Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe for Ultimate Comfort Food

The rich aroma of spices and the comforting warmth of beans and meat wafting through the air can only mean one thing: it’s time for some Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a tradition that dances on your taste buds and wraps you in a cozy embrace, making cold nights feel like a warm hug. Imagine coming home after a long day, and as you step through the door, the intoxicating scent of simmering chili greets you with open arms, promising a bowl full of happiness.

Whether you’re curled up with a good book or entertaining friends for game night, this chili hits all the right notes. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavor, ensuring each spoonful is a delightful experience. Join me in whipping up this soul-satisfying concoction that’ll have your taste buds foxtrotting!

Ingredients for Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili:

1 lb ground beef – A classic base that provides a satisfying richness and depth of flavor.

1 lb hot sausage – Adds a zesty kick that elevates the dish and balances the flavors beautifully.

3 tablespoons chili powder – Essential for that authentic chili flavor, choose your favorite blend for optimal taste.

½ poblano pepper – chopped – Introduces a subtle smokiness and a pleasant mild heat to the mix.

2 stalks celery – chopped – Offers a crunchy texture and freshness that complements the heartiness of the meat.

1 medium onion – minced – A flavor powerhouse that enhances the overall aroma and taste of the chili.

2 tablespoons garlic – minced – When sautéed, it adds a warm, aromatic punch, making everything taste better.

2 teaspoons kosher salt – Vital for pulling out flavors and elevating each ingredient to its best self.

1 teaspoon ground pepper – Provides a gentle kick without overshadowing the other spices.

4 oz tomato paste – Concentrates the tomato flavor, giving the chili a luscious and thick texture.

1 16 oz can crushed tomatoes – Adds body and a rustic tomato flavor to the chili.

1 cup your favorite BBQ Sauce – Sweet, tangy, and a touch smoky; it transforms the dish into a flavor-packed delight.

½ cup your favorite Hot/Spicy BBQ sauce – For those who like it hot, this adds an extra layer of heat and complexity.

12 oz lager Beer – The secret ingredient! It adds depth and enhances the chili’s overall flavor—choose a lager you enjoy.

1 cup beef stock – Delivers richness and moisture to the chili; feel free to use low-sodium for a healthier option.

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – A harmony of flavors that boosts the umami factor in your chili.

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar – Adds a hint of acidity to balance the richness.

1 tablespoon honey or sugar – A touch of sweetness counteracts the heat and makes the flavors sing.

2 cans (15 oz) dark red kidney beans – rinsed and drained – Adds protein, heartiness and the essential bean experience.

1 can black beans – rinsed and drained – Offers a different texture and flavor dimension, making your chili even more exciting.

How to Make Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili:

Step 1: Brown the Meats
In an extra-large stockpot or cast iron skillet, brown the ground beef and hot sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Allow the meat to get a nice brown crust for enhanced flavor.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Once the meats are golden brown, toss in the chopped poblano pepper, celery, onion, and sauté them until the vegetables are tender and the onion turns translucent.

Step 3: Incorporate the Spices
Lower the heat to medium and stir in the chili powder, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and both BBQ sauces. Mix everything well, scraping any flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pot, and let it cook for about 15 minutes while stirring often.

Step 4: Mix in the Liquids
Now it’s time to stir in the beer, beef stock, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and honey. This delicious blend will elevate the chili to a whole new level.

Step 5: Let It Simmer
Reduce the heat and let your chili simmer for about 1.5 hours, stirring frequently to allow all the flavors to meld together. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add water by the ¼ cup until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Final Touches with Beans
After that, add the rinsed kidney beans and black beans, cooking for an additional 30 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

With that, you’re all set! Serve your Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili piping hot, and don’t forget the garnishes! Top with sour cream, scallions, grated cheese, hot sauce, some sliced jalapeños, and of course, a steaming slice of cornbread for the ultimate comfort food experience. This hearty dish will not only fill you up but also warm your heart. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will not only delight your family but also have your friends asking for the recipe!

Perfecting Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili Cooking Process

Start by browning the meats in a large pot for maximum flavor. While that’s happening, chop the veggies and prep your sauces. Once the meats are cooked, add everything else in stages for the best results.

Add Your Touch to Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili

Feel free to swap the ground beef for turkey or use vegetarian sausage for a meatless option. Experiment with spices like cumin and smoked paprika or add in corn for a sweet crunch!

Storing & Reheating Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili

For optimal flavor, store leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

Sharing this chili recipe always brings back memories of snowy evenings spent huddled around the table, laughter echoing as we savored every bite together. It’s a reminder of how food seems to taste better when shared.

FAQs About Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili

What is Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili?

Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines ground beef, hot sausage, and an assortment of vegetables with a rich blend of spices. This chili is known for its incredible depth of flavor, thanks to the addition of BBQ sauces and beer. It’s not just your average chili; it’s a comforting bowl of soul food perfect for gatherings, game days, or cozy evenings at home. Its robust taste and inviting smell make it a favorite among chili lovers everywhere.

What makes this chili “award-winning”?

This chili is considered “award-winning” due to its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of spicy sausage and savory ground beef provides a rich base, while the inclusion of BBQ sauces adds a sweet and tangy twist. Additionally, fresh vegetables and aromatic spices work together to create a rich, satisfying experience. The long simmering time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring each bite is a burst of deliciousness that can rival any competition-worthy chili.

Can I make Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe to make a vegetarian version of Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili. Substitute the ground beef and hot sausage with plant-based options like veggie ground meat or lentils. You can also add an extra variety of beans or vegetables to enhance the dish. The same spices and flavorful sauces can still be used, ensuring that you maintain the bold and zesty essence of this beloved chili without any meat.

How can I spice up Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili?

To add a bit of kick to your Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili, consider using spicier varieties of sausage or adding extra chili powder. Incorporating jalapeños, diced serrano peppers, or even a dash of cayenne pepper will elevate the heat levels to your liking. You can also experiment with smoked paprika or chipotle peppers for a smoky depth. Each adjustment will give you a unique twist while keeping the signature taste that makes this chili such a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion for Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili

Making Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili is a delightful experience that brings warmth and joy to any table. By using simple ingredients and allowing the flavors to develop through a slow simmer, this recipe showcases the best of comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself, this chili is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and enjoy every delicious bite of this award-winning dish.

Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili

This Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for gatherings and cozy nights at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: Southern

Calories: 494

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Meats

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb hot sausage

Vegetables

• ½ whole poblano pepper chopped
• 2 stalks celery chopped
• 1 medium onion minced
• 2 tablespoons garlic minced

Spices and Seasonings

• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper

Other Ingredients

• 4 oz tomato paste
• 1 16 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup your favorite BBQ Sauce
• ½ cup your favorite Hot/Spicy BBQ sauce
• 12 oz lager beer
• 1 cup beef stock
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 2 cans (15oz) dark red kidney beans rinsed and drained
• 1 can black beans rinsed and drained

Equipment

• stockpot
• Cast iron skillet
• Stirring Spoon

Method

 

Cooking Process

1. In an extra-large stockpot or cast iron skillet, brown ground beef and sausage.
2. Add chopped vegetables, except garlic, and cook until meats are cooked through and vegetables are tender.
3. Lower heat to medium.
4. Add chili powder, tomatoes, tomato paste, and BBQ sauces to the pot, mixing well. Scrape any bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook for about 15 minutes stirring often.
5. Stir in beer, beef broth, minced garlic, Worcestershire, vinegar, and honey. Stir to blend ingredients.
6. Simmer for about 1.5 hours stirring frequently allowing chili flavors to marry. If sauce gets too thick, add water in ¼ cup amounts.
7. Add beans and cook another 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Taste for seasoning and adjust.
8. Serve with garnishes and extras – sour cream, scallions, grated cheese, hot sauce, jalapeños, hot cornbread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 494kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 22gFat: 27gSodium: 1892mgFiber: 4gSugar: 26g

Notes

Feel free to swap the ground beef for turkey or use vegetarian sausage for a meatless option. Experiment with spices like cumin and smoked paprika or add in corn for a sweet crunch!

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