Name: Southern Soul Chili Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoon olive oil

Hey y'all! If you're on the hunt for a down-home, comforting dish that'll warm both your heart and your kitchen, this Southern Soul Chili Recipe is just what you need. Loaded with juicy beef, smoky spices, and soulful Southern flair, this chili is delicious for game days, family dinners, or cozy weekends. It's hearty, packed with flavor, and irresistibly satisfying. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This

Rich, deep flavors from slow-simmered spices and beef.
Perfectly hearty and filling for chilly nights or big gatherings.
Flexible—use your favorite beans or protein swaps.
Easy to batch-cook for meal prep or parties.
Crowd-pleasing comfort food everyone will love!

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
3 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoon olive oil
Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream, chopped cilantro

Directions

Prep the ingredients

Dice the onion and bell peppers. Mince the garlic cloves. Drain and rinse the beans.

Brown the Beef

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat (about 2 minutes). Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink and nicely browned—about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.

Sauté the Veggies

Add onion, green, and red bell peppers to the pot. Cook until vegetables are softened and fragrant—about 5 minutes.
Stir in garlic, cooking for 1 minute more.

Season & Simmer

Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar. Stir well to coat everything—let spices toast for 1-2 minutes.
Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, drained beans, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine.
Bring chili to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chili thickens and flavors meld.

Finish & Serve

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve piping hot in bowls, topped with cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, or cilantro if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hr 10 minutes

Notes

For a milder chili, reduce or skip the cayenne pepper.
If your chili is too thick, add extra broth for your desired consistency.
Browning the beef well adds hearty, savory flavor—don’t rush this step!

Variations

Turkey Soul Chili: Substitute ground turkey for a lighter twist.
Vegetarian Soul Chili: Omit the beef and add extra beans, corn, and diced sweet potatoes.
Spicy Southern Chili: Add extra cayenne pepper and a diced jalapeño with the onions for a fiery kick.

Required Equipment

Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot (at least 6 qt)
Wooden spoon or spatula
Sharp knife and cutting board
Can opener
Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions

Let chili cool completely before storing.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months—thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve over steamed white rice or with a thick wedge of buttery cornbread.
Add a crisp green salad or tangy slaw for a fresh side.
Top with your favorite shredded cheese, jalapeño slices, and a dollop of sour cream for the ultimate Southern touch.

Pro Tips

Let the chili rest for 10-15 minutes before serving—the flavors get even better!
For extra depth, add a splash of strong brewed coffee or a cube of dark chocolate while simmering.
Taste and adjust seasoning after simmering; sometimes the saltiness intensifies as it cooks down.

FAQ

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef and veggies first, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Is this chili spicy?

It has a gentle kick, but you can control the heat by adjusting or omitting the cayenne pepper and choosing mild or spicy toppings.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles (or triples) easily—just use a bigger pot and plan for a longer simmer to ensure even cooking and rich flavor.