If you are craving a hearty, soul-warming dish that embodies the heart of comfort food, this Southern Homemade Chili Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s packed with rich, savory flavors from tender ground beef, perfectly seasoned with a blend of spices, tomatoes, and beans that create a velvety, satisfying stew. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a bowl of cozy goodness at the end of the day, this chili delivers on taste and tradition with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building classic Southern chili magic. From the spices that add depth to the beans that provide texture and heartiness, you’ll find everything comes together to create an unforgettable meal.
- 2 lbs lean ground beef: The meaty base that brings richness and substance to the chili.
- 1 (29-oz) can crushed tomatoes: Adds a tangy, smooth tomato foundation for the chili sauce.
- 2 (14-oz) cans kidney beans (with liquid): Provides a creamy texture and traditional chili bean flavor.
- 2 (14-oz) cans pinto beans (with liquid): Adds variety and a slightly nutty taste to the mix.
- 1 (10-oz) can tomatoes with green chiles (with liquid): Introduces a mild spicy kick and colorful zest.
- 1 tsp cumin: Offers a warm, earthy undertone crucial for authentic chili flavor.
- ¾ tsp garlic powder: Infuses a subtle but aromatic depth.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Brings a sweet and savory note that rounds out the spices.
- 1.5 tbsp chili powder: The hero of the dish, blending several spices for that classic chili heat and complexity.
- 1 tsp black pepper: Adds a sharp bite that livens the palate.
- 2 tsp salt: Enhances all flavors and balances the acidity.
- 1.5 cups water: Helps meld everything together into a luscious, thick chili sauce.
How to Make Southern Homemade Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Begin by heating your Dutch oven or a large 8-quart stockpot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully browned with those delicious crispy edges forming. Don’t drain the fat because this flavorful fat will deepen the chili’s richness.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Beans
Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the kidney beans, pinto beans, and the can of tomatoes with green chiles — liquids and all. This adds incredible moisture and that multi-layered tomato and bean goodness essential for a proper Southern chili.
Step 3: Season It Up
Time to sprinkle in your spices! Add the cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything thoroughly so that the spices distribute evenly, infusing the chili with those classic, comforting flavors.
Step 4: Pour in Water and Mix
Pour in 1.5 cups of water and give everything a good stir. The water helps thin the mixture slightly and allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully as the chili simmers.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the pot to a simmer, then cook uncovered for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Stir every 15 minutes to prevent sticking and to help deepen the flavors. Patience really pays off here—letting it simmer slowly allows the spices to develop and the chili to thicken to just the right consistency.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy!
Once the simmering is done, scoop up this comfort-filled chili into bowls while it’s still steaming hot. It’s now primed for any toppings or sides you fancy, making every bite a warm hug in a bowl.
How to Serve Southern Homemade Chili Recipe
Garnishes
The magic of a great Southern chili comes not just from the chili itself but from the toppings that bring extra layers of flavor and texture. Try shredded cheddar cheese, dollops of sour cream, chopped green onions, or freshly chopped cilantro. A few crushed tortilla chips or jalapeño slices add a fantastic crunch and punch of heat.
Side Dishes
Southern chili is wonderfully versatile with sides. Classic cornbread or warm buttermilk biscuits are perfect for sopping up every last bit of that saucy chili. A crisp green salad or coleslaw can bring refreshing contrast if you want something lighter on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Southern Homemade Chili Recipe over baked potatoes or atop steaming rice for a hearty twist. You can even use it as a filling for chili dogs or nachos, turning a beloved recipe into multiple memorable meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This chili keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in airtight containers to maintain freshness and flavor, and you’ll have ready-made comfort food waiting for you on busy days.
Freezing
Want to save chili for longer? Freeze it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and taste.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your chili leftovers, thaw if frozen and reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if it thickens too much. It reheats beautifully without losing its rich, comforting flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the ground beef and add extra beans or chopped vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version while keeping all the amazing flavors.
Is it necessary to keep the bean liquid?
Yes! The liquid from the beans adds great flavor and helps give the chili its perfect texture, so don’t drain it.
Can I use different types of beans?
Definitely. Beans like black beans or cannellini can work well if you want a slightly different flavor and texture profile, but sticking to kidney and pinto beans keeps it true to Southern tradition.
How spicy is this chili?
This Southern Homemade Chili Recipe has a mild to medium heat profile, thanks to the blend of chili powder and green chiles. You can always add extra chili powder or fresh chilies if you love more heat.
What’s the best pot to cook chili in?
A heavy Dutch oven or large stockpot works best because it distributes heat evenly and allows the chili to simmer gently without burning. But any large, sturdy pot will do the trick.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to try this Southern Homemade Chili Recipe—it’s a timeless dish that brings warmth not just to your kitchen but straight to your heart. Whether on a chilly evening or when feeding family and friends, it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection. Dig in, savor every spoonful, and share the love this chili inspires!
Print
Southern Homemade Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Southern Homemade Chili made with lean ground beef, a blend of kidney and pinto beans, and a rich tomato base seasoned with classic spices. Simmered slowly to develop deep, comforting flavors, perfect for a crowd or meal prep.
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 (29-oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 (14-oz) cans kidney beans (with liquid)
- 2 (14-oz) cans pinto beans (with liquid)
- 1 (10-oz) can tomatoes with green chiles (with liquid)
Spices
- 1 tsp cumin
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1.5 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp salt
Other
- 1.5 cups water
Instructions
- Brown the beef. In a Dutch oven or large 8-quart stockpot, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Do not drain the fat as it adds flavor to the dish.
- Add tomatoes and beans. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and tomatoes with green chiles, including all their liquid, to the pot with the browned beef.
- Season the chili. Add the cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and salt to the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine all the spices evenly with the meat and beans.
- Add water and mix. Pour in 1.5 cups of water and stir well to integrate all ingredients and thin the chili to the desired consistency.
- Simmer the chili. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 1 hour and 30 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Serve and garnish. Once done, serve the chili hot. Optionally, top with shredded cheese and your preferred chili toppings for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Do not drain the fat from the ground beef as it adds extra flavor to the chili.
- Stir the chili regularly during simmering to avoid burning and sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adjust salt and chili powder as per your taste preference for spiciness and seasoning.
- This chili pairs well with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
