Sweet and Spicy Southern Chili Recipe

A white bowl filled with hearty chili topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions, placed on a rustic wooden table with a red and white striped napkin.

This southern chili recipe is a sweet and spicy dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with bold, comforting flavor. Made with ground beef, sausage, BBQ sauce, and baked beans, this is perfect for casual dinners, game day gatherings, or church potlucks. Enjoy it as a make-ahead crowd-pleaser that brings everyone to the table.

Course Appetizer, Dinner

Cuisine American, Southern, Tex-Mex

Keyword comfort food, make ahead, one-pot, spicy

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2 25

Servings servings

Calories 538

Author Gina Dickson

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
1 pound ground pork sausage breakfast-style, can substitute with turkey meat breakfast sausage.
1 cup onion finely diced, white or yellow
1/2 cup green bell pepper finely chopped
1/2 cup celery finely chopped
1 jalapeño medium, seeded and finely diced (leave seeds in for more heat)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
28 ounces tomatoes canned, fire roasted, crushed If you don't have crushed, run them through a blender before adding to the chili
2 cups beef broth
1 cup BBQ sauce choose a flavor you love I used Sweet Baby Ray’s
¾ cup apple juice
6 ounces tomato paste canned
3 tablespoons chili powder mild
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
28 ounces baked beans canned

Instructions

Cook the meat and veggies:

In a large 7-quart pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef, pork sausage. Break the meat into small pieces and cook until browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Turn off the heat, tip the pan, and spoon off any excess grease. I also like to scrunch some paper towels in the pan to soak up any excess grease.
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef, 1 pound ground pork sausage
Turn meat back to medium heat and add onion, bell pepper, celery, jalapeño, and garlic. Cook for 3 minutes or until the veggie soften slightly.
1 cup onion, 1/2 cup green bell pepper, 1/2 cup celery, 1 jalapeño, 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Add the rest of the ingredients:

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, BBQ sauce, juice, tomato paste, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, sugar , salt, pepper, and baked beans. Mix well to combine.
28 ounces tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth, 1 cup BBQ sauce , ¾ cup apple juice, 6 ounces tomato paste, 3 tablespoons chili powder, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 28 ounces baked beans

Simmer the chili:

Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat as needed and simmer uncovered or partially covered for 1 ½ to 2 hours. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth if the chili becomes too thick.

Taste and adjust:

Season with more salt and pepper, if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, or green onions.

Notes

Important Prep Tips

Use a large Dutch oven or 7-quart soup pot so the ingredients don’t crowd the pan.
Be sure to drain off grease after browning your meat. I sometimes blot it with a paper towel for a cleaner finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t skip the simmer time. This chili gets better the longer it cooks.
Avoid overpowering it with too much heat right away. Add spice gradually and taste as you go.

Tips for Recipe Success: This chili tastes even better the next day. Double the batch and freeze half for an easy meal later. If you're hosting, keep it warm in a slow cooker set to low for stress-free serving.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best texture, let it cool completely before refrigerating.
To freeze, portion chili into individual containers or freezer bags and lay flat. It will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth, water, or even apple juice to revive the consistency and flavor.

Nutrition