Name: Southern Soul Chili: 8 Hearty Ways to Savor Comfort
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb hot sausage; ½ poblano pepper – chopped; 2 stalks celery – chopped; 1 medium onion – minced; 2 tablespoons garlic – minced; 3 tablespoons chili powder; 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; ½ cup your favorite Hot/Spicy BBQ sauce; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 12 oz lager beer; 1 cup beef stock; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey or sugar; 2 cans (15 oz each) dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

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Southern Soul Chili is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings friends and family together. This award-winning recipe is a hearty blend of ground beef, hot sausage, and a variety of beans, all simmered to perfection with smoky chili powder and a rich mix of BBQ sauces and beer. It’s the ultimate comfort food that embodies the spirit of Southern cooking, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Soul Chili

This recipe for Southern Soul Chili is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:

It’s a hearty Southern Soul Chili that fills you up without breaking the bank.
Perfect for gatherings, it’s easy to make in large batches.
The traditional Southern chili flavors will have everyone asking for seconds.
You can customize it with various toppings and spices to suit your taste.

This easy Southern chili recipe requires minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
It’s a classic southern-style chili that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings.
Loaded with protein from ground beef and beans, it’s both nutritious and satisfying.
This chili is a crowd-pleaser, making it a staple for any Southern gathering.

Ingredients for Southern Soul Chili

Gather these items:

1 lb ground beef
1 lb hot sausage
½ poblano pepper – chopped
2 stalks celery – chopped
1 medium onion – minced
2 tablespoons garlic – minced
3 tablespoons chili powder
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
½ cup your favorite Hot/Spicy BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
12 oz lager beer
1 cup beef stock
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or sugar
2 cans (15 oz each) dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

How to Make Southern Soul Chili Step-by-Step

Step 1: In an extra-large stockpot or cast iron skillet, brown the ground beef and hot sausage over medium-high heat until fully cooked, breaking the meat into crumbles as it cooks.
Step 2: Add the chopped poblano pepper, celery, and minced onion (excluding the garlic) to the pot. Cook with the meat until the vegetables become tender, and the meat is cooked through, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Lower the heat to medium to prepare for simmering the chili base.
Step 4: Stir in the chili powder, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and both kinds of BBQ sauce into the pot. Mix thoroughly, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to incorporate full flavor. Cook this mixture for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently to develop depth.

Step 5: Pour in the lager beer, beef stock, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and honey or sugar. Stir well to blend all ingredients evenly.
Step 6: Let the chili simmer gently for about 1.5 hours, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld together. If it becomes too thick, gradually add water in ¼ cup increments to reach desired consistency.
Step 7: Mix in the drained kidney and black beans. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes more, stirring often. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 8: Spoon the chili into bowls, and serve with garnishes such as sour cream, scallions, grated cheese, hot sauce, jalapeños, or hot cornbread for a true Southern soul food experience.

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Pro Tips for the Best Southern Soul Chili

Keep these in mind:

Use a variety of beans for a richer texture in your Southern chili with beans.
For a spicier kick, feel free to add more chili powder or fresh jalapeños.
Letting the chili sit overnight allows the flavors to deepen, making it taste even better.

Consider serving with Southern chili with cornbread for a complete meal.
Cook your chili in a cast iron pot for an enhanced flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Southern Soul Chili

Here are some great ideas for serving:

Pair with Southern chili with cornbread for a delightful combo.
Top with fresh cilantro, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.

Serve alongside crackers or tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.

How to Store and Reheat Southern Soul Chili

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the chili in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just allow it to cool before transferring to freezer-safe containers. This meal prep option is perfect for busy weeknights!

Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Soul Chili

What’s the secret to perfect Southern Soul Chili?

The secret lies in slow simmering the chili to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Make sure to use quality meat and fresh spices to enhance the depth of flavor.

Can I make Southern Soul Chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead can improve the taste as the flavors deepen overnight. Just reheat before serving, and it’s ready to enjoy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Southern Soul Chili?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure not to rush the simmering process. Also, taste and adjust seasoning as needed to balance the flavors properly.

Variations of Southern Soul Chili You Can Try

If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these variations:

For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a mix of beans in place of meat for a Vegetarian Southern Soul Chili.

Add diced sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness and extra nutrition.
Try using smoked sausage instead of hot sausage for a different flavor profile.
Experiment with different types of beans, such as pinto or cannellini, to create your own version of this classic Southern chili.

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