Southern Soul Chili: Award-Winning

Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili is a delightful dish that embodies the heart and warmth of Southern cooking. This comforting chili combines the rich, savory notes of ground beef and hearty sausage with aromatic vegetables and a medley of spices, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and unforgettable. As you savor each bite, the harmonious blend of BBQ sauce and tomatoes will evoke nostalgia, making it a perfect recipe for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. In this article, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to make this award-winning chili, so you can enjoy a hearty bowl of comfort food that’s sure to become a cherished favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef – Tender and juicy, this beef adds a robust flavor to your chili.
• 1 lb (450 g) hot breakfast sausage – This sausage imparts a delightful spice and richness to the dish.
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped – Aromatic and sweet when cooked, the onion provides a base for all flavors.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped – Adds a crunchy texture and fresh flavor.
• 1/2 poblano pepper, chopped – Mildly spicy and smoky, it enhances the chili’s depth.
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic – Fragrant and essential for that inviting aroma.
• 3 tablespoons chili powder – The main spice giving the chili its characteristic heat and warmth.
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste – Enhances the overall flavors of the dish.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a touch of heat and earthiness.
• 4 oz (115 g) tomato paste – Concentrates the tomato flavor for a richer taste.
• 1 can (16 oz/450 g) crushed tomatoes – Provides moisture and a tangy base.
• 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce – Sweet and tangy, it brings a southern flair.
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) spicy BBQ sauce – For those who crave an extra kick!
• 12 oz (355 ml) lager beer – Adds depth to the flavor profile without the bitterness of darker beers.
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef stock – Rich and savory, it enhances the chili’s body.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami and complexity.
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar – Balances flavors with its acidity.
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar – A touch of sweetness to counter the spices.
• 2 cans (15 oz each/425 g each) dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained – Creamy and tender, they add substance to the chili.
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, rinsed and drained – For added texture and a pop of color.
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, sour cream, scallions, jalapenos, hot sauce, cornbread – Perfect for personalizing each bowl.

Cooking Time & Tips for Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili

When making Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili, you have the option of a quick preparation or a more leisurely, slow-cooked version. The quick method allows you to enjoy this comforting dish in about 2 hours, while slow cooking can deepen the flavors and create a more cohesive dish, often recommended for up to 3 hours.

To ensure success, here are a few practical tips:

• Always taste your chili as it cooks and adjust the seasonings to suit your palate.
• If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer longer, allowing the excess liquid to evaporate.
• Conversely, if it becomes too thick, add a little water or beef stock to achieve your desired consistency.

Step-by-Step Directions

Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and hot sausage to the pot, breaking them apart with a spatula. Cook for 8-10 minutes until no pink remains and browned bits cling to the bottom of the pot, creating a rich foundation for your chili.

Next, add the finely chopped onion, celery, and poblano pepper. Stir frequently for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables soften, and the onion becomes glossy, releasing its sweet aroma into your kitchen.

Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper, cooking for just 45-60 seconds until the spices bloom and fill the air with a fragrant warmth that makes your mouth water.

Now it’s time to add depth to the flavor: Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, BBQ sauce, and spicy BBQ sauce. Mix well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom, and allow this medley to cook for 12-15 minutes until the mixture darkens.

Pour in the lager beer, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and honey, stirring to combine. Bring this beautiful concoction to a gentle simmer; then, partially cover and let it cook for 1 1/2 hours, stirring often. If it becomes too thick, simply add 1/4 cup of water.

After 1 1/2 hours, stir in the rinsed kidney beans and black beans. Let the chili simmer for an additional 30 minutes. This allows the beans to heat through and for the flavors to meld beautifully.

Finally, taste your chili and adjust the salt, pepper, chili powder, or sweetness as necessary. Serve it hot in bowls, generously topped with shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, sliced scallions, jalapenos, and a side of cornbread for a true Southern experience.

Serving Suggestions & Occasions

Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili is perfect for a variety of occasions! Serve it at family gatherings, potlucks, or tailgating parties. Consider pairing it with cornbread, crispy tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad to create a well-rounded meal. It also shines as a main course for game days or cozy movie nights, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.

Common Mistakes for Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili

While making chili is generally straightforward, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid:

• Using low-quality meat can adversely affect the texture and taste. Opt for fresh, good-quality ground beef and sausage.
• Skimping on the spices can lead to bland chili. Don’t hesitate to use the recommended amounts for a rich flavor.
• Overlooking the simmering process is crucial; rushing doesn’t allow the flavors to meld properly. Patience is a virtue here!

Healthier Alternatives & Variations

If you’re looking for healthier options or variations, consider swapping ground meat for lean turkey or chicken. You can also incorporate more vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for added fiber and nutrients. For a vegetarian version, use canned lentils or chickpeas in place of meat, and opt for vegetable stock.

Feel free to customize your spice level by adding more chili powder or fresh peppers as per your taste. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility!

FAQs

1. Can I make this chili in advance?
   Yes! It tastes even better the next day, making it a great meal prep option.

2. What can I serve with chili?
   Traditional sides include cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh salad.

3. Can I freeze leftovers?
   Absolutely! Store in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months for a quick meal later.

4. How can I make this chili spicier?
   Add more chili powder, hot sauce, or diced jalapenos during the cooking process.

5. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
   Yes! It stores well and serves as an excellent meal prep option for the week.

6. Can I use canned beans?
   Yes, canned beans are convenient; just be sure to rinse and drain them before adding!

Conclusion

If you’re craving a warm and comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor, then this Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili is waiting for you to try it! With its tantalizing aroma filling your kitchen and the memories it will evoke, gather your loved ones and get ready to enjoy a hearty bowl of chili goodness that’s sure to please everyone. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili

This comforting chili combines ground beef and hearty sausage with aromatic vegetables and a medley of spices, creating a dish that's both flavorful and unforgettable.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings 8 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  

Meat

• 1 lb ground beef Tender and juicy, this beef adds a robust flavor to your chili.
• 1 lb hot breakfast sausage This sausage imparts a delightful spice and richness to the dish.

Vegetables

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped Aromatic and sweet when cooked, the onion provides a base for all flavors.
• 2 stalks celery, chopped Adds a crunchy texture and fresh flavor.
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic Fragrant and essential for that inviting aroma.

Spices

• 3 tablespoons chili powder The main spice giving the chili its characteristic heat.
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste Enhances the overall flavors of the dish.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper Adds a touch of heat and earthiness.

Tomato Products

• 4 oz tomato paste Concentrates the tomato flavor for a richer taste.
• 1 can (16 oz) crushed tomatoes Provides moisture and a tangy base.

Liquids

• 1 cup BBQ sauce Sweet and tangy, it brings a southern flair.
• 1/2 cup spicy BBQ sauce For those who crave an extra kick!
• 12 oz lager beer Adds depth to the flavor profile without the bitterness.
• 1 cup beef stock Rich and savory, it enhances the chili's body.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Adds umami and complexity.
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar Balances flavors with its acidity.
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar A touch of sweetness to counter the spices.

Beans

• 2 cans (15 oz each) dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained Creamy and tender, they add substance to the chili.
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained For added texture and a pop of color.

Optional Toppings

• shredded cheddar, sour cream, scallions, jalapenos, hot sauce, cornbread Perfect for personalizing each bowl.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and hot sausage to the pot, breaking them apart with a spatula. Cook for 8-10 minutes until no pink remains and browned bits cling to the bottom of the pot.
• Add the finely chopped onion, celery, and poblano pepper. Stir frequently for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables soften.
• Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper, cooking for 45-60 seconds.
• Add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, BBQ sauce, and spicy BBQ sauce. Mix well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom, and let it cook for 12-15 minutes.
• Pour in the lager beer, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Bring this to a gentle simmer and partially cover it, cooking for 1 1/2 hours.
• After 1 1/2 hours, stir in the rinsed kidney beans and black beans, letting it simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
• Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, chili powder, or sweetness as needed.
• Serve hot in bowls topped with your choice of toppings.

Notes

For a thicker chili, let it simmer longer. If it becomes too thick, add a little water or beef stock. This recipe is great for meal prep and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Keyword Chili, Comfort Food, Hearty, Savory, Soul Food