Chili Beef Soup
A hearty chili beef soup with rich tomato flavor, beans, and spices, perfect for comfort food lovers and suitable for casual family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger meat in a large pan.
- Cook the chopped onion with the meat until softened.
- Drain excess fat from the meat and onion mixture.
- In a large pan, combine the tomato juice, kidney beans (if using), butter, and chili powder. Bring to a boil.
- Add the cooked meat and onion mixture to the tomato juice and bean mixture.
- Bring to a boil again, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or garlic when cooking the onions. You can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to hamburger meat. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Adjust the chili powder to suit your taste, and feel free to substitute with smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili beef soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or shredded cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a slice of Broiled Cheese Sandwich or a side of Sensational Layered Salad for a complete meal. Offer tortilla chips or cornbread on the side for a delightful crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply transfer the soup to a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring frequently to ensure even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Beef Soup contains roughly 1260 calories, with 84g protein, 221g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (324% of the Daily Value), iron (172% of the Daily Value), and protein (167% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 676mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the chili beef soup?
Yes, you can freeze the chili beef soup! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat on the stove until warmed through.
What can I add to make the soup thicker?
To thicken the chili beef soup, you can mash a portion of the kidney beans and stir them back into the pot. Alternatively, adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) can achieve a thicker consistency without altering the flavor.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this chili soup, replace the hamburger meat with a mixture of lentils and diced vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of tomato juice for a deeper flavor, and keep the kidney beans for added protein.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).