Description

This southern chili recipe is rich, flavorful, and comforting, perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week. Made with tender meat, savory seasonings, and optional beans, it’s customizable, easy to make, and ideal for topping with your favorite chili toppings or pairing with classic side dishes. Serve it for weeknight dinners, game day, or a crowd-pleasing potluck!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef or ground turkey

1 large onion, diced

1 large bell pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes

1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes

1–2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

salt and black pepper to taste

1 cup beef or chicken broth

1 (15 oz) can beans, drained and rinsed (optional)

2 tbsp olive oil or butter

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Instructions

In a large heavy-bottomed pot, brown the ground beef and then drain and set aside.
In the same pot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the onions and bell peppers over medium heat until tender and translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Return the browned ground beef to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables.
Mix in oregano, sea salt*, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder, cooking for 1 minute while stirring to evenly coat the mixture.
Gently pour in the crushed tomatoes and water, stirring to combine.
Bring to a boil, cover with a lid, then reduce the heat and simmer for 45–60 minutes, tasting at 30 minutes to adjust salt as needed.
Serve and enjoy with your favorite chili toppings.

Notes

Be sure to adjust the salt level to your personal preference. Avoid adding too much at once, as salt takes time to disperse. Add in small increments and taste as you go.
Optional ingredients: Add beans (pinto, kidney, or black) for a heartier chili. Add cayenne pepper for extra heat, or omit for a milder version.
Slow cooker tips: Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible.
Toppings ideas: Cheddar cheese, jalapeños (fresh or pickled), banana peppers, black olives, sour cream, tortilla chips, and more. Above, I have listed many more options.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker (optional), Stove Top
Cuisine: American, Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg