If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug from the South, you’ve got to try this Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of rich, smoky spices blended with hearty beans and tender ground beef, delivering that deep, soulful flavor that makes your taste buds dance. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a game-day gathering, this chili promises satisfaction in every spoonful, making it a beloved classic that’s as easy to make as it is to devour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe comes together with simple, down-to-earth ingredients that pack a big punch. Each item adds its own special touch—whether it’s the warmth of the chili powder or the vibrant colors of fresh vegetables, every ingredient plays a vital role in making this chili soulful and unforgettable.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides hearty, meaty richness and the main protein base that holds this chili together.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed, balancing the spices in the dish.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: Brings a mild, fresh crunch and a pop of color to brighten the pot.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant kick that enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 can diced tomatoes: Adds juiciness and a tangy essence that helps build the chili’s signature stew-like texture.
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Contributes creaminess and substance, creating a hearty mouthfeel.
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed: Blends seamlessly with kidney beans for a satisfying and protein-rich bite.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: The star spice that delivers bold warmth and classic chili flavor.
- 1 tablespoon cumin: Brings earthy aromas and enhances the savory profile of the dish.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a deep, smoky undertone that defines the soul of this recipe.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Provides a spicy kick for those who like it hot without overwhelming the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate every flavor in the pot.
- 2 cups beef broth: Creates a rich, saucy base that ties all ingredients together beautifully.
How to Make Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and cooking 1 pound of ground beef until it’s beautifully browned. This step is key because browning the meat builds deep, savory flavor through caramelization. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the chili hearty but not greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté them until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This combination creates a flavorful base layer that melds with the meat, bringing sweetness and freshness to the chili.
Step 3: Add the Beans, Tomatoes, and Spices
Now it’s time for the magic—stir in the diced tomatoes, drained kidney beans, and pinto beans. Follow this by adding the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if you like some heat), and a good pinch of salt and pepper. These spices give this chili its award-winning Southern soul character.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Simmer
Pour in 2 cups of beef broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to let the flavors blend and the chili thicken up into a perfectly rich stew.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasonings
Before serving, take a moment to taste your chili and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or spices as needed. This final step ensures the dish hits all the right notes—savory, smoky, and soulfully balanced.
How to Serve Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your chili experience to the next level. Try topping your bowl with a dollop of sour cream or shredded sharp cheddar cheese for creaminess, chopped green onions for a fresh bite, or a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for some delightful crunch. A squeeze of lime adds a bright contrast that brightens up the rich flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
The perfect sides make this chili shine even more. Cornbread, with its subtly sweet crumb, is a classic favorite alongside this Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe. You can also serve it with warm, fluffy rice to soak up the sauce or a crisp green salad to offer a refreshing balance alongside the hearty bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve this chili in individual mini cast iron skillets or even hollowed-out bread bowls for an adorable, rustic touch. It also works great as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos, turning familiar options into exciting comfort food with a Southern soul twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got some chili left over? Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will only deepen overnight, making your next meal even more delicious.
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully, which means you can make a big batch ahead and enjoy it later. Let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months, ready for a quick thaw on a busy night.
Reheating
To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave portions for convenience, just be sure to stir halfway through to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I make this Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for your favorite meat substitute like crumbled tofu or textured vegetable protein, or add extra beans and veggies for a hearty vegetarian version. Just adjust the seasoning and broth accordingly.
How spicy is this chili, and can I adjust it?
This recipe has a gentle heat thanks to chili powder and smoked paprika, with optional cayenne pepper if you want a bit more kick. Feel free to add more or less cayenne to match your spice preference perfectly.
What’s the best way to serve this chili for a crowd?
Make a large pot and keep it warm in a slow cooker or on a stovetop low setting. Offer a toppings bar with cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, and green onions so everyone can customize their bowl. Serve alongside cornbread for easy, crowd-pleasing comfort.
Can I use other types of beans?
Sure! While kidney and pinto beans are traditional for that Southern soul flavor, black beans or cannellini beans can be great substitutes or additions, offering different textures and tastes without losing the hearty feel.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This chili keeps well, so cooking it in advance helps save time on busy days. Portion it out for lunches or dinners during the week, and enjoy that satisfying, home-cooked flavor whenever you want.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe that goes beyond just the ingredients—it’s the love and warmth it brings to any table. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly comforting, it’s a dish that invites you to slow down and savor every spoonful. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your own kitchen.
Print
Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with ground beef, a medley of beans, and a blend of spices including chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Perfect for a comforting meal, this chili simmers to rich perfection with a touch of southern soul.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Beans and Tomatoes
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Spices and Liquids
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. 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 and sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Add Beans 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 to taste.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat and allow the chili to simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot for a delicious, soul-satisfying meal.
Notes
- For milder chili, omit the cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Adding a pinch of sugar can balance acidity from the tomatoes if desired.
- Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
- Leftover chili can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
