Southern Food Chili Recipe is a favorite in my family, one of those go to recipes that remind me of warm family get togethers on a cool fall night.
There’s something magical about the way smoky, slow-simmered spices meld with substantial beans and tender chunks of roast beef, making up a thick, comforting bowl that warms you to your very bones.
It’s game day chili, potluck chili, easy happy satisfying weeknight dinner chili filled with smoky paprika, deep cumin and a subtle heat from cayenne that s balanced by sweet tomatoes and savory onions.
It’s more than a meal; Southern Food Chili Recipe hospitality in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love Southern-Style Food Chili Recipe
- This chili is packed with Flavor. Its deep, rich taste is due to a combination of chili powder, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of these ingredients in your pantry.
- Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day parties, or freezing for later.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level, add your favorite beans, or swap the beef for turkey to make it your own.
Southern Food Chili Recipe
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Southern
- Course: Main Dish
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Yield: Serves 6-8
- Calories per Serving: ~320 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 white or yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper or poblano pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, cored, seeded, and finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef stock or broth
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup white grape juice or apple juice
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz.) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz.) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven set over medium heat, add the beef. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking the meat up with a spoon, until it browns. Pour off fat and reserve.
- Sauté the Veggies: In the same pot add the onion, bell pepper, celery and jalapeño.
- Build the Base: Return the beef to the pot. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, BBQ sauce, white grape juice, and tomato paste. Mix well.
- Season: Chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey or brown sugar; spices and herbs such as salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Lower the flame and bring the chili to a low simmer. Simmer, covered, 45 minutes, stirring every now and then.
- Add the Beans: Stir in the black, kidney, and pinto beans. Simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, or fresh cilantro.
Do People in the South Put Beans in Their Chili?
Yes, many Southern chilli recipes include beans, though opinions vary. Adding beans makes the chilli heartier and more filling.
Is Chili a Southern Food?
While chilli has roots in Texas, considered part of the South, it’s enjoyed nationwide. Southern-style chilli often features a balance of sweet and spicy flavours.
What Is Chili Without Beans Called?
Chilli without beans is often called Texas chilli or “chilli con carne.”
Can I Make This Chili in a Slow Cooker?
Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Tips and Variations
Tips
- Spice Control: For less heat, omit the jalapeño or reduce the chilli powder.
- Thicker Chili: Simmer uncovered longer to reduce liquid for a thicker consistency.
- Make Ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day! Store in the fridge and reheat gently.
Variations
- Turkey Chili: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
- No Beans: If you’re a purist, skip the beans and enjoy a classic Texas-style chilli.
- Vegetarian: Omit the meat and add extra beans or lentils.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over white rice for a complete meal.
- Pair with cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping.
- Top with diced avocado, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime for extra flair.
Video Tutorial
FAQs
What Makes Southern Chili Unique?
Southern chilli stands out due to its bold use of spices, hearty texture, and versatile toppings. It often includes beans, a feature not common to all chilli styles.
Can I Make It Vegetarian?
Absolutely. Substitute ground beef with plant-based protein or extra beans and vegetables.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Allow the chilli to cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Chili?
Reheat on the stove over medium heat or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Conclusion
My Southern Food Chili Recipe is not just great comfort food – its a great hug on a cold day, and a testament to great, rich, soulful flavors that bring people together!
Whether you are a chili fan or trying it for the first time, Southern Food Chili Recipe begs you to dive face first into a bowl of comfort and heat any time of the year.
I challenge you to work on it, adjust the seasonings to suit your preference, and make it your very own Southern classic.
Feel free to share your delicious triumphs or pose questions – I am eager to hear how this chili brightens your table!
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, cook until browned, and break it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and jalapeño to the same pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Base: Return the beef to the pot. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, BBQ sauce, white grape juice, and tomato paste. Mix well.
- Season: Add chilli powder, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey or brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the chilli to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Beans: Stir in the black, kidney, and pinto beans. Simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes to let the flavours meld.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve with your favourite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, or fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Chilli freezes beautifully. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Let the chilli cool slightly before serving for optimal flavour.
- This recipe is gluten-free if you ensure your BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.
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