When the weather turns cold, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of beef chili soup. This rich, flavorful dish is the ultimate cozy meal, blending hearty beef, warming spices, and a variety of textures that come together beautifully in every spoonful. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a gathering of friends, or just to stock up your freezer for those busy days, beef chili soup is an easy and versatile option.
The great thing about this recipe is its flexibility. You can tweak the ingredients to your preference, making it as spicy or as mild as you like, and adding vegetables that suit your taste. It’s a dish that can evolve over time based on the ingredients you have on hand, making it a go-to meal in any season.
Now, let’s dive into this beef chili soup recipe that will quickly become your new favorite.
Beef Chili Soup Recipe
Ingredients Needed
- Ground Beef – 1 lb (for a hearty base)
- Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Bell Pepper – 1, chopped (red or green)
- Carrot – 1 medium, peeled and diced
- Celery – 2 stalks, diced
- Crushed Tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 oz)
- Kidney Beans – 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- Black Beans – 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- Beef Broth – 4 cups (or chicken broth if preferred)
- Tomato Paste – 2 tbsp
- Chili Powder – 1 tbsp (adjust to your spice preference)
- Ground Cumin – 1 tsp
- Paprika – 1 tsp
- Oregano – 1 tsp
- Salt and Pepper – to taste
- Olive Oil – for sautéing
- Lime – for garnish
- Fresh Cilantro – optional, for garnish
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – optional, for topping
- Sour Cream – optional, for topping
Cooking Instructions
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Brown The Beef
Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil, and once hot, crumble in the ground beef. Let it brown for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up the meat. Once browned, remove excess fat if necessary.
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Sauté Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, carrot, and celery to the pot. Stir frequently, cooking for 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
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Season
Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables and meat with the spices. Let the spices toast for 2-3 minutes to release their full flavor.
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Add Liquids And Beans
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato paste. Stir everything together until the paste dissolves. Add the kidney beans and black beans, mixing thoroughly.
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Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken.
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Taste And Adjust
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings. You can add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if you like it spicier.
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Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, and if desired, top with a squeeze of lime juice, fresh cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredient Insights
- Ground Beef: The foundation of this chili soup, ground beef provides a rich, savory flavor. Opt for lean beef to keep it lighter, or go for a fattier cut for a more indulgent version.
- Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes give the soup its rich, tangy base, while tomato paste enhances the depth of flavor. Both work together to create the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness.
- Beans: Kidney beans and black beans not only add heartiness but also offer fiber, making the soup more filling. If you prefer a different variety, feel free to swap them out, such as pinto or garbanzo beans.
- Spices: Chili powder and cumin are essential for that classic chili flavor. Paprika adds a smoky undertone, while oregano brings a subtle herbal note. Together, these spices make the soup warm, savory, and slightly spicy.
- Vegetables: The bell peppers, carrots, and celery add crunch and sweetness, balancing the heat from the spices and providing different textures in the soup.
Expert Tips
- Make it Ahead: Chili soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. It’s a great make-ahead meal. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Adjust the Spice: Want a spicier kick? Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the mix. For a milder version, skip the chili powder or use a mild variant.
- Add a Smoky Twist: If you’re craving a smoky flavor, toss in a chipotle pepper (dried or canned) or a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- Thicken the Soup: If you prefer a thicker chili soup, mash some of the beans in the pot with a potato masher or blend a portion of the soup and then stir it back in. This will create a creamier texture.
- Garnishes Are Key: Don’t skip the toppings! A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar can turn this soup from good to amazing. You could even add a few tortilla chips for crunch.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Chili Soup: Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat, lentils, or even mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian alternative. Add extra beans for protein.
- Add Corn: Corn kernels add a nice sweet flavor and texture that complements the spiciness of the chili. Use fresh, frozen, or canned corn-whatever you have on hand.
- Sweet Potato Option: Swap out the carrots for cubed sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet and nutritious twist.
- Spicy Sausage: For a different flavor profile, try swapping some or all of the ground beef with spicy sausage. It will add depth and extra spice to your soup.
- Instant Pot Version: If you’re short on time, the Instant Pot can cut down the cooking time significantly. Sauté the beef and vegetables in the Instant Pot, then add the rest of the ingredients and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Quick release and serve.
Final Words
Beef chili soup is the type of dish that doesn’t just fill you up; it warms you from the inside out. With every bite, you experience layers of flavor-from the savory beef to the vibrant spices and hearty beans. It’s a meal that has something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of heat, a lover of beans, or someone who enjoys a deep, complex flavor profile. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable-just make it your own!
This recipe also stands up to the test of time. Whether you’re serving it for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend gathering, it’ll always be a crowd-pleaser.