Get ready to dig into a bowl of pure Southern comfort with this Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili! It’s rich, smoky, and just the right amount of spicy like a warm blanket on a chilly day. This isn’t your average chili; it’s a bold and flavorful crowd-pleaser that’s been perfected over time and loved by all who try it. Imagine tender chunks of beef, hearty beans, and a blend of Southern spices that simmer together into something deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and gets better with every bite.

If you’ve been looking for a go-to chili that delivers every time, trust me, this one’s a game-changer. You’ll be scraping the bottom of the bowl and already planning your next batch!

Why You’ll Love Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for game day, lazy Sundays, or meal prep for the week.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and economical cuts of meat to create something incredible.

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and one big pot means less mess and more flavor.

Customizable: Spice it up or down, swap the beans, or go meatless this recipe bends to your cravings.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili

Here’s the beauty of this chili it starts with simple ingredients but builds into something layered and soul-warming. Let’s break it down:

Ground Beef and Chuck Roast: A flavorful combo that gives this chili richness and depth. The beef stays juicy and tender throughout the simmering process.

Kidney Beans and Black Beans: Hearty, creamy, and protein-packed. They soak up all those spicy, smoky flavors like a dream.

Bell Peppers and Onions: These aromatic veggies are sautéed to bring out their sweetness and set the stage for all the savory goodness.

Garlic and Jalapeños: For a little kick and irresistible aroma. Don’t worry—it’s a gentle heat you can easily adjust.

Crushed Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: These create the thick, luscious base that holds everything together.

Beef Broth: Adds that slow-cooked flavor even if you’re not simmering for hours.

Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, and Cayenne: This bold blend brings the Southern soul. Smoky, warm, and just the right amount of spicy.

Brown Sugar: Just a hint balances the heat and acidity perfectly.

Olive Oil: Used to sauté and deepen all those layers of flavor.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. You want a good sear on your meat to lock in flavor.

Brown the Meat: Add olive oil, then cook the ground beef and chuck roast chunks until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Veggies: In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed and sauté the onions, bell peppers, garlic, and jalapeños until soft and fragrant.

Combine Ingredients: Return the meat to the pot. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, beans, and spices. Add a touch of brown sugar to round out the flavors.

Simmer to Perfection: Reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it gets.

Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, spice, or sweetness to your liking.

Finishing Touches: Let it rest for 10 minutes off the heat before serving. This helps everything settle and thicken slightly.

Serve and Enjoy: Ladle it into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or even cornbread crumbles. Then dig in!

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 480
(Note: these values are approximate and will vary based on ingredients used)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

How to Serve Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Spoon it over rice or baked potatoes for extra heartiness.
Serve with warm cornbread or buttery biscuits on the side.
Top with shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, or pickled jalapeños.
Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to cool down the spice.
Serve it with tortilla chips for scooping and dipping it’s chili nacho heaven!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
If time allows, let the chili simmer longer for deeper flavor.
Make a double batch and freeze half it reheats beautifully.
For a spicier kick, add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Want it thicker? Let it simmer uncovered and mash a few beans.
Use smoked paprika and a bit of liquid smoke for an extra layer of flavor.

FAQ’s

1 Can I use just ground beef?
Yes! If you don’t have chuck roast, you can stick with ground beef—it’ll still be delicious.

2 How spicy is this chili?
It has a gentle heat, but you can easily adjust by adding or reducing jalapeños and cayenne.

3 Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

4 How long does this chili last?
Stored in an airtight container, it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

5 What beans work best in this chili?
Kidney and black beans are classic, but pinto, navy, or even white beans work great too.

6 Do I need to drain the beans?
Yes, drain and rinse them to reduce the sodium and avoid a watery chili.

7 What can I substitute for beef broth?
Chicken broth or even vegetable broth will work in a pinch.

8 Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely just skip the meat and double up on beans or add lentils, mushrooms, and even quinoa.

9 What’s the best pot to use?
A Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot is ideal for even heat and rich flavor development.

10 Can I add beer for flavor?
Yes! A splash of dark beer adds a rich, malty depth just reduce the broth slightly to balance liquids.

Conclusion

This Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili is more than just a meal it’s a warm, comforting experience in every spoonful. It’s bold, satisfying, and filled with heart, perfect for cozy nights, potlucks, or anytime you need a little taste of the South. Whether you’re a chili aficionado or just craving something hearty and delicious, this recipe is bound to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. So go ahead grab a bowl, pile on those toppings, and enjoy the soul-satisfying goodness!

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