Chili is a beloved dish that warms the soul and fills the belly. The Award Winning Southern Soul Chili stands out because it combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients. This chili is not just about heat; it’s about comfort and bringing people together around the dinner table.
Why Make This Recipe
This Southern Soul Chili recipe is a favorite for many reasons. First, it is full of rich, savory flavors that hit the spot on any chilly day. Second, it is easy to prepare and can feed a crowd, making it perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Lastly, each bite tells a story of Southern cooking tradition, making it both nostalgic and satisfying.
How to Make Award Winning Southern Soul Chili
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb hot sausage
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/2 poblano pepper – chopped
- 2 stalks celery – chopped
- 1 medium onion – minced
- 2 tablespoons garlic – minced
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 4 oz tomato paste – canned or from tube
- 1 (16 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 cup your favorite Hot/Spicy BBQ sauce
- 12 oz lager beer
- 1 cup beef stock
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 2 cans (15 oz) dark red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)
Directions:
- In an extra-large stockpot or cast iron skillet, brown the ground beef and sausage.
- Add the chopped vegetables, except for the garlic, and cook until the meats are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Lower the heat to medium.
- Add the chili powder, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and BBQ sauces to the pot, mixing well. Scrape any bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring often.
- Stir in the beer, beef broth, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Mix to blend the ingredients together.
- Simmer the chili for about 1.5 hours, stirring frequently to let the flavors marry. If the sauce gets too thick, add water in 1/4 cup amounts.
- Add the beans and cook for another 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed.
- Serve with garnishes and extras like sour cream, scallions, grated cheese, hot sauce, jalapeños, and hot cornbread.
How to Serve Award Winning Southern Soul Chili
Serving your chili is easy! It can be served hot in bowls. Add garnishes like sour cream, scallions, and cheese on top for extra flavor. Pair it with warm cornbread for a complete meal. Enjoy it with friends and family for a perfect gathering dish!
How to Store Award Winning Southern Soul Chili
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chili. Place it in a freezer-safe container and it will last for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips to Make Award Winning Southern Soul Chili
- Use a mix of ground beef and sausage for a great depth of flavor.
- Don’t skip the garlic; it adds a lovely aromatic touch.
- Letting the chili simmer helps the flavors develop, so be patient!
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce or chili powder.
- Feel free to add in other vegetables, like bell peppers or carrots, for more nutrition.
Variation
You can make a vegetarian version of this chili by skipping the meat and adding more beans like cannellini or chickpeas. You can also throw in some chopped zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, this chili tastes even better the next day! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer.What can I pair with this chili?
Cornbread is a classic side. It also goes well with rice, tortilla chips, or a simple salad.Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely! You can replace the kidney beans and black beans with any beans you prefer, such as pinto or white beans.
Enjoy making this wonderful recipe and sharing it with your loved ones!
Award Winning Southern Soul Chili
Ingredients
Meat Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb hot sausage
Vegetables
- ½ unit poblano pepper – chopped
- 2 stalks celery – chopped
- 1 medium onion – minced
- 2 tablespoons garlic – minced
Chili Base Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 4 oz tomato paste – canned or from tube
- 1 can (16 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup your favorite Hot/Spicy BBQ sauce
- 12 oz lager beer
- 1 cup beef stock
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
Beans
- 2 cans (15 oz) dark red kidney beans – rinsed and drained
- 1 can black beans – rinsed and drained
Instructions
Preparation
- In an extra-large stockpot or cast iron skillet, brown the ground beef and sausage.
- Add the chopped vegetables, except for the garlic, and cook until the meats are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Cooking
- Lower the heat to medium.
- Add the chili powder, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and BBQ sauces to the pot, mixing well. Scrape any bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring often.
- Stir in the beer, beef broth, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Mix to blend the ingredients together.
- Simmer the chili for about 1.5 hours, stirring frequently to let the flavors marry. If the sauce gets too thick, add water in 1/4 cup amounts.
- Add the beans and cook for another 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed.
Serving
- Serve with garnishes and extras like sour cream, scallions, grated cheese, hot sauce, jalapeños, and hot cornbread.
