If you have a craving for something hearty, comforting, and bursting with flavor, you’ve got to try this Southern Homemade Chili Recipe. It’s the kind of chili that brings people around the table and warms you from the inside out. With a rich blend of spices, tender ground meat, and a perfect mix of beans and tomatoes, every spoonful delivers that classic southern soul food experience. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a weekend gathering, this recipe quickly becomes a family favorite you’ll keep coming back to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by ingredients lists when each component plays such a vital role in building the robust flavor and satisfying texture of this chili. Every item here is simple but essential, working together to create that perfect balance of heat, heartiness, and a touch of sweet tang.
- 1 pound ground beef (or half ground beef, half pork sausage): Adds rich, meaty depth and a juicy base to the chili.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Helps brown the meat evenly and prevents sticking.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Brings subtle sweetness and texture as it softens.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Adds a fresh, slightly crisp bite and a pop of color.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic warmth that wakes up the palate.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Provides a bright, juicy tomato base with some texture.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Adds smooth tomato richness to thicken the chili.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and adds depth.
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Creamy beans that balance the meat and soak up the spices.
- 1 (15-ounce) can black or pinto beans, drained and rinsed: Offers additional texture and hearty protein.
- 1 cup beef broth: Gives a savory, umami backbone and helps meld everything together.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: The chili’s signature seasoning that packs warmth and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a smoky earthiness unique to southern-style chili.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky, slightly sweet flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a subtle herbal note for complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat): For an extra kick if you like your chili spicy.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for depth): Adds a tangy, umami boost that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Southern Homemade Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef (or half beef and half pork sausage for extra richness) and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook it until the meat is nicely browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step is key for building that deep, savory flavor. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the chili hearty but not greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, add the diced yellow onion and green bell pepper to the pot. Stir and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Then sprinkle in the minced garlic and give it just 30 seconds to release its aroma—this is the moment when your kitchen starts smelling irresistible.
Step 3: Toast the Spices
Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce if you’re using it. Stir everything for about 1 minute, letting the spices toast slightly to unlock their full flavor potential. This is where your Southern Homemade Chili Recipe really starts to shine.
Step 4: Combine Tomatoes and Beans
Now, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to create that luscious tomato base. Add both the kidney beans and your choice of black or pinto beans along with the beef broth. Mix everything thoroughly so all those delicious ingredients meld together.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring your chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer thickens the chili and lets the flavors marry into one harmonious bowl of Southern warmth.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Give your chili a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Maybe a pinch more salt, or a dash more cayenne, whatever suits your palate. Serve it piping hot and enjoy the comforting flavors that make this Southern Homemade Chili Recipe so memorable.
How to Serve Southern Homemade Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings make the chili personal and even more delicious. Try shredded sharp cheddar cheese for melty goodness, a dollop of sour cream to cool the heat, and chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for a bright finish. For a little extra crunch, sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions on top.
Side Dishes
Nothing complements Southern Homemade Chili better than classic sides like warm cornbread or buttery buttermilk biscuits. A simple side salad or coleslaw adds freshness to balance the rich chili, while rice or baked potatoes absorb every bit of that savory sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Get adventurous by serving your chili over baked sweet potatoes for a hearty twist, or spoon it into crispy taco shells for a fun chili taco night. You could even layer it in a casserole with chips, cheese, and veggies for a deliciously indulgent chili dip at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Southern Homemade Chili Recipe tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep it fresh and safe to enjoy later.
Freezing
Chili freezes beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep choice. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. This way, you can always enjoy your favorite Southern homemade comfort food whenever you want.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen chili overnight in the fridge or gently warm leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. You might want to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up if it’s thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground meat with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or use plant-based meat alternatives. Keep the beans and spices the same for that classic flavor. You might want to add a bit of smoked paprika and extra seasoning for depth.
What beans work best in this chili?
Kidney beans paired with either black beans or pinto beans provide a great balance of texture and flavor. Be sure to drain and rinse canned beans to reduce excess salt and improve texture.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! If you have ripe tomatoes, you can dice about 2 cups and cook them down to a saucy consistency before adding. However, canned tomatoes add consistent flavor and are more convenient for a recipe like this.
Is this Southern Homemade Chili Recipe spicy?
The recipe has moderate heat thanks to the chili powder and optional cayenne pepper, but it’s very adaptable. Feel free to skip the cayenne or add extra depending on your desired spice level.
How long does it take to cook this chili from start to finish?
From prep to simmering, you’re looking at about an hour total. The slow simmer is important to develop the rich flavors that make this Southern Homemade Chili Recipe so special.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a bowl of chili made with care, and this Southern Homemade Chili Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s flavorful, comforting, and easy enough to become a cherished staple in your cooking rotation. I encourage you to give this recipe a try — it’s sure to bring warmth and smiles to your table just like it did at mine!
Print
Southern Homemade Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Southern Homemade Chili is a hearty and flavorful main course featuring ground beef and optional pork sausage, simmered with a blend of aromatic spices, tomatoes, beans, and vegetables. Perfect for a comforting meal, it delivers a classic, well-balanced taste with a touch of heat and depth from optional Worcestershire sauce and cayenne pepper. Serve it with cornbread or your favorite toppings for a satisfying and delicious experience.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or half ground beef, half pork sausage)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Vegetables
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Products
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Beans and Broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can black or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
Spices and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for depth)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (and sausage if using), breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Add Spices: Mix in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Stir continuously for 1 minute to toast the spices and release their flavors.
- Combine Main Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, kidney beans, black or pinto beans, and beef broth. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure flavors meld together beautifully.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, accompanied by cornbread, shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy later.
- Customize your chili by adding hot sauce, jalapeños, or a splash of vinegar for brightness and extra heat.
