Description
This Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish combining ground beef, fresh vegetables, beans, and a robust blend of spices. Perfect for family dinners, it simmers to rich perfection in just 50 minutes, delivering a satisfying taste of Southern comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Beans and Tomatoes
- 1 can diced tomatoes (approximately 14.5 oz)
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (approximately 15 oz)
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed (approximately 15 oz)
Spices and Broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the chili from being greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic into the pot with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined for even seasoning.
- Simmer the Chili: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and allow the chili to simmer gently for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to meld the flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust the salt, pepper, or spice levels as desired. Serve hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
- To reduce fat, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- Beans can be substituted with black beans or chickpeas based on preference.
- Serve with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
