Name: Southern Soul Chili: 7 Hearty Comfort Food Secrets
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 a true embodiment of comfort food, capturing the essence of Southern cuisine in every spoonful. This hearty dish is an award-winning recipe that combines ground beef, hot sausage, and a medley of spices to create a flavor explosion. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s ideal for family gatherings or cozy evenings. As the rich aromas fill your kitchen, you’ll feel the warmth and love that embodies soul food. Let’s dive into the delicious world of Southern Soul Chili!

Why You’ll Love This Southern Soul Chili

This Southern-style chili not only warms your belly but also your heart. Here are some reasons to love it:

It’s packed with protein from ground beef and sausage, making it a filling meal.
The combination of smoky chili powder and BBQ sauce gives it a unique flavor.
It’s easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
This dish is versatile; you can adjust the spice level to your liking.
It’s a crowd-pleaser, ideal for gatherings or potlucks.
Pair it with cornbread for a classic Southern comfort food experience.

With its authentic Southern chili flavors, this recipe embodies what makes Southern cuisine so beloved.

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.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Southern Soul Chili

Keep these in mind:

Garnish with traditional chili toppings for an authentic experience.
Use your favorite BBQ sauces for a personal touch.
For a spicier kick, add more chili powder or some diced jalapeños.

Best Ways to Serve Southern Soul Chili

This comfort food chili pairs wonderfully with:

Warm cornbread to soak up the flavors.
Rice or quinoa for a heartier option.
Top with fresh cilantro and avocado for a refreshing twist.

How to Store and Reheat Southern Soul Chili

To store, let the chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Soul Chili

What’s the secret to perfect Southern Soul Chili?

The secret lies in the slow cooking process, which allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Using quality ingredients, like the best Southern chili ingredients, enhances the taste.

Can I make Southern Soul Chili ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to deepen and develop further, making it even tastier the next day.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Southern Soul Chili?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure you don’t rush the simmering process. Allowing it to cook slowly helps achieve the authentic Southern chili flavors you desire.

Variations of Southern Soul Chili You Can Try

If you want to mix things up, consider these variations:

Swap the beef for turkey for a lighter version.
Add sweet potatoes for a unique twist and extra nutrition.
Try different beans, like pinto or navy beans, for a different texture and taste.

These variations allow you to tailor your chili to your preferences while keeping it within the delicious realm of Southern cuisine.

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