This Hearty Beef and Bean Chili Soup is a robust and flavorful dish, packed with lean ground beef, a variety of beans, and savory spices. With its rich broth, the soup is perfect for cozy nights and is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Topped with cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro, this chili soup is an irresistible comfort food, ready to be enjoyed any time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is the perfect combination of spicy, savory, and comforting. It features a rich beef broth base, combined with the bold flavors of chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. The hearty beans and ground beef provide a satisfying and filling texture, while the optional toppings allow you to personalize each bowl. Whether you’re looking for a meal to warm you on a chilly evening or a flavorful dish to serve at a gathering, this chili soup is sure to please.

Hearty Beef and Bean Chili Soup

Ingredients

For the Soup:

1 pound (500g) lean ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
4–5 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups (946ml) beef or chicken broth or stock
1 (15 oz) (432g) can corn, drained
1 (15 oz) (425g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) (425g) can chili beans in chili sauce
1 (28 oz) (793g) can crushed tomatoes
1 (4 oz) (113g) can chopped green chiles

Spices & Seasonings:

1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste

Toppings (Optional):

Shredded cheese
Sour cream
Diced avocado
Chopped green onions
Tortilla chips
Fresh cilantro

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Brown the ground beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion to the pot with the beef and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the liquids and beans: Stir in the beef broth (or chicken broth), drained corn, black beans, chili beans in chili sauce, crushed tomatoes, and chopped green chiles. Stir everything together to combine.
Season the soup: Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste. Stir the soup well and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken.
Taste and adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne if you prefer more heat.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your choice of shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped green onions, tortilla chips, and fresh cilantro.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and substitute it with a variety of beans like pinto, kidney, or white beans for a hearty vegetarian chili soup.
Spicy: If you love spicy food, increase the amount of cayenne pepper, or add a diced jalapeño pepper to the soup while sautéing the onion and garlic.
More Veggies: Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for a more filling and nutritious soup.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This chili freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the soup in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if the soup is too thick after storing.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic, then transfer everything to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

2. Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, carrots, or celery to the soup for extra nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the onions before adding the broth.

3. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a leaner version of this chili soup.

4. Can I make this soup spicier?

Yes, to make the soup spicier, add more cayenne pepper, chili powder, or fresh diced jalapeños. You can also top the soup with hot sauce before serving.

5. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?

Yes, you can use diced tomatoes or even tomato sauce in place of crushed tomatoes if that’s what you have on hand.

6. How can I thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the broth.

7. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

8. Can I make this soup with ground beef substitute?

Yes, you can use plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian or vegan option.

9. Can I serve this chili soup with bread?

Yes, serve this chili soup with crusty bread, cornbread, or tortilla chips for the perfect combination.

10. How do I make this chili less spicy?

To make this chili less spicy, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and any spicy peppers. You can also add more dairy-based toppings like sour cream or cheese to balance the heat.

Conclusion

This Hearty Beef and Bean Chili Soup is a deliciously satisfying meal that combines savory flavors, tender beans, and rich broth into a comforting dish. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cool evening or serving it at a gathering, this soup is sure to please. With optional toppings that you can customize to your liking, every bowl is sure to be as satisfying as the last. Enjoy the warmth and heartiness of this perfect comfort food!