Description
This Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with ground beef, beans, and a blend of aromatic spices. It’s perfect for a comforting meal that combines rich, smoky, and spicy flavors with a traditional Southern touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Beans and Tomatoes
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
Spices and Broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the chili lean and prevent it from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Beans, Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, along with salt and pepper to taste, mixing evenly to combine all flavors.
- Simmer the Chili: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and help flavors meld.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings or side dishes.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Beans can be swapped with black beans or chickpeas according to preference.
- Serve with cornbread or over steamed rice for a complete meal.
- This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
