Chili soup is a hearty, flavorful, and warming dish that’s perfect for cooler weather or anytime you want a comforting meal. It combines the rich flavors of classic chili with a bit more liquid for a soupier, easy-to-eat texture. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply want to enjoy a filling bowl of chili, this recipe will guide you through the steps to create a delicious chili soup from scratch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (green, red, or a mix)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with or without chili seasoning)
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter soup)
- 1 cup water (adjust for desired thickness)
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade chili seasoning)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by chopping your onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Drain and rinse the beans, and have your cans of diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth ready.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Meat
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey/chicken) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove any excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
To the browned meat, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 4: Add the Seasonings
Sprinkle in the chili seasoning mix, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables with the spices. This will bring out the rich, smoky flavors of the chili. Let the mixture cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom.
Step 5: Add the Liquids
Next, pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, beef broth, and water. Stir to combine everything, ensuring the tomato paste is fully incorporated into the broth.
Step 6: Add the Beans
Add the kidney beans and black beans to the pot, stirring them in gently. These beans will add heartiness and texture to your chili soup.
Step 7: Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let the chili soup simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld together as the soup reduces and thickens slightly. If the soup gets too thick, add more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
After simmering, taste your chili soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, chili powder, or cumin to suit your taste. If you like it spicier, you can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Step 9: Serve
Once your chili soup is ready, ladle it into bowls. For extra flavor, top with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro, or a handful of crushed tortilla chips.
Tips for the Best Chili Soup:
- Use a mix of meats: Ground beef provides a rich flavor, but you can also mix in ground pork or sausage for a different taste. Alternatively, use plant-based proteins like lentils or textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a vegetarian version.
- Adjust the consistency: If you prefer a thicker chili soup, let it simmer uncovered for a longer time to reduce. For a thinner consistency, add more broth or water.
- Flavor depth: For deeper flavor, try adding a splash of red wine or a spoonful of cocoa powder during the simmering process.
- Make it ahead: Chili soup can be made a day or two in advance. Like most stews, the flavors develop even further as it sits, making it a perfect make-ahead dish.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to sneak in some extra vegetables like zucchini, corn, or carrots to make your chili soup even heartier.
Variations of Chili Soup:
- Vegetarian Chili Soup: Skip the ground meat and add more beans (like pinto beans) and vegetables (such as corn, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes).
- Chicken Chili Soup: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or ground chicken for a lighter version of chili soup.
- Spicy Chili Soup: If you love heat, add fresh diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or a tablespoon of sriracha sauce to amp up the spice.
Conclusion
Making chili soup is an easy and rewarding way to create a comforting meal that can be customized to your tastes. By following these simple steps, you’ll have a flavorful, hearty dish that’s perfect for feeding a family or serving at a party. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings, and don’t forget the cornbread on the side for an extra special touch!
