Award-Winning Southern Soul Chili (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 lb hot sausage

→ Vegetables

03 - ½ poblano pepper, chopped
04 - 2 stalks celery, chopped
05 - 1 medium onion, minced
06 - 2 tablespoons garlic, minced

→ Seasonings

07 - 3 tablespoons chili powder
08 - 2 teaspoons kosher salt
09 - 1 teaspoon ground pepper
10 - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
11 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
12 - 1 tablespoon honey or sugar

→ Liquids

13 - 4 oz tomato paste
14 - 1 can (16 oz) crushed tomatoes
15 - 1 cup regular BBQ sauce
16 - ½ cup hot/spicy BBQ sauce
17 - 12 oz lager beer
18 - 1 cup beef stock

→ Beans

19 - 2 cans (15 oz each) dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
20 - 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

# Instructions:

01 - In an extra-large stockpot or cast iron skillet, brown ground beef and sausage over medium-high heat.
02 - Add chopped poblano pepper, celery, and onion. Cook until meats are thoroughly cooked and vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Add chili powder, tomatoes, tomato paste, and both BBQ sauces to the pot, mixing well. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
04 - Pour in the beer and beef broth. Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
05 - Reduce heat to low and simmer for approximately 1.5 hours, stirring frequently to allow flavors to develop. If the chili becomes too thick, add water in ¼ cup increments as needed.
06 - Incorporate kidney beans and black beans. Cook for another 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
07 - Ladle into bowls and serve with optional garnishes such as sour cream, sliced scallions, grated cheese, hot sauce, jalapeños, and hot cornbread.

# Notes:

01 - This award-winning chili develops deeper flavors the longer it simmers. It can be made a day ahead and reheated for better taste.
02 - For a spicier version, increase the amount of hot BBQ sauce or add cayenne pepper to taste.

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