Ground Beef Chili Soup: The Hearty and Flavorful Treat You’ll Want to Make Tonight

Craving a comforting and flavorful soup that will warm you to the core? Look no further than our comprehensive guide on how to make chili soup with ground beef. This classic dish is a staple in many households, and for good reason. With its rich, savory broth, tender ground beef, and an array of aromatic spices, chili soup is the perfect meal for a chilly evening or a hearty lunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toppings of your choice (such as shredded cheese, sour cream, onions)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Canned Goods: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and corn. Bring to a simmer.
4. Season the Soup: Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer the soup for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become.
6. Serve: Ladle the chili soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Chili Soup:

• Use high-quality ground beef: Lean ground beef with a higher fat content will result in a richer and more flavorful soup.
• Don’t overcook the vegetables: Sauté them just until softened to retain their crunch and nutrients.
• Add extra spices: If you like a spicier chili, add more cayenne pepper or other spices to your taste.
• Experiment with different beans: Feel free to swap out the black beans and kidney beans for other varieties, such as pinto beans or white beans.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables or tofu for a vegetarian version.

Variations:

• Spicy Chili Soup: Add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your taste.
• Creamy Chili Soup: Stir in a cup of heavy cream or sour cream before serving.
• Tortellini Chili Soup: Add a cup of frozen cheese tortellini to the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Cornbread Chili Soup: Serve the chili soup with a side of warm cornbread for dipping.

Benefits of Chili Soup:

• Packed with nutrients: Chili soup is a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Low in calories: A bowl of chili soup is relatively low in calories, making it a guilt-free meal.
• Warming and comforting: The warm and savory broth of chili soup is perfect for cold weather or when you’re feeling under the weather.

Wrapping Up:

Making chili soup with ground beef is an easy and satisfying culinary adventure that will delight your taste buds and warm your soul. With its versatility and numerous health benefits, this classic dish is a must-try for any home cook. So gather your ingredients, follow our step-by-step instructions, and prepare to enjoy a bowl of hearty and flavorful chili soup that will become a staple in your meal rotation.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• How can I make my chili soup thicker? You can thicken the soup by adding a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) or by mashing some of the beans.
• Can I freeze chili soup? Yes, chili soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• What are some good toppings for chili soup? Shredded cheese, sour cream, onions, jalapeños, and avocado are all popular toppings for chili soup.
• Can I make chili soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can make chili soup in a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.