When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hold a place as sacred as a warm, hearty bowl of chili. Whether it’s for a cozy weeknight meal or a game day gathering, chili is the kind of dish that invites people to relax and dig in. And if you’re someone who loves the rich, flavorful, and slightly spicy kick of a good chili, then Campbell Soup’s chili recipe should be on your radar. It’s easy to make, reliably delicious, and a perfect way to satisfy your cravings with minimal fuss.
Chili, in its many variations, has been a staple of American cuisine for decades. But Campbell’s has managed to simplify this favorite with a version that requires just a few ingredients, without compromising on flavor. So let’s dive into this Campbell Soup Chili recipe, and take a look at how you can recreate it in your kitchen.
Campbell Soup Chili Recipe
This Campbell Soup Chili recipe is the perfect combination of rich tomato-based sauce, tender beans, and flavorful meat. It’s a cozy, one-pot wonder that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. The recipe makes use of Campbell’s Condensed Tomato Soup, which provides that signature tangy sweetness that balances the heat from chili spices. Here’s how you can make it.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s the list of what you’ll need to whip up this comforting, crowd-pleasing dish:
- Ground Beef – 1 lb. (you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version)
- Campbell’s Condensed Tomato Soup – 1 can (this forms the base of your chili)
- Kidney Beans – 1 can (drained and rinsed, for that creamy, soft texture)
- Chili Powder – 2 tablespoons (adjust depending on how spicy you like it)
- Garlic Powder – 1 teaspoon (adds a subtle depth of flavor)
- Cumin – 1 teaspoon (brings a smoky, earthy note)
- Onion – 1 small, chopped (you can use red or yellow onion, based on preference)
- Beef Broth – 1 cup (for extra liquid and richness)
- Salt and Pepper – to taste
- Olive Oil – for cooking the meat and vegetables
- Optional Garnishes – shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro
These ingredients are basic but come together in such a way that the final dish tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Simple ingredients make all the difference when you have a solid base like Campbell’s Tomato Soup.
Cooking Instructions
Here’s how to prepare your chili:
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Cook The Ground Beef
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
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Sauté The Onion
- Add the chopped onion to the same pot and cook for about 3 minutes, or until softened.
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Add The Spices
- Stir in the chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Cook for about 1 minute to bloom the spices.
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Combine The Soup And Broth
- Add in the Campbell’s Tomato Soup and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
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Add The Beans
- Stir in the kidney beans (after draining and rinsing them) and bring the chili to a simmer. Let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Taste And Adjust
- Taste the chili and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you want it spicier, you can add more chili powder or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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Serve
- Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped fresh cilantro.
Ingredient Insights
Understanding the key ingredients can help elevate your chili game:
- Ground Beef: This is the backbone of the chili. You can opt for lean ground beef to reduce fat content or go for a mix of beef and pork for added richness. Ground turkey or chicken is a great alternative for a lighter dish.
- Campbell’s Tomato Soup: Using condensed tomato soup is a game-changer. It offers a smoother texture and slightly sweet flavor, which complements the savory spices. The addition of tomato paste, already in the soup, ensures a rich tomato base without extra work.
- Kidney Beans: Kidney beans are classic for chili. Their firm texture holds up well in the cooking process and balances out the softness of the meat. They’re also a great source of protein and fiber.
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder are the essentials. Chili powder adds heat and depth, cumin brings that signature smoky flavor, and garlic powder provides an underlying savory note that ties everything together.
Expert Tips
To make sure your chili turns out perfect every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Layer Your Flavors: Building the flavor by cooking the ground beef and onion first is essential for developing a deep, savory base. The spices should be added after the onions have softened, as this allows them to “bloom” and release their full aroma.
- Simmer Slowly: While this recipe only requires 30 minutes of cooking, you can let it simmer longer for a more developed flavor. The longer the chili sits, the more the flavors meld together, so don’t rush it.
- Customize the Heat: If you like your chili spicy, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne. You can also experiment with smoked paprika for a smoky kick without the heat.
- Make It Ahead: Chili is one of those dishes that gets better with time. Make it the day before and let it rest overnight in the fridge to allow the flavors to fully develop.
Recipe Variations
Chili is a wonderfully adaptable dish. Here are some variations you can try:
- Vegetarian Chili: Swap out the ground beef for a mix of mushrooms, lentils, or a combination of other beans like black beans and pinto beans. This version is perfect for a meatless Monday or vegetarian guests.
- Spicy Chili: To turn up the heat, add diced fresh chilies or a couple of tablespoons of hot sauce. A dash of chipotle powder will give your chili a smoky, spicy punch.
- Beef and Pork Chili: Mix ground beef with ground pork for a different texture and a slightly richer flavor. Pork adds a nice balance to the beef’s savory taste.
- Chili Mac: Turn your chili into a full meal by stirring in some cooked elbow macaroni or other pasta. Topped with shredded cheese, this makes for an indulgent twist on the classic chili recipe.
- Sweet and Spicy Chili: Add a little sweetness with a tablespoon of brown sugar or a diced sweet potato. The combination of sweet and spicy works surprisingly well and adds depth.
Final Words
This Campbell Soup Chili recipe is everything you want in a chili: simple, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. With just a handful of ingredients and a little time, you can make a pot of chili that’s rich, satisfying, and packed with all the classic flavors we love. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or feeding a crowd at your next get-together, this chili is bound to become a favorite.