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Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 79 reviews
  • Author: Maria
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.