Southern Soul Chili Recipe is a culinary delight that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. This award-winning dish showcases a hearty blend of ground beef and hot sausage, simmered with traditional southern chili ingredients like chili powder and poblano pepper. The addition of BBQ sauces and lager beer adds a unique kick to this comforting dish. Slow-cooked to perfection, this soulful chili is not just a meal; it’s an experience meant to be savored. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights, let’s dive into how to create this classic southern chili dish!
Why You’ll Love This Southern Soul Chili Recipe
This Southern Soul Chili is more than just a meal; it’s a comfort food classic that brings people together. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Rich, hearty flavors that embody southern cuisine.
- Perfect for gatherings, making it the best southern chili for gatherings.
- Utilizes easy-to-find ingredients for an easy southern chili recipe.
- Loaded with authentic southern chili flavors that satisfy any palate.
- Customizable with various toppings and variations.
- Slow-cooked for deep, rich flavors, enhancing each bite.
Ingredients for Southern Soul Chili Recipe
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
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 12 oz lager beer
- 1 cup beef stock
- 2 cans (15 oz) dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
How to Make Southern Soul Chili Recipe Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In an extra-large stockpot or cast iron skillet, brown the ground beef and hot sausage until fully cooked and crumbled.
- Step 2: Add the chopped poblano pepper, celery, and minced onion (excluding garlic) to the pot. Cook until the meats are cooked through and the vegetables become tender.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium.
- Step 4: Stir in the chili powder, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and both BBQ sauces. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring often.
- Step 5: Add the lager beer, beef stock, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and honey or sugar. Stir well.
- Step 6: Let the chili simmer gently for about 1.5 hours, stirring frequently.
- Step 7: Stir in the rinsed and drained dark red kidney beans and black beans. Cook for another 30 minutes while stirring frequently.
- Step 8: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with your choice of garnishes.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Southern Soul Chili Recipe
Keep these in mind:
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add water in ¼ cup increments to adjust consistency.
- Serve with sour cream, scallions, grated cheese, hot sauce, jalapeños, or cornbread for a classic southern chili with cornbread experience.
- For an extra kick, consider using a spicy southern chili recipe variation.
Best Ways to Serve Southern Soul Chili Recipe
There are numerous ways to enjoy this comforting chili:
- Serve with warm, buttery cornbread for a classic pairing.
- Top with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.
- Accompany with tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast.
How to Store and Reheat Southern Soul Chili Recipe
To store leftovers, let the chili cool and transfer it to airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. This is a great meal prep option for busy weeks!
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Soul Chili Recipe
What’s the secret to perfect Southern Soul Chili?
The secret lies in slow cooking the chili to allow flavors to meld beautifully. Use quality ingredients and don’t rush the simmering process for the best southern chili with beans and meat experience.
Can I make Southern Soul Chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time enhances the flavors. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Southern Soul Chili?
Common mistakes include overcooking or under-seasoning. Taste as you go, and don’t hesitate to adjust spices and seasonings to achieve authentic southern chili flavors.
Variations of Southern Soul Chili Recipe You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for extra spice.
- Try using turkey for a leaner option in this hearty southern chili recipe.
- Incorporate different beans such as pinto or black-eyed peas for added texture.
- Serve over rice for a southern-style chili dish twist.
For more delicious recipes, check out our Easy Ground Beef Chili or Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs.
For more tips on meal prep, visit Healthy Crockpot Recipes and Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs.
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Southern Soul Chili Recipe: 7 Steps to Comforting Flavor
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
This Award Winning Southern Soul Chili recipe features a hearty blend of ground beef and hot sausage simmered with chili powder, poblano pepper, and a medley of flavorful ingredients including BBQ sauces, beer, and beans. Slow-cooked to perfection, this soulful chili offers deep, rich flavors and a satisfying, comforting meal perfect for gatherings or cozy nights.
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
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 12 oz lager beer
- 1 cup beef stock
- 2 cans (15 oz) dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
Instructions
- In an extra-large stockpot or cast iron skillet, brown the ground beef and hot sausage until fully cooked and crumbled.
- Add the chopped poblano pepper, celery, and minced onion (excluding garlic) to the pot. Cook until the meats are cooked through and the vegetables become tender.
- Reduce the heat to medium.
- Stir in the chili powder, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and both BBQ sauces. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring often.
- Add the lager beer, beef stock, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and honey or sugar. Stir well.
- Let the chili simmer gently for about 1.5 hours, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the rinsed and drained dark red kidney beans and black beans. Cook for another 30 minutes while stirring frequently.
- Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with your choice of garnishes.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add water in ¼ cup increments to adjust consistency.
- Serve with sour cream, scallions, grated cheese, hot sauce, jalapeños, or cornbread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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