Description
This Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish, loaded with ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and a mix of beans. Perfect for a comforting meal, it features a rich blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne for a gentle kick. Simmered in beef broth to meld all flavors together, it’s an effortless and satisfying dish for six servings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Make sure to break it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain the excess fat to reduce greasiness in the chili.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic into the pot with the beef. Cook them together until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, usually 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. Combine everything evenly to distribute the spices well.
- Simmer the chili: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow flavors to meld.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the chili and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed. Serve hot for a comforting soul food experience.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper amount or add chopped jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables.
- To make it leaner, substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef.
- Serve with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for longer storage.
