Description
Southern Soul Chili is a hearty, comforting dish packed with bold spices, tender ground beef, beans, and a rich tomato base. Infused with smoky, soulful Southern flavors, this chili is perfect for cold nights, game days, or any time you’re craving warm, down-home comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp brown sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
- Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot with cornbread, rice, or your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and green onions.
Notes
- For added depth, stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar or hot sauce at the end of cooking.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- You can swap the beef for ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version.
- Smoked meats like bacon or sausage can add a classic Southern flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg