A bowl of hearty homemade chili soup topped with shredded cheese and fresh cilantro

Homemade Chili Soup

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The Ultimate Homemade Chili Soup Recipe: A Hearty Bowl of Comfort

Warm up your soul with this rich, flavorful homemade chili soup that’s perfect for cold winter nights or game day gatherings. This family-favorite recipe combines tender meat, beans, and aromatic spices for an unforgettable comfort meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nothing beats a steaming bowl of homemade chili soup! This recipe has been tested and perfected over countless family dinners, earning rave reviews for its deep, complex flavors and satisfying texture. Whether you’re a cooking novice or seasoned chef, you’ll appreciate how simple yet impressive this dish is.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Servings: 8
  • Recipe Category: Soups & Stews
  • Cuisine: American
  • Difficulty Level: Medium
  • Diet: Can be adapted for gluten-free diets

Ingredients

For the Base:

  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bell peppers, chopped
  • 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained
  • 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
  • 4 cups beef broth

Signature Spice Blend:

  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings:

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Diced avocado
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Tortilla strips
  • Diced red onions

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Base
    • Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat
    • Brown the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces (8-10 minutes)
    • Drain excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pot
  2. Build Your Flavors
    • Add diced onions and bell peppers to the pot
    • Sauté until vegetables are softened (5-7 minutes)
    • Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (1 minute)
  3. Add Spices
    • Stir in the signature spice blend
    • Toast spices with meat and vegetables (1-2 minutes)
  4. Create the Soup Base
    • Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice
    • Add tomato paste and beef broth
    • Stir to combine all ingredients
    • Bring to a gentle boil
  5. Simmer and Develop
    • Reduce heat to low
    • Cover and simmer for 1 hour
    • Add kidney beans
    • Simmer uncovered for additional 30 minutes
    • Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning to taste

Pro Tips for Perfect Chili

  1. Meat Matters: Don’t overcrowd the pot when browning meat. Work in batches if necessary for better caramelization.

  2. Spice Strategy: Blooming spices in oil releases their full flavor potential. Don’t skip this step!

  3. Simmer Success: The longer you simmer, the better the flavors meld. This recipe can be simmered for up to 4 hours.

  4. Make Ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Storage and Freezing

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
  • Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months
  • Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop or microwave, adding broth if needed

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, without toppings)

  • Calories: 425
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Sodium: 890mg

Common Questions

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the meat and vegetables first, then transfer to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Q: How can I make it spicier?
A: Add extra cayenne pepper or include diced jalapeños with the vegetables.

Q: Can I use turkey instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a leaner alternative. Add an extra tablespoon of oil when cooking to prevent dryness.

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