There is something irresistibly comforting about a hearty bowl of chili that warms you from the inside out, and the Southern Soul Chili Recipe does just that with its rich blend of spices, tender beans, and perfectly browned ground beef. This chili captures the essence of Southern cooking, offering a balanced heat and smoky depth while staying delightfully straightforward to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy night in, this recipe brings soulful flavors straight to your table with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step to creating the magic of the Southern Soul Chili Recipe. Each one plays a vital role, from adding aromatic sweetness to the dish to packing it full of hearty texture and layered flavors.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing to start the base with a light, healthy fat.
- Large onion, diced: Brings a natural sweetness and depth when softened.
- Green bell pepper, diced: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh flavor contrast.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the chili with an irresistible aroma and bold taste.
- Ground beef (1 1/2 lbs): The hearty protein that forms the chili’s rich body.
- Kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Classic chili beans providing creaminess and fiber.
- Black beans, drained and rinsed: Add color contrast and earthiness.
- Diced tomatoes (14.5 oz can): Their juiciness contributes tang and moisture.
- Tomato paste (6 oz can): Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the chili.
- Beef broth (1 1/2 cups): Keeps things luscious and supports slow simmering flavor development.
- Chili powder (2 tbsp): The star seasoning providing that classic chili warmth.
- Ground cumin (1 tsp): Adds a smoky earthiness.
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Elevates with a wonderful smoky nuance.
- Cayenne pepper (1/2 tsp, optional): For those who want just a bit of heat.
- Salt and black pepper: To bring everything together with seasoning balance.
- Brown sugar (1 tsp, optional): Balances acidity with a hint of sweetness.
How to Make Southern Soul Chili Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flavor Base
Start by heating olive oil in your favorite large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking them until they soften, about 5 minutes. This simple sauté is what builds a fragrant and flavorful foundation for your chili, unlocking the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook just until it becomes fragrant, roughly one minute. Be careful not to let it burn, as garlic is delicate but essential for adding a beautiful aromatic layer to the chili.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Now, it’s time to add your ground beef. Break it up as it cooks, ensuring it turns a nice brown color all over. This step is crucial because those little browned bits add depth and richness to the entire dish. Drain any excess fat to keep the chili from becoming greasy.
Step 4: Toast the Spices
Sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if you’re using it, along with salt, black pepper, and the optional brown sugar. Stir everything well and let the spices toast for a minute or two. This quick cooking step awakens their flavors and makes the chili aroma truly irresistible.
Step 5: Incorporate Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth
Time to build the chili base by adding the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir everything thoroughly so every ingredient is fully combined. The tomato paste thickens the chili, while the broth ensures it stays luscious and slow-cooks those flavors together.
Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover your pot. Let the chili bubble away for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer blends the spices, tenderizes the beans, and thickens the sauce into a hearty masterpiece.
Step 7: Final Taste and Adjustments
Before serving, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning with salt or pepper as needed. This is your chance to tweak it, so it perfectly fits your craving. Serve it hot and enjoy the soulful feast you’ve just created!
How to Serve Southern Soul Chili Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this Southern Soul Chili Recipe is how well it welcomes a variety of garnishes. Dollops of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt cut through the heat nicely, while shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully on top. Fresh chopped green onions or cilantro add a pop of color and fresh flavor, making every spoonful feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Cornbread is the classic companion you simply cannot skip—it soaks up every savory drop perfectly. For a heartier meal, serve the chili alongside fluffy white rice or even baked potatoes. Crisp green salads or roasted vegetables provide a refreshing balance that rounds out the Southern soul experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the chili in individual bread bowls, hollowed out for edible vessels packed with flavor. You can also turn it into chili nachos by ladling it over tortilla chips and topping with cheese, jalapeños, and avocado slices. Even stuffed peppers filled with chili and baked until bubbly make for an eye-catching, hearty presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Southern Soul Chili Recipe is even better the next day as flavors deepen. Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prepping or entertaining on busy days.
Freezing
Chili freezes wonderfully, so don’t hesitate to make a double batch. Transfer portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some room for expansion. Frozen chili can be kept for up to 3 months, giving you a quick, delicious meal when time is tight.
Reheating
Reheat your chili gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to ensure even warming and prevent sticking. You can also use a microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to bring back all those comforting flavors steaming hot.
FAQs
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can skip the ground beef and add extra beans, lentils, or even textured vegetable protein. To keep the deep flavor, consider using vegetable broth and adding some smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky punch.
Is there a way to make this chili less spicy?
Yes, simply omit the cayenne pepper and reduce the chili powder slightly. You can always serve extra hot sauce on the side for those who want a little more kick.
What’s the best type of beans to use?
Kidney and black beans are traditional and provide great texture and flavor contrast. You could also experiment with pinto or navy beans, but rinsing them well is key to keep the chili from becoming too thick or starchy.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken will work fine but remember they have milder flavors, so you might want to increase the spices slightly to compensate.
How long can I keep leftover chili in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, your chili will stay delicious for up to four days. Always reheat thoroughly before serving to enjoy it safely and at its best.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a dish that delivers bold, soulful flavors with every bite, the Southern Soul Chili Recipe is a must-try. It’s as satisfying as a warm hug on a chilly day and as versatile as your favorite comfort food should be. So roll up your sleeves, gather those simple ingredients, and get ready to savor a bowl of Southern soul straight from your kitchen!
Print
Southern Soul Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This hearty Southern Soul Chili is a comforting classic combining rich ground beef, beans, and a vibrant blend of spices, simmered to perfection in a single pot. It’s robust, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp brown sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If excess fat accumulates, drain it off to avoid greasiness.
- Toast the Spices: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar. Cook the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes to toast the spices and deepen their flavors.
- Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth: Incorporate the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth into the pot. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and develops rich flavor.
- Finalize and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the chili hot, paired beautifully with cornbread, rice, or your favorite toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño along with the bell pepper.
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the chili from becoming too greasy.
- Letting the chili simmer longer deepens the flavors and improves texture.
- Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day.
- Can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
