Description
Award Winning Southern Soul Chili is a hearty and soulful dish bursting with bold spices, smoky undertones, and rich comfort. With layers of slow-cooked ground beef, beans, and fragrant aromatics, this chili delivers a warm, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Its balanced heat and depth of flavor make it a beloved family favorite that can be easily customized to fit taste preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb ground beef or chuck
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Liquids
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Brown the ground beef or chuck in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until no longer pink, then drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness while retaining meaty flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers to the pot. Cook until softened and fragrant, allowing their natural sweetness to emerge and build a savory foundation.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and brown sugar. Stir to evenly coat the meat and vegetables, letting the spices toast slightly to deepen their aroma.
- Add Liquids and Beans: Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth. Add kidney beans and black beans, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer to meld flavors.
- Simmer and Develop Flavor: Reduce heat and let the chili simmer gently for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking process blends the spices and ingredients into a rich, cohesive chili.
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality ground beef or chuck for optimal flavor and texture.
- Slow simmering is essential for deep flavor development.
- Adjust seasoning gradually and taste frequently to customize heat and richness.
- Use fresh or recently purchased spices for best aromatic impact.
- Chili often tastes better the next day after resting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg