Easy Chili Using Tomato Soup Recipe

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili to comfort the soul. But, if you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and easy-to-make version of this classic comfort food, then look no further than this Easy Chili Using Tomato Soup recipe. By incorporating tomato soup as a base, we simplify the process without sacrificing taste, allowing you to whip up a hearty, savory dish in no time. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a complete novice in the kitchen, this recipe will leave you feeling confident and satisfied.

This chili is the perfect mix of bold flavors, tangy tomato, savory beef, and just the right amount of spice. Best of all, it’s customizable based on your preferences, making it an ideal go-to dish for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

Let’s dive into the recipe and break it down step by step. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create a chili that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours!

Easy Chili Using Tomato Soup Recipe

This recipe is as easy as it gets, offering all the depth and comfort of traditional chili but with the convenience of a few simple ingredients. It’s the kind of dish that you can make in about 30 minutes, yet it’s packed with enough flavor to impress family and friends.

Ingredients Needed

To make this chili, you won’t need a long list of fancy ingredients. Most of what you need can likely be found in your pantry or local grocery store.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, if you prefer a leaner option)
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) tomato soup (this will serve as the base for your chili)
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can (15 oz) chili beans (in chili sauce)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 1 bell pepper (diced, any color works)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp chili powder (this gives the chili its signature kick)
• 1 tsp cumin (for that earthy, smoky flavor)
• 1/2 tsp paprika (adds a subtle smoky sweetness)
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup water or beef broth (to thin the soup slightly if needed)
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, tortilla chips

Cooking Instructions

Making chili is simple and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Cook The Ground Meat

   • Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
   • Drain any excess fat if needed.

2. Add Vegetables

   • Toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Stir them into the meat, allowing them to cook and soften for about 4-5 minutes. You want the veggies to release their flavors, and the garlic should become fragrant.

3. Season The Mixture

   • Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything to coat the meat and veggies in the spices. Let it cook for another minute or so to allow the spices to bloom.

4. Add Tomato Soup And Beans

   • Pour in the tomato soup and stir to combine. Next, add in the kidney beans and chili beans (with their sauce). Mix everything well. If the chili looks a bit too thick, add the water or beef broth to achieve your desired consistency.

5. Simmer

   • Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low. Let the chili simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken up.

6. Taste And Adjust

   • Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like it spicier, you can add a pinch more cayenne or chili powder. If it’s too thick, you can add more water or broth to thin it out.

7. Serve And Garnish

   • Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings-shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the ingredients that go into your chili is key to making sure it’s delicious, balanced, and satisfying. Here are some insights into the ingredients:

• Tomato Soup: The secret ingredient in this recipe, tomato soup, serves as a flavorful and creamy base for the chili. It adds depth and a slight sweetness, helping to mellow out the spices while enriching the flavor of the whole dish.
• Ground Meat: You can easily use ground beef, turkey, or chicken, depending on your preferences. Ground beef offers a hearty, rich flavor, while turkey or chicken provides a leaner option without sacrificing much of the savory taste.
• Beans: Beans are an essential part of chili. Kidney beans add a soft texture, while chili beans come in a flavorful sauce that enhances the overall richness. Together, they help bulk up the chili and make it filling.
• Spices: Chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper combine to form the perfect balance of heat and earthiness. Chili powder brings heat and depth, cumin adds a smoky flavor, paprika contributes sweetness, and cayenne brings a nice kick.

Expert Tips

To take your chili to the next level, try these expert tips:

• Sauté the Vegetables First: Always sauté your onions, garlic, and peppers before adding the ground meat. This allows the vegetables to release their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the chili.
• Customize the Heat Level: If you prefer a milder chili, simply reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. Conversely, if you love a spicy kick, add more chili powder or even a chopped jalapeño for extra heat.
• Let It Sit: Chili always tastes better the next day! Letting it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to deepen and develop, making it an even better meal the following day.
• Go Slow with the Broth: If you prefer a thicker chili, start with less broth or water. You can always add more as it simmers if you want a looser consistency.
• Toppings Matter: Don’t skip the toppings. A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or a handful of crispy tortilla chips can add an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Recipe Variations

This chili is wonderfully flexible and can be adapted to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ideas for variations:

• Vegetarian Chili: Skip the meat and add extra beans, such as black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas. You can also add vegetables like zucchini or corn for added texture and flavor.
• Spicy Chili: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or add fresh diced jalapeños or hot sauce to give your chili a fiery kick.
• Slow Cooker Version: If you prefer hands-off cooking, you can easily make this recipe in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
• Beef and Pork Combo: For a more complex flavor, try using a mix of ground beef and ground pork. The pork adds richness and depth to the chili’s taste.

Final Words

This Easy Chili Using Tomato Soup is the perfect dish for anyone looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal. It’s comforting, filling, and easily customizable to fit your tastes. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with your own variations, you’re guaranteed a bowl of chili that’s sure to please. It’s great for dinner on a cold night, and it’s even better the next day as leftovers.