Award Winning Southern Soul Chili

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that warms your heart and soul, then you’ve come to the right place. My Award Winning Southern Soul Chili is a cherished recipe that brings people together. It’s a dish I turn to during cold evenings, family gatherings, or even just when I need a little extra love in my life. The combination of ground beef, hearty beans, and a medley of spices creates flavors that are simply irresistible!

This chili is not only delicious but also perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a game day party or just enjoying a cozy night at home. With each spoonful, you’ll taste the care and tradition that goes into this beloved recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Just brown some meat and let it simmer! Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
• Flavor Packed: The rich blend of spices and ingredients creates an unforgettable taste experience you’ll crave.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves chili! It’s a great way to get kids (and adults) to enjoy their veggies too.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded together!
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with cornbread, over rice, or with your favorite toppings for endless variety.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delightful chili, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Gather these up, and you’re on your way to creating something truly special!

For the Chili

• 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 beef broth
• 1 cup beef stock
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 2 cans (15oz) dark red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)

Variations

One of the best parts about this Award Winning Southern Soul Chili is how flexible it is! You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Go meatless: Use lentils or additional beans for a delicious vegetarian option.
• Adjust the heat: If you like it spicy, add some diced jalapeños or use hot sauce!

How to Make Award Winning Southern Soul Chili

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Begin by heating an extra-large stockpot or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and sausage, breaking them apart as they cook. Browning the meat first builds rich flavor and gives your chili that hearty base we all love.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Once the meat is browned, toss in your chopped poblano pepper, celery, onion, and garlic. Cooking these veggies until tender not only enhances their sweetness but also allows all those wonderful aromas to fill your kitchen.

Step 3: Stir in Seasonings

Lower the heat slightly and add in your chili powder along with crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Don’t forget those BBQ sauces! Mixing everything well helps develop deep flavors as they simmer together. Let this mixture cook for about 15 minutes while stirring often; this step is crucial for ensuring all those lovely bits at the bottom of the pot are fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add Broths and Simmer

Now it’s time to pour in both kinds of broth along with Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Stir everything together nicely—this blend adds depth and richness to your chili’s flavor. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for about 1.5 hours. This slow cooking allows all those amazing flavors to meld beautifully!

Step 5: Incorporate Beans

After an hour and a half, stir in those rinsed kidney beans and black beans. Allow them to warm through over medium heat while stirring frequently for about 30 minutes. This final touch makes sure every bite is loaded with heartiness!

Step 6: Serve with Love

When ready to serve, give your chili one last stir to check for seasoning adjustments if needed. Ladle it into bowls topped with sour cream, scallions, cheese, or whatever else makes you smile! Enjoy every comforting spoonful with friends and family because that’s what this dish is all about!

Pro Tips for Making Award Winning Southern Soul Chili

Chili is one of those dishes where a few simple tweaks can take it from good to absolutely outstanding! Here are some pro tips to elevate your chili game:

• Brown the Meat Well: Make sure to brown the ground beef and sausage thoroughly. This caramelization adds depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of your chili.
• Don’t Skip the Simmer: Allowing your chili to simmer for at least 1.5 hours lets all the flavors meld together beautifully. The longer it simmers, the richer and more complex the flavor will be.
• Adjust Seasonings Gradually: When adding spices and seasonings, start with smaller amounts and taste as you go. This way, you can fine-tune the heat and flavor to match your personal preference.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Choosing high-quality sauces, fresh vegetables, and good cuts of meat can dramatically improve your chili. Freshness makes a difference in flavor!
• Let it Rest: If you have time, let your chili sit for a couple of hours (or even overnight) before serving. This allows the flavors to develop even further.

How to Serve Award Winning Southern Soul Chili

Serving chili is all about making it a fun and interactive experience! Whether it’s game day or a cozy family dinner, here are some great ideas on how to present this delicious dish.

Garnishes

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy texture that balances out the spiciness of the chili.
• Scallions: Chopped scallions provide a fresh crunch that brightens up each bite.
• Grated Cheese: A sprinkle of cheese (like cheddar or Monterey jack) melts beautifully on top and adds an extra layer of richness.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: This sweet, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up all that flavorful chili. It’s a classic pairing that never disappoints!
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips offer a delightful contrast in texture and are perfect for scooping up chili.
• Rice: Serving your chili over rice can make for a heartier meal. The rice absorbs the sauce and adds another layer of flavor.
• Green Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the chili and add freshness to your meal.

Enjoy sharing this Award Winning Southern Soul Chili with family and friends—it’s sure to become a favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Award Winning Southern Soul Chili is not only a crowd-pleaser but also perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your chili:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Let the chili cool down before freezing.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Leave some space at the top of the container or bag for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious recipe!

What makes this Award Winning Southern Soul Chili special?

This chili stands out with its rich combination of flavors from ground beef, sausage, and a variety of spices. The unique blend of BBQ sauces adds a smoky sweetness that sets it apart from traditional chili recipes.

Can I use turkey instead of beef in Award Winning Southern Soul Chili?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef and will still provide excellent flavor. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed to ensure it’s cooked through.

How can I adjust the spiciness of my Southern Soul Chili?

You can easily control the heat by adjusting the amount of hot sausage or adding more mild ingredients. If you prefer less spice, opt for mild BBQ sauce or remove some of the chili powder.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Award Winning Southern Soul Chili as much as I do! It’s perfect for cozy gatherings, game days, or simply treating yourself during the week. Don’t hesitate to adjust it to your taste and make it your own! Happy cooking!