-powered goodness.
Final Thoughts
There is a special kind of magic in sharing a steaming bowl of Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili with loved ones—the flavors are robust, the aroma is unmistakable, and every bite feels like a hug from the South. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes the most requested dish at your table. Give it a try, and get ready to win hearts (and maybe a few chili contests) of your own!
Print
Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines ground beef, pork, or sausage with a blend of aromatic spices, beans, and tomatoes. Perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, this chili is sure to impress with its rich and comforting flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork or sausage
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
For Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers, cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the ground meats and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients: tomatoes, beans, spices, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, and broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot with toppings.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, make the chili a day ahead and reheat before serving.
- This recipe works well in a slow cooker after browning the meat.
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or hot sauce at the end for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
