There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of chili soup. It’s the kind of dish that seems to have been made for chilly evenings when you just want to curl up on the couch, maybe watch a movie, and dig into something hearty and warming. But beyond just being comforting, chili soup is also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a meat lover, a vegetarian, or someone looking for a dish to feed a crowd, chili soup can adapt to whatever your cravings or dietary needs may be.
The beauty of chili soup lies in its simplicity. A good chili doesn’t need to be overly complicated. With just a few ingredients, you can create a rich, flavorful, and filling meal. And the best part? You can easily make it your own by playing around with different spices, vegetables, and proteins. Let’s dive into a basic, easy-to-follow recipe, and explore how you can customize it to your liking.
Chili Soup Recipe
This chili soup recipe is an ultimate go-to. It’s hearty, flavorful, and can be made in a single pot (yay for minimal cleanup!). It’s also one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, which is a win for meal prepping. Plus, it’s super customizable depending on what you’ve got in your pantry or fridge.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based substitute)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cans of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz each)
- 1 can of tomato sauce (15 oz)
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth (or more depending on desired consistency)
- 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (adds a lovely depth)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, depending on how spicy you like it)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Shredded cheese (optional, for serving)
- Tortilla chips or cornbread (optional, for serving)
Cooking Instructions
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Sauté The Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Brown The Meat
- Add the ground beef (or your protein choice) to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned. Make sure to season with salt and pepper as it cooks.
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Add The Tomatoes And Beans
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Mix well, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze any flavorful brown bits stuck to the pan.
- Add the kidney beans and black beans, stirring them into the mixture.
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Spice It Up
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne (if using). Stir well to combine, and let the flavors meld together.
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Simmer The Soup
- Bring the soup to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, uncovered. Stir occasionally, and feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
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Serve It Up
- Once the chili soup has thickened and the flavors have developed, it’s time to serve! Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and a handful of crispy tortilla chips or cornbread on the side.
Ingredient Insights
To make this chili soup truly exceptional, it’s important to understand the role that each ingredient plays. Let’s break down a few key components:
- Ground Beef (or alternatives): This is the heart of many chili soups, providing a meaty texture and rich flavor. Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives like lentils or tempeh can also be used for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Beans: Kidney beans and black beans are classic choices for chili. They add a creamy texture and balance the spices. You can mix it up with pinto beans or garbanzo beans if you prefer.
- Tomatoes: The diced tomatoes provide the necessary acidity and juiciness, while tomato sauce adds a thicker, smoother consistency. The balance between the two is key to achieving the right soup texture.
- Chili Powder & Spices: The blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne gives this dish its signature warmth and depth. Adjust the amounts to control the heat level, depending on your preference.
Expert Tips
- Layer Your Flavors: For an extra depth of flavor, add a teaspoon of sugar or a splash of vinegar. A little sweetness can balance the heat from the spices, and vinegar can add a nice tang that brightens the dish.
- Make It Ahead: Chili soup tends to taste better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. It’s perfect for meal prep! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Add a Secret Ingredient: A square of dark chocolate (yes, really) or a spoonful of peanut butter can take your chili to the next level. Chocolate adds a subtle richness, while peanut butter gives it a hint of creaminess.
- Control the Thickness: If you want a thicker soup, use less broth or let it simmer longer to reduce. For a thinner soup, simply add more broth or water.
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about chili soup is how adaptable it is. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Vegetarian Chili Soup: Swap out the meat for more beans, lentils, or tofu. You can also use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
- Spicy Chili Soup: If you’re a fan of heat, add extra cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, or even some hot sauce.
- Slow Cooker Chili Soup: Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then toss everything into your slow cooker with the broth and spices. Let it cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Chili Mac Soup: Add cooked elbow macaroni or another pasta to the soup to make it a chili mac hybrid. The pasta will soak up the flavors and give it a hearty, filling twist.
- Smoky Chili Soup: Try using smoked sausage, chorizo, or bacon for a smoky, meaty base.
Final Words
Chili soup is a fantastic dish that can be a canvas for creativity, making it as spicy or mild, as hearty or light, as you like. It’s a classic for a reason-its warming, rich flavors are unbeatable, and it’s one of those meals that feels like a big hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s super easy to make, and once you’ve got the basic recipe down, you can switch things up however you want.