Chili Soup

This Chili Soup takes the rich flavors of classic chili recipes and gives them a lighter, soup like feel that’s perfect for any time of the year!

It’s loaded with all the good stuff like ground beef, beans, and spices, but with more liquid! Perfect for those chilly nights when you want something hearty and warm, but not too heavy. It’s my new favorite way to eat chili! It’s an easy recipe the whole family will love.

Looking for more delicious soup recipes? Try our Cowboy Soup, Hamburger Potato Soup, or Hamburger Vegetable Soup.

This homemade chili is packed with chili powder, kidney beans, and ground beef for a family favorite that’s loaded with great flavor. It’s the perfect meal for those cold winter months and makes for an easy weeknight meal. Using simple ingredients like canned tomatoes, black beans, and a mix of fresh veggies, this easy chili recipe is perfect for feeding the whole family!

You can make this on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or even in an Instant Pot for a quick, hearty meal. It’s perfect for meal prep, and chili freezes well for later!

I never thought of having chili as a soup, but now I’m hooked! I’ve always loved soups, and the extra broth in this chili soup gives it a whole new twist. Chili wasn’t always my favorite since it’s usually too meaty for me, but the extra liquid in this version balances everything out perfectly. It’s comforting, hearty, and perfect for anyone who loves a good soup!

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make delicious homemade chili recipes:

• Ground beef: I used 80/20 fat ratio, but lean ground beef works great as well.
• Onion
• Garlic
• Red bell pepper
• Tomatoes: Crusted tomatoes add a nice, thick texture to the soup, but you can substitute diced tomatoes for a chunkier consistency.
• Kidney beans
• Black beans
• Beef broth
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Corn: I like to use frozen corn, but canned corn works just as welll.
• Tomato paste

INGREDIENT NOTES:

• Ground beef: You can substitute ground turkey if you prefer a lighter option.
• Bell peppers:You can use a green bell pepper instead of red.
• Tomato Paste: You can substitute with tomato sauce if needed. Use about 1/4 cup of tomato sauce for every 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and simmer a bit longer if you need to thicken the soup.

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE CHILI STEP-BY-STEP:

STEP 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown ground beef over medium heat.

STEP 2: Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

STEP 3: Stir in crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth.

STEP 3: Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.

STEP 4: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

STEP 5: Add frozen corn and tomato paste. Simmer for an additional 15 minutes.

STEP 6: Serve hot with desired toppings.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftover chili in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It can be kept for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat on the stove top over medium heat, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Freezing: Chili freezes wonderfully! Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Additions & Substitutions

ADDITIONS:

• Fresh veggies: Add diced zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms for extra texture.
• Spicy kick: Stir in diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili pepper for more heat

SUBSTITUTIONS:

• Ground beef: Try using ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Beans: Swap out for navy beans, red beans or any type of beans you prefer.

FAQs about this Classic Chili Recipe:

What is the secret to really good chili?
The best chili starts with flavorful ingredients and plenty of seasoning. Browning the ground beef well, using quality chili powder, and letting it simmer long enough to deepen the flavor are all key. Some cooks even add a splash of vinegar or a bit of brown sugar for balance.

What is the difference between chili and chili soup?
Chili is usually thick and chunky, while chili soup has a thinner, more broth-like consistency. Chili soup still has all the same bold flavors like ground beef, beans, and spices, but with extra liquid that makes it easy to serve and enjoy like a traditional soup.

What are the three ingredients in chili?
At its simplest, chili is made with ground beef, beans, and chili powder. From there, you can add onions, tomatoes, garlic, or extra spices to customize the flavor.

What Can I Serve with this Chili Soup?

This homemade chili is perfect with a side of homemade cornbread, or you can serve it with corn chips for some extra crunch. I’ve even served it over white rice for a complete meal. Top with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, and green onions.

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