This warming chili soup brings together savory ground beef, hearty beans, and a medley of spices to create a bowl of pure comfort. Ready in just one hour, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a satisfying meal that everyone will love. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and ease of preparation, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need something nourishing and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why This Chili Soup Recipe Works
The success of this chili soup comes from building layers of flavor through careful cooking techniques. Browning the ground beef creates a rich foundation, while sautéing the aromatics releases their essential oils and sweetness. The longer simmering time allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully, creating a depth of flavor that improves with each passing minute. Unlike traditional thick chili, this soup version offers a lighter consistency that’s easier to enjoy on any occasion while still delivering all the bold, satisfying taste you crave.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Protein and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Tomatoes and Beans
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained
- 4 cups beef broth
Spices
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Toppings: cheese, sour cream, green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Place a large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking for about eight minutes until the beef turns brown throughout with no pink remaining. Once done, carefully drain away any excess fat that has accumulated in the pot.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
To the same pot with the browned beef, add your diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper. Stir these ingredients together and let them cook for approximately five minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the bell pepper begins to soften.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Beans
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine everything evenly. Add both the kidney beans and black beans to the pot. Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly so that everything is well distributed throughout the soup base.
Step 4: Season the Soup
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir the spices into the soup mixture completely, making sure they’re evenly distributed. This step is crucial for developing the signature bold flavor that makes chili soup so satisfying.
Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavors
Turn the heat up until the soup reaches a boil, then immediately reduce it to low. Allow the soup to simmer gently without a lid for thirty minutes. During this time, stir the pot occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom and to help all the flavors blend together.
Step 6: Final Touches
Stir in the frozen corn and tomato paste. The tomato paste will help thicken the soup slightly and deepen the tomato flavor. Let everything simmer together for another fifteen minutes. Taste the soup and add more salt or spices if needed. Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chili Soup
Choose ground beef with a good fat ratio around eighty percent lean for the best flavor. The fat content adds richness to the soup without making it greasy. If you prefer leaner meat, you can use ninety percent lean, though the soup may be slightly less rich.
While the recipe calls for forty-five minutes of cooking, extending the simmer time to ninety minutes will create even deeper, more complex flavors. The longer cooking allows the spices to bloom fully and the ingredients to integrate completely.
Start with the suggested amount of chili powder and taste before adding more. If you enjoy spicier food, consider adding diced jalapeños with the bell peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can always add more heat, but you cannot take it away.
Since canned tomatoes form the foundation of this soup, choosing a good brand makes a noticeable difference in taste. Look for crushed tomatoes without added ingredients for the purest flavor.
Recipe Variations
Turkey Chili Soup
Replace the ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option. Ground turkey creates a lighter soup while still providing plenty of protein. The turkey absorbs the spices beautifully and works particularly well if you’re looking for a healthier alternative.
Slow Cooker Method
Brown your beef and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop first. Transfer everything to a slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for six hours or high for three hours. This hands-off approach lets you prepare dinner while you’re busy with other tasks.
Vegetarian Version
Skip the ground beef entirely and add extra beans such as pinto beans or chickpeas. Include diced zucchini, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes for added substance. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep the soup completely vegetarian while maintaining rich flavor.
White Chicken Chili Soup
For a completely different take, use cooked shredded chicken instead of beef and white beans instead of kidney and black beans. Replace the beef broth with chicken broth and add green chilies for a milder, cream-based chili soup variation.
Storage and Reheating
Transfer any leftover chili soup to airtight containers once it has cooled to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator where it will keep fresh for up to one week. The flavors actually improve after a day or two as they continue to develop. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portion-sized containers for up to three months. Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened during storage.
Serving Suggestions
Ladle this hearty chili soup into deep bowls and invite everyone to customize their serving with their preferred toppings. Popular additions include shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro. Serve alongside cornbread, tortilla chips, or crusty bread for dipping. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, warming soup. This recipe makes eight generous portions, perfect for feeding a family or having leftovers for easy lunches throughout the week.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 254 calories. This soup provides a balanced combination of protein from the beef and beans, complex carbohydrates, and dietary fiber that keeps you feeling satisfied. The beans contribute important minerals including iron and potassium, while the tomatoes and bell peppers add valuable vitamins and antioxidants to support overall health.
