Southern Chili
Southern Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish blending ground beef, spicy sausage, and a mix of beans, seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Its rich, savory taste is perfect for comfort food lovers and those seeking a robust, slow-cooked chili experience. Ideal for gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 lb. hot Jimmy Dean sausage ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Seven-Up ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 2 cans pinto beans ⓘ
- 1 can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 can lima beans ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. corn meal ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cumin
- 1 Tbsp. oregano ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- hot sauce to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute ground chuck, Jimmy Dean hot sausage, chopped onions, chopped green pepper, and garlic until cooked through; drain excess fat.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the pot.
- Cook at least 3 hours on low heat, ensuring it never boils.
- Serve with sour cream and Southern corn bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or using a spicier sausage. If you want a healthier twist, you can substitute ground turkey for ground chuck. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of beans or even add corn for sweetness. Make sure to sauté the onions and peppers until soft to enhance their flavors before adding other ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Southern corn bread, which is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. Consider serving alongside a simple salad or some tortilla chips for crunch. For a full meal, round it out with a side of coleslaw or a slice of cornbread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if necessary to maintain consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Chili contains roughly 934 calories, with 54g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (161% of the Daily Value), and protein (107% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1738mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat in this chili?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or a mix of beans in place of the meat for a hearty texture.
How do I adjust the spice level?
To increase the heat, add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder chili, reduce the amount of chili powder and opt for a sweet sausage instead of hot.
What can I serve with Southern chili?
Southern chili is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with cornbread, rice, or over baked potatoes. Additionally, consider pairing it with sides like coleslaw or a light salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).