Savor the Flavors of the South: Mastering the Perfect southern food chili recipe
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As the weather starts to cool down, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of chili to satisfy your cravings. And if you’re looking for a truly authentic and delicious take on this classic dish, then you need to try the southern food chili recipe. With its rich, bold flavors and perfectly balanced spices, this chili will transport you straight to the heart of the South.
Southern cuisine is renowned for its bold, soulful flavors, and chili is no exception. The southern food chili recipe features a unique blend of spices, high-quality meats, and a depth of flavor that you can’t find in your typical southern food chili recipe. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal on a chilly night or looking to impress your friends and family, this southern-style chili is sure to be a hit.
southern food chili recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef or ground chuck
- 1 lb hot Italian sausage, casings removed
- One large onion, diced
- Three cloves garlic, minced
- Two tablespoons of chili powder
- One tablespoon of ground cumin
- One teaspoon dried oregano
- One teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Half a teaspoon of cayenne (or more, depending on taste)
- One teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Two cans (15 oz each) of tomato sauce
- One can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- One can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- One can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth or stock
Instructions:
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Cook the chopped onion in the pot for approximately five minutes, or until it becomes tender. After adding the minced garlic, simmer for one more minute, or until aromatic.
- Add the cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Coat the meat and vegetables with the spices by stirring.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, pinto beans, kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine everything well.
- After bringing the chili to a boil, lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring now and then, until the chili has thickened and the flavors have blended.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences.
- Serve the southern food chili recipe hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped onions, sour cream, or cornbread.
Why You’ll Love This southern food chili recipe
There are so many reasons why you’ll fall in love with this southern food chili recipe. First and foremost, the flavor profile is simply unbeatable. The blend of spices, the high-quality meats, and the well-balanced ingredients come together to create a chili that is both comforting and utterly craveable.
Another thing that sets this southern-style chili apart is the depth of flavor. By simmering the chili for an extended period, the flavors have the opportunity to meld and develop, resulting in a rich, robust, and truly satisfying dish. The slow cooking process also helps to tenderize the meat, making every bite a delight.
The best part about this southern food chili recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a simple, satisfying meal, this chili can be tailored to your needs. You can serve it as the main course or use it as a topping for loaded baked potatoes, hot dogs, or even nachos. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredient Substitutions
One of the great things about this southern food chili recipe is its flexibility. If you’re looking to customize the dish to suit your dietary needs or preferences, there are plenty of easy substitutions you can make.
For a lower-fat version, you can use ground turkey or lean ground beef in place of the regular ground beef and Italian sausage. And if you’re looking to add even more vegetables, feel free to stir in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
If you prefer a spicier chili, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add in some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. On the other hand, if you’re sensitive to heat, you can reduce or omit the cayenne altogether.
For a vegetarian or vegan option, swap out the ground meat for an extra can of beans or your favorite plant-based protein, such as crumbled tofu or soy-based ground “meat.” Another option is to use vegetable broth for beef broth.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect southern food chili recipe every time:
- Use high-quality, flavorful ingredients. Look for fresh, locally sourced meats and produce whenever possible, and opt for canned tomatoes, beans, and broth that are low in sodium.
- You are welcome to change the spices to suit your preferences. Start with the amounts listed in the recipe, then add more of the spices you love or reduce the ones you’re not as fond of.
- Let the chili simmer for the entire 1 hour and 15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop fully. You’ll get greater flavor depth the longer it simmers.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors if necessary.
- Serve the chili with a selection of tasty toppings, such as shredded cheese, diced onions, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños, to allow your guests to customize their bowls to their liking.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
One of the best things about this southern food chili recipe is that it makes a large batch, so you’ll likely have plenty of leftovers. To store any extra chili, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat the southern food chili recipe on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. As an alternative, you can microwave each portion separately for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until it reaches the temperature you want.
If you have more chili than you can reasonably consume within a few days, you can also freeze it for longer-term storage. Just transfer the cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a bit of headspace to allow for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the chili in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
This southern food chili recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. For a classic chili experience, ladle it into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, such as shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.
You can also use the chili as a topping for loaded baked potatoes, hot dogs, or nachos. It makes a delicious and hearty filling for tacos or burritos as well. And if you’re looking to stretch the dish even further, serve it over a bed of cooked rice or with a side of cornbread for a truly satisfying meal.
For a fun and interactive presentation, set up a chili bar with all the fixings and let your guests customize their bowls to their liking. This is an excellent option for entertaining or casual gatherings, as it allows everyone to personalize their chili experience.
FAQs
Is it possible to use a slow cooker to make this chili?
Absolutely! This southern food chili recipe can easily be adapted for the slow cooker. As instructed, brown the beef and sauté the garlic and onions before adding everything to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chili is thickened and the flavors have melded.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, this chili actually gets better the longer it sits. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. In fact, the flavors will continue to develop and deepen the longer it has to sit.
Can I freeze this chili?
Of course! Chili freezes quite well. After the chili has cooled fully, store it in the freezer for up to three months by transferring it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to eat it.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this southern food chili recipe, you might also like these other delicious and comforting dishes:
Conclusion
Now that you have the secrets to making the perfect southern food chili recipe, it’s time to get in the kitchen and start cooking. This dish is sure to become a new family favorite, whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or as the star attraction at your next tailgate or potluck.
The key to this chili’s incredible flavor lies in the combination of high-quality meats, a carefully curated blend of spices, and the slow-simmering process that allows all the flavors to meld together seamlessly. And with the ability to customize the recipe to your liking, you can make this southern-style chili your own.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to savor the bold, comforting flavors of the South in every bite of this delicious chili. Your family, friends, and taste buds will all appreciate it.