5 Star Reader Comment
I was in a chili cook off against 15 other people and I won first place!!! This recipe is absolutely delicious!! Thank you.
Laura
The Day My Chili Beat Them All!
Last weekend, I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride! I had chopped, cooked, and tasted chili for several days. The reason? I’d entered a Chili Challenge sponsored by our local Farmers Market. It’s a great event that brings together vendors and community partners, with all proceeds benefiting the market. And had two great partners, Charles Sheppard from Sir Charles Gourmet BBQ Sauces and Tommy Neese from Neese’s Country Sausage, so I was feeling pretty good about going up against some formidable competitors.
The days were flying by, and then, finally, on Thursday night, everything came together, and I had perfected the recipe. Friends…all that hard work paid off – we WON!
Donya’s Tips and Things To Know
- Brown the meat well. Take your time when cooking the ground beef and sausage—letting them really brown (not just turn gray) builds deep, rich flavor as the foundation of the chili.
- Layer the vegetables. Adding the celery, onions, and poblano before the garlic keeps the garlic from burning and lets the veggies soften just right.
- Scrape the pot. After stirring in the tomato paste and sauces, scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. That’s where all the flavor is hiding!
- Let it simmer low and slow. The long simmer (about 1.5 hours) is key to developing that award-winning taste. Stir often so nothing sticks, and add a splash of water if it gets too thick.
- Season at the end. Once the beans are in and everything has cooked together, give it a taste. This is the time to add a little extra salt, pepper, or chili powder if you need it.
- Make it ahead. Chili is even better the next day. Store it in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving—those flavors will have married beautifully.
Ingredients For The Best Southern Chili Recipe
- Ground Beef – A hearty base that gives the chili rich flavor and classic texture.
- Hot Breakfast Sausage – Adds spice and depth, giving the chili a savory kick.
- Chili Powder – The main seasoning blend that brings warmth and smoky heat.
- Poblano Pepper – Mildly spicy with a hint of earthiness, it adds flavor without overwhelming heat.
- Celery – Provides freshness and crunch, balancing the richness of the meat.
- Onion – A must-have for building flavor and a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic – Brings a bold, savory note that deepens the overall taste.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings that enhance and balance every ingredient.
- Concentrated Tomato Paste – Thickens the chili and intensifies the tomato base.
- Crushed Tomatoes – Adds body and a fresh tomato flavor to the sauce.
- BBQ Sauce – Brings a touch of sweetness and smoky flavor to round out the chili.
- Spicy (Hot) BBQ Sauce – Adds heat and an extra layer of smoky complexity.
- Beer – Infuses the chili with malty depth and helps tenderize the meat.
- Beef Stock – Creates a rich, savory base that ties all the flavors together.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a savory umami punch that makes the chili more complex.
- Balsamic Vinegar – A splash of tanginess that balances the bold, hearty flavors.
- Honey – A subtle sweetness that smooths out the spices.
- Dark Red Kidney Beans – Classic chili beans with a firm texture that holds up to slow cooking.
- Black Beans – Creamy and earthy, they add contrast to the kidney beans and extra heartiness.
Favorite Toppings for Chili
One of the best parts about a big pot of chili is piling on the toppings. Everyone can make their bowl just the way they like it! Around my table, I always set out shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and plenty of fresh or pickled jalapeños for those who like a kick. A drizzle of hot sauce never hurts, and I love the crunch from tortilla strips or a sprinkle of chopped red onion. For a fresh finish, add a handful of chopped green onions—they brighten up every bite.
Can You Freeze This Chili?
You sure can! Like my Creamy White Chicken Chili, this recipe is easy to freeze. After making the chili, let it cool then place it in a freezer-safe container with a lid. You can also put it in freezer-safe bags. Fill the bag, seal, and lay flat on a baking sheet. Once the chili freezes in the bag, it can be stored upright to save space in the freezer.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb hot sausage
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- ½ poblano pepper – chopped
- 2 stalks celery – chopped
- 1 medium onion – minced
- 2 tablespoons garlic – minced
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 4 oz tomato paste – canned or from tube
- 1 16 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup your favorite Hot/Spicy BBQ sauce
- 12 oz lager Beer
- 1 cup beef stock
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 2 cans (15oz) dark red kidney beans rinsed and drained
- 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
Instructions
- In an extra-large stockpot or cast iron skillet, brown ground beef and sausage.
- Add chopped vegetables, except garlic, and cook until meats are cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Lower heat to medium.
- Add chili powder, tomatoes, tomato paste, and BBQ sauces to the pot, mixing well. Scrape any bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook for about 15 minutes stirring often.
- Stir in beer, beef broth, minced garlic, Worcestershire, vinegar, and honey. Stir to blend ingredients.
- Simmer for about 1.5 hours stirring frequently allowing chili flavors to marry. If sauce gets too thick, add water in ¼ cup amounts.
- Add beans and cook another 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Taste for seasoning and adjust.
- Serve with garnishes and extras – sour cream, scallions, grated cheese, hot sauce, jalapeños, hot cornbread.
Nutrition
People Also Ask
t does. The long simmer gives the chili its bold flavor while letting the alcohol completely cook off, leaving behind just a deep, malty taste. If you prefer, you can swap the beer for more beef stock.
That’s the beauty of this recipe—you can make it as mild or spicy as you like. Use a mild BBQ sauce for less heat, or go with a spicier version and add extra jalapeños if you want to turn things up.
I like to use both dark red kidney beans and black beans. Kidney beans keep their firm bite, while black beans add a creamy texture. You can swap in pinto beans if that’s what you have on hand.
If your chili feels too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a little while longer, stirring often. You can also stir in an extra spoonful of tomato paste.
Yes! For the slow cooker, brown the meat and veggies first, then transfer everything into the cooker and let it go on low for 6–8 hours. For the Instant Pot, brown using the sauté function, then pressure cook on high for about 25 minutes with a natural release.
What To Serve With Award-Winning Chili
Chili night isn’t complete without something on the side for dunking and scooping. I love a slice of Sour Cream Corn Bread or Quick and Easy Beer Bread to soak up every drop. When I’m feeling extra cozy, Smoked Gouda Cheese Grits or a creamy Cheese Grits Casserole hit the spot. And if you want something fun to share, Garlic Knots or a bowl of Instant Pot Garlic Herb Rice make the meal feel like a real feast.
If you tried this Award Winning Southern Soul Chili Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
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AMAZING! I was skeptical about using breakfast sausage, but I will use it in any chili recipe from here on out. Followed this recipe to a T and it’s by far my favorite!
Hey there Jennifer!
I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed this recipe, I agree adding the breakfast sausage isn’t conventional but it really takes the flavor of this chili to the next level! Thank you so much for your kind words of support and your fantastic rating, if you ever have any questions about a recipe please don’t hesitate to ask!
~Donya
We made this for our church’s chili cookoff and won first place!! It is sooo delicious and all the flavors came together perfectly. Everyone loved it. We even beat long-time & seasoned chili cook-off winners! Thank you!!
Hey there Sara!
Wow! Congratulations that is fantastic news, I am beyond thrilled to hear that everyone enjoyed this recipe! If you enjoyed making this dish, you should check out my Hearty Turkey Chili recipe, it’s just as simple to prepare and the flavors are out of this world delicious! Thank you so much for your kind words and your phenomenal rating, I am so grateful for your support!
~Donya
Hi!
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe ! We have a Chili Cook off and Halloween Costume Contest every year at my hospital. I decided to enter this year. I was browsing for ideas to elevate my Turkey chili and ran across your recipe and decide to try it. I won 1st place!!!! I also won first place for my costume! This recipe is amazing! So much flavor! Thanks again for giving me the opportunity to experience winning!!
Hey there Angel!
Wow! Congratulations on winning your chili cookoff and costume contest, that is absolutely amazing news! I am so glad to hear that everyone enjoyed this recipe, it’s definitely a winner. Thank you so much for your kind words, your phenomenal rating and for sharing this experience, I really appreciate your support! If you ever have any questions about a recipe, please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask!
~Donya
Totally going to try this chili recipe! Could you tell me where those delicious looking corn muffins in the picture came from? I want some 😋
Hey there Jennifer!
Thank you so much for your interest in this chili recipe, it’s perfect to serve this time of year so I’m so glad to hear that you’re giving it a try! The corn muffins in these photos I believe came from the Fresh Market, but I actually have a recipe for Creamed Corn Cornbread Muffins that’s even better! Adding Creamed Corn into the cornbread muffins gives them a delicious flavor and a warm texture that’s irresistible, plus they’re ready to serve in just 30 minutes. Let me know how everything turns out if you give the recipes a try, I’d love to hear what you think!
~Donya
Thanks so much, I’ll give them both a try!
Hey there!
I am so happy to hear that you’re giving these recipes a try, they are a match made in heaven, I can’t think of a more perfect combination! Let me know if you have any other questions, I’d be more than happy to help!
~Donya
I used the Jimmy Deans hot sausage in the breakfast meat section. Is that ok or should I bought a different type?
Hey there Samantha!
Thank you so much for your interest in this recipe, I think you’re really going to love this Chili! You can absolutely use the Jimmy Deans spicy sausage that would be delicious, it’ll give a little kick to the chili. Let me know if you have any other questions, I’d be more than happy to help, I hope you enjoy the recipe!
~Donya
No matter how many times I have made this recipe, I swear it gets better every time I do! It’s a perfect recipe that comes together fast. Prep work is actually fun. Thank you!
Hey there Christine!
Wow! I am so happy to hear that you like this recipe, I totally agree with you that the prep for this chili is fun to do, it’s such an easy recipe so I’m thrilled that you’ve been enjoying it as well! Thank you so much for your kind words and your fantastic rating, I really appreciate all your support!
~Donya
Going to try this tonight, getting hungry just reading it, and I just had breakfast!
Hey there!
I am so happy to hear you’re going to give this recipe a try! I might be a little biased but I really do think it’s the BEST chili recipe out there. If you have any questions I’d be more than happy to help, I hope you enjoy!
~Donya
I am making this recipe on Sunday. What is your thought on using chicken instead of beef and sausage? Should I substitute chicken broth? However, would the rest of the ingredients work?
Hey there Melissa!
Thank you so much for your interest in this recipe, I think you’re really going to love it! I’ve actually never made this chili with chicken, but it’s definitely worth a try, I think the other ingredients would definitely be compatible. You can use chicken stock if you’d like, but I also think you can just use beef stock if that’s easier, whatever you have on hand should work just fine. Let me know how everything turns out if you give it a try, I’d love to hear what you think!
~Donya
Thank you for the great chilli recipe!! Made this for our fair days chilli cook off and won first!!! Cooked it the night before and threw it in the slow cooker. The only thing I found was it was a little watery… if you know what I mean… not as thick as I usually make, wonder if it’s because I finished it in the slow cooker.. but still came out first! And hubby loves it too so it will take place of his long time mothers recipe that I’ve been making.. thank you!!
Hey there Darla!
My goodness, reading this comment has made my day! I am so happy to hear that y’all enjoyed this recipe and won first place, that’s incredible! Thank you so much for your kind words and your great rating, I really appreciate your support. If you ever have any questions about a recipe please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask!
~Donya
Thank you so much for this phenomenal chili recipe! I just won our church chili cook off with it today.
Hey there Carey!
WOW! Oh my goodness you’ve made my day! That is absolutely incredible to hear, I am so glad that everyone enjoyed this recipe. Thank you so much for your support, it means the world! If you ever have any questions about a recipe, please don’t hesitate to ask!
~Donya
We had a college wide chili cook off and we WON with this recipe!! We used andouille sausage and added various spices with love. This recipe is AMAZING. We also served it with home made cheddar jalapeño corn bread…absolutely the best thing I have ever made.
WHAT? WOW!! Lydia, you have made my day.
Congratulations on the win, and I’m thrilled to be a little part of all this happiness. The combination of the chili and the corn bread sounds delicious. I am over here just smiling and giggling at how awesome this is.
Thank you so much for sharing AND for making my chili recipe.
❤️