Award Winning Chili Recipe: 6 Irresistible Flavor Hacks

If you’ve ever wished your weeknight dinner could taste like it won a trophy at a Southern cook-off, buckle up, friend—because today we’re diving into an award winning chili recipe that delivers slow-simmered magic without stealing your whole afternoon. As a busy mom, home cook, and forever chicken lover (yes, I know this recipe has zero chicken in it—don’t panic!), I promise this chili is the kind of dish that makes the whole house smell like warm comfort and Southern soul.

This Award Winning Southern Soul Chili is hearty, smoky, a little spicy, and so rich in flavor that even picky eaters come back for seconds. It’s the kind of recipe you make on a chilly Sunday, during football season, or when you just need something warm and cozy after a long week.

And trust me—if a recipe can impress my family (including my spice-loving husband and my “chili should only contain cheese and not beans” child), it’s going to knock your socks right off too.

Why You’ll Love This Award Winning Chili Recipe

Let’s be honest—chili can be hit or miss. Too thin, too bland, too spicy, too tomato-y… we’ve all been there. But this version? This is the one that makes your friends ask, “Can you send me the recipe?” before they’ve even finished their bowl.

Here’s what makes this Southern Chili Recipe so special:

• A flavor base that hits every note—sweet, smoky, spicy, tangy, rich, and savory.
• Double the protein thanks to ground beef AND hot breakfast sausage.
• Layers of Southern soul with BBQ sauce, beer, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and balsamic vinegar.
• A perfect bean duo: dark red kidney beans + black beans for texture and depth.
• Slow-simmered magic that develops flavor without complicated steps.
• Easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for a potluck showstopper.

Plus—pro tip—this chili tastes even better the next day. So yes, meal preppers, this one’s for you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef – The hearty foundation that gives chili that classic, comforting texture.
• Hot Breakfast Sausage – Adds bold, spicy depth and serious Southern charm.
• Chili Powder – The backbone of every great chili.
• Poblano Pepper – Mild warmth + earthy flavor without overpowering heat.
• Celery – Balances richness with freshness.
• Onion – Builds sweet-savory flavor.
• Garlic – Because no great chili starts with “I skipped the garlic.”
• Salt & Pepper – Essential seasoning.
• Tomato Paste – Thickens and enriches the base.
• Crushed Tomatoes – Adds body and brightness.
• BBQ Sauce + Hot BBQ Sauce – Sweet heat + smoky depth.
• Beer – Adds malty richness (and no, it won’t taste “boozy”).
• Beef Stock – Brings it all together.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Umami boost!
• Balsamic Vinegar – Balances bold flavors with tang.
• Honey – Smooths out the spice.
• Dark Red Kidney Beans – Classic chili beans with texture.
• Black Beans – Creamy and earthy for balance.

Refer to the recipe card below for precise ingredient measurements and complete nutritional details.

How to Make My Award Winning Southern Soul Chili

Let’s walk through this like we’re standing in the kitchen together—aprons on, hair in a messy bun, and smelling like sautéed onions by the end.

Step 1: Brown the Meats

Grab your extra-large stockpot or a good cast iron skillet (my personal favorite because it feels like a Southern hug).
Add the ground beef and hot breakfast sausage.
Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Step 2: Add the Veggies

Toss in the chopped celery, onions, and poblano pepper—but hold off on the garlic.
Cook until the vegetables soften and the meat is cooked through.

Step 3: Build the Flavor

Lower the heat to medium.
Add the chili powder, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and both BBQ sauces.
Give it a good stir and scrape all those delicious browned bits off the bottom—those bits are flavor gold.

Let this bubble and thicken for about 15 minutes, stirring often.

Step 4: Add the Liquid Magic

Pour in the beer and beef broth.
Add minced garlic, Worcestershire, balsamic vinegar, and honey.

Stir everything together until it looks like chili you’ll want to dive into face-first.

Step 5: Simmer Low and Slow

Bring the heat down and let your chili simmer for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.

If it gets too thick, add a splash of water—start with ¼ cup at a time.

Step 6: Beans + Final Stretch

Add the kidney beans and black beans.
Cook for another 30 minutes, letting everything mingle.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, chili powder, or BBQ sauce.

Step 7: Serve with Your Favorite Fixings

This chili shines brightest when paired with:

• Sour cream
• Scallions
• Shredded cheddar
• Jalapeños
• Hot sauce
• Fresh cornbread (hot, buttery, preferably right out of the oven)

My Little Southern Story Behind This Chili

This chili came to life one fall Saturday when my family begged for something “warm and meaty” after a long day outside. I threw together what I had on hand—BBQ sauce, beer, honey, sausage—and somehow stumbled into what is now the most requested dinner in my house.

My kids call it “comfort in a bowl,” and honestly? They’re not wrong.

Ever since then, this recipe has become my go-to for gatherings, potlucks, and cold evenings when the house needs a little extra coziness.

Tips for the Best Southern Chili Recipe

• Don’t rush the simmer. Good chili needs time to mingle—kind of like a great party.
• Taste as you go. This isn’t the moment to be shy.
• If it’s too thick: Add water or stock.
• If it’s too thin: Simmer uncovered for a bit.
• Want more heat? Add extra hot BBQ sauce or diced jalapeños.
• Not a beer person? Beef broth is a great substitute.
• Leftovers: This chili gets even better the next day (hello, weekday lunches!).

And if your sauce looks a little lumpy at any point… it’s fine. Chili forgives everything.

FAQs About Award Winning Southern Soul Chili

A Warm Note to Close

There you have it—an award winning chili recipe that’s bold, cozy, and bursting with Southern soul. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself to a bowl of comfort, this chili brings joy in every spoonful.

I hope your kitchen fills with the same warmth and happiness mine does whenever this pot hits the stove. And if your family crowns you the new Chili Champion… well, welcome to the club.

Happy cooking, sweet friend!

More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love

If this Award Winning Southern Soul Chili warmed your heart (and maybe cleared your sinuses just a little), here are a few more comforting dishes your kitchen will absolutely adore. These are perfect for busy nights, chilly weekends, or anytime you want a bowl—or pot—of pure happiness.

• If you’re craving another cozy chili with a fun twist, you’ll love my Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili. It’s creamy, flavorful, and ridiculously hard to stop eating.
• For a one-pot meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, try the hearty and cheesy One-Pot Lasagna Soup.
• When you want something rich, beefy, and soul-soothing, my slow-simmered Beef Barley Soup hits the spot every time.
• And if you’re in the mood for something ultra-creamy and totally addictive, check out the fan-favorite Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup—it’s comfort in a bowl!

Feel free to explore these next time you’re planning a cozy dinner night. Your taste buds will thank you!

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