Southern Soul Chili Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb hot sausage
• 1/2 poblano pepper – chopped
• 2 stalks celery – chopped
• 1 medium onion – minced
• 2 tablespoons garlic – minced
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 oz tomato paste – canned or from tube
• 1 (16 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup favorite BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup favorite hot/spicy BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 12 oz lager beer
• 1 cup beef stock
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 2 cans (15 oz each) dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

Instructions

1. 1

   Brown the meats: In an extra-large stockpot or cast iron skillet, cook the ground beef and hot sausage over medium-high heat until fully browned, breaking the meat into crumbles as it cooks.

2. 2

   Sauté vegetables: Add chopped poblano pepper, celery, and minced onion (excluding garlic) to the pot with the meat. Cook until vegetables are tender and meat is cooked through, stirring occasionally.

3. 3

   Prepare for simmer: Reduce heat to medium to prepare for simmering the chili base.

4. 4

   Add chili base: Stir in chili powder, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and both BBQ sauces. Mix thoroughly, scraping up browned bits from the bottom to incorporate full flavor. Cook this mixture for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently to develop depth.

5. 5

   Add liquids and flavorings: Pour in lager beer, beef stock, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and honey or sugar. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.

6. 6

   Simmer the chili: Let chili simmer gently for about 1.5 hours, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld. Add water in ¼ cup increments if chili becomes too thick, adjusting to desired consistency.

7. 7

   Add beans and continue simmering: Mix in the drained kidney and black beans. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes, stirring often. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

8. 8

   Serve: Spoon chili into bowls and garnish with sour cream, scallions, grated cheese, hot sauce, jalapeños, or hot cornbread for an authentic Southern soul food experience.