Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili is a dish that embodies the warmth and comfort of Southern cooking. Rich in flavor and deeply satisfying, this chili brings people together around the table, evoking nostalgia for family gatherings and cozy nights in front of the fireplace. What sets this recipe apart is its harmonious blend of spices, savory meats, and hearty beans, making it a perfect choice for chili lovers everywhere. In this easy-to-follow step-by-step guide, you’ll discover how to craft a bowl of this award-winning chili, ensuring that every spoonful is bursting with flavor and soul.

Ingredients

To create an unforgettable dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 lb (450 g) ground beef: Juicy and tender, perfectly complementing the spices.
1 lb (450 g) hot breakfast sausage: Adds a delightful spice and richness to the chili.
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped: Sweet and aromatic, providing a flavorful base.
2 celery stalks, chopped: Crisp and fresh, adding a nice crunch and subtle flavor.
1/2 poblano pepper, chopped: Offers a mild heat and vibrant color to the mix.
2 tablespoons minced garlic: Provides a rich depth of flavor that enhances every bite.
3 tablespoons chili powder: The star of the show, delivering warmth and warmth.
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of earthiness to the dish.
4 oz (115 g) tomato paste: Thick, rich, and packed with umami flavor.
1 can (16 oz/450 g) crushed tomatoes: Juicy and tangy, providing a saucy base.
1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce: Sweet and smoky, elevating the chili to new heights.
1/2 cup (120 ml) spicy BBQ sauce: For those who love a little extra kick!
12 oz (355 ml) lager beer: Adds depth and complexity to the flavors.
1 cup (240 ml) beef stock: Ensures the chili is rich and hearty.
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: A tangy, savory addition that rounds out the flavors.
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Provides a touch of sweetness and acidity for balance.
1 tablespoon honey or sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
2 cans (15 oz each/425 g each) dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained: Creamy and hearty, perfect for texture.
1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, rinsed and drained: Adds a contrasting color and earthy flavor.
Optional toppings: Shredded cheddar, sour cream, scallions, jalapenos, hot sauce, cornbread: Enhance each bowl and let people personalize their serving!

Step-by-Step Directions

Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy stockpot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and sausage, breaking apart with a spatula. Cook until no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes.
Add onion, celery, and poblano pepper. Stir frequently for 5-6 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper, cooking for about 45-60 seconds.
Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, BBQ sauces, and mix well. Cook for 12-15 minutes.
Pour in lager beer, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Bring to a gentle simmer and partly cover, cooking for 1 1/2 hours.
Stir in rinsed kidney beans and black beans, simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot in bowls with optional toppings.

Tips & Tricks

To take your Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili to the next level, consider these chef’s secrets:

Cook it low and slow: Allowing the chili to simmer for an extended period enhances the flavors and creates a rich, comforting meal.
Use fresh garlic: Fresh minced garlic creates a more robust flavor than pre-minced options.
Adjust spice level: Feel free to modify the amount of chili powder or add crushed red pepper for extra heat according to your preference.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Serving your chili is just as exciting as preparing it. Consider the following:

Bowls of warmth: Serve in rustic bowls, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and freshly chopped scallions for a creamy texture.
Crunchy cornbread: A side of cornbread complements the chili perfectly, allowing for delicious dipping.
Perfect pairings: Complement the meal with a refreshing side salad to balance the hearty flavors or enjoy it with a chilled lager for a complete experience.

Nutritional Information

Enjoying a warm bowl of Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili is not only comforting but can also be part of a balanced diet. Here’s a breakdown:

Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving (depending on toppings).
Protein: High in protein from meat and beans, making it a filling meal.
Fiber: Beans contribute to a good fiber content, promoting digestive health.
Balance: Pair it with a fresh salad for added vitamins and nutrients.

Storing Tips & Variations

To ensure you can enjoy this dish more than once, consider the following tips:

Storage: Keep any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This chili freezes well! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove for a quick meal.
Variations: Try switching up the types of beans you use or add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meats with lentils and more beans for protein.

Conclusion

Making Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili is a labor of love that pays off with every spoonful. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, a cozy night in, or even game-day celebrations. We encourage you to give this recipe a try, and we would love to hear how it turns out! Share your experience and any tweaks you made to make it uniquely yours.

FAQs

1. Can I make this chili vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Replace the meat with lentils, mushrooms, or a meat substitute, and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock.

2. Why do I need to simmer the chili for so long?
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a richer and more complex taste.

3. Can I add more spices to the chili?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the spice level with additional chili powder or spices like cumin or smoked paprika.

4. Is it okay to use canned beans?
Yes, canned beans are a time-saver and still provide great flavor and texture. Just make sure to rinse them well before adding them to the chili.

5. How can I make the chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add fresh jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce while cooking. Adjust according to your heat preference!

Enjoy your cooking adventure with Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili!

Bowl of gold-winning Southern Soul Chili served with cornbread and toppings.

Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili

This award-winning chili brings warmth and comfort with its rich blend of spices, savory meats, and hearty beans, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 30

Total Time 1 45

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings 6 servings

Calories 375 kcal

Ingredients

Meats

1 lb ground beef Juicy and tender, perfectly complementing the spices.
1 lb hot breakfast sausage Adds a delightful spice and richness.

Vegetables

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped Sweet and aromatic, providing a flavorful base.
2 stalks celery, chopped Crisp and fresh, adding crunch and subtle flavor.
2 tablespoons minced garlic Provides richness and depth of flavor.

Spices and Seasonings

3 tablespoons chili powder The star of the show for warmth.
2 teaspoons kosher salt Essential for enhancing flavor.
1 teaspoon black pepper Adds a hint of earthiness.

Tomatoes and Sauce

4 oz tomato paste Thick, rich, packed with umami flavor.
1 can crushed tomatoes (16 oz) Juicy and tangy, provides a saucy base.
1 cup BBQ sauce Sweet and smoky for elevated flavor.
1/2 cup spicy BBQ sauce For an extra kick!

Liquids

12 oz lager beer Adds depth and complexity of flavors.
1 cup beef stock Ensures the chili is rich and hearty.
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Tangy, savory addition.
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar Provides sweetness and acidity.
1 tablespoon honey or sugar Enhances sweetness of tomatoes.

Beans

2 cans (15 oz each) dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained Creamy and hearty for texture.
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained Adds contrasting color and earthy flavor.

Optional Toppings

shredded cheddar Enhances each bowl.
sour cream Adds creaminess.
scallions For freshness.
jalapenos For extra heat.
hot sauce Enhances spice.
cornbread Perfect for dipping.

Instructions

Cooking the Meat

Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy stockpot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and sausage, breaking apart with a spatula. Cook until no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes.

Adding Vegetables

Add onion, celery, and poblano pepper. Stir frequently for 5-6 minutes until softened.

Combining Ingredients

Stir in garlic, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper, cooking for about 45-60 seconds.
Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, BBQ sauces, and mix well. Cook for 12-15 minutes.

Simmering

Pour in lager beer, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Bring to a gentle simmer and partly cover, cooking for 1 1/2 hours.

Finalizing the Chili

Stir in rinsed kidney beans and black beans, simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot in bowls with optional toppings.

Notes

To take your chili to the next level: cook it low and slow, use fresh garlic, and adjust the spice level as desired. Consider serving in rustic bowls topped with cheese and a side of crunchy cornbread.

Keyword Award-Winning, Chili, Comfort Food, Soul Food, Spicy