Campbell Tomato Soup Chili Recipe

Comfort food is a category that never goes out of style, and if there’s one dish that consistently delivers that warm, nostalgic feeling, it’s a hearty bowl of chili. But have you ever considered using Campbell’s Tomato Soup as the base for your chili? If not, you’re missing out on an easy-to-make, full-flavored version of this beloved dish.

This recipe transforms the simple, yet savory, Campbell Tomato Soup into a chili that bursts with flavor and has the perfect balance of heat, tang, and richness. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a football game, or a cozy weekend meal, this chili is bound to be a hit. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore all the ways you can elevate it!

Campbell Tomato Soup Chili Recipe

This chili is everything you want in a bowl of comfort-savory, filling, and full of layers of flavor. It’s rich, tangy, a little spicy, and totally satisfying. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to making your own pot of Campbell Tomato Soup Chili, made with ingredients you can find in most kitchens.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 Can (10.5 Oz) Campbell’s Tomato Soup

  The star of the show! The rich, smooth base of this chili.

• 1 Lb Ground Beef (or Turkey, Chicken, Or Plant-based Substitute)

  A hearty protein to balance the tanginess of the tomato soup.

• 1 Medium Onion, Diced

  The onion adds a sweet, aromatic foundation to the chili.

• 1 Bell Pepper, Diced

  Red, green, or yellow bell peppers give a little sweetness and crunch.

• 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced

  Garlic adds depth and richness to the flavor.

• 1 Can (15 Oz) Kidney Beans, Drained And Rinsed

  Beans help thicken the chili and bring in additional protein and fiber.

• 1 Can (15 Oz) Black Beans, Drained And Rinsed

  Another layer of texture, with a slightly earthy flavor.

• 1 Can (14.5 Oz) Diced Tomatoes, Undrained

  For extra tomato flavor and juiciness.

• 1 Cup Beef Or Vegetable Broth

  Adds body and helps create the perfect chili consistency.

• 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder

  The classic chili spice that defines the dish.

• 1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin

  A warm spice that complements the chili powder.

• 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika

  Adds a subtle smokiness to the chili for depth.

• 1/2 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

  A little heat to give the chili a kick.

• Salt And Pepper, To Taste

  Season to perfection.

• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil (for Sautéing)

  To sauté the onions, garlic, and peppers.

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown The Meat

   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or your choice of protein) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Once done, drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables

   In the same pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent. This brings out their natural sweetness and savory flavor.

3. Add Spices

   Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute to bloom the spices, enhancing their flavor.

4. Combine Soup And Beans

   Add the Campbell’s Tomato Soup, diced tomatoes (with juice), kidney beans, black beans, and beef or vegetable broth. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.

5. Simmer The Chili

   Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook uncovered for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken to your desired consistency.

6. Adjust Seasoning

   Taste your chili as it cooks and add salt and pepper to taste. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce.

7. Serve And Enjoy

   Once the chili is thickened and the flavors have had time to develop, it’s ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls, garnish with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

• Campbell’s Tomato Soup

  The key to this recipe is the Campbell’s Tomato Soup. It’s more than just a can of soup; it provides a velvety texture and a tangy, savory base for the chili. It’s already seasoned, so you don’t have to worry about adding a bunch of extra spices-just a few complementary ingredients to enhance the overall flavor.

• Ground Meat Options

  While ground beef is the classic choice, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile, but they’ll all work perfectly with the tomato soup base.

• Beans

  Beans are a must in chili, and they bring both texture and nutrition. Kidney beans are traditional, but black beans add a rich, earthy depth. You can also experiment with pinto or white beans, depending on your taste.

• Spices And Herbs

  Chili powder and cumin are the classic spices in chili, but the addition of smoked paprika really takes it to the next level. It’s not overpowering, but that little bit of smokiness adds complexity that balances out the sweetness of the tomato soup.

Expert Tips

• Adjust Consistency

  If you prefer a thicker chili, allow it to simmer longer. If it’s too thick, just add a little more broth to reach your desired consistency. It’s all about finding the balance that works for you.

• Let It Rest

  Chili always tastes better the next day. If you can, make it ahead and let the flavors meld overnight. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

• Toppings Galore

  Don’t skimp on the toppings! Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and jalapeño slices add a delicious contrast to the chili’s rich flavors. A handful of crushed tortilla chips adds a nice crunch too.

• Spice Level Control

  Adjust the heat to suit your personal preference. If you want it milder, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or leave them out entirely. If you like it spicy, add more or include fresh chilies like jalapeños or serranos.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Chili

  For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and use additional beans (like pinto or cannellini) and vegetables like corn, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also add plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.

• Chili With Cornbread

  A classic pairing with chili is cornbread. You can make a simple batch of cornbread to serve alongside your chili for a truly comforting meal. Cornbread’s slight sweetness balances out the heat of the chili perfectly.

• Slow Cooker Method

  If you’re looking to free up some stovetop space or make this recipe in advance, you can easily adapt this to a slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours, and serve once the chili has thickened.

Final Words

This Campbell Tomato Soup Chili recipe is a game changer for chili lovers. It’s a delicious, easy-to-make twist on the traditional, bringing rich tomato flavor and a touch of nostalgia with every bite. The balance of spices, beans, and vegetables makes it hearty, satisfying, and full of comfort.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a warm, filling bowl of chili, this recipe will not disappoint.