Ah, chili cheese soup—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, isn’t it? I can still remember the first time I tried it; I was at a friend’s house, and the aroma just wrapped around me like a cozy blanket. This chili cheese soup with ground beef is my go-to for those dreary, cold days when all you want is something hearty and comforting. It’s packed with flavor, and the combination of ground beef, cheese, and a hint of spice makes it irresistibly delicious. Best of all, it comes together in no time! I love whipping up a big pot and enjoying it with my family while we share stories by the fireplace. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll keep it close to your heart (and your kitchen) for years to come!
Ingredients for Chili Cheese Soup with Ground Beef
Gather up these simple yet essential ingredients to create a mouthwatering chili cheese soup that’ll warm you from the inside out:
- 1 lb ground beef: Use lean ground beef for the best flavor without too much grease.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Go for the kind with green chilies for an extra kick!
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans: These are the star of the show, bringing in flavor and heartiness.
- 2 cups beef broth: Homemade or store-bought, just make sure it’s rich in flavor!
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Because what’s chili cheese soup without gooey cheese on top?
- 1 cup sour cream: A dollop of this adds creaminess and balances the spices perfectly.
Feel free to mix and match ingredients to suit your taste! You might like to toss in some diced bell peppers or a sprinkle of your favorite hot sauce for an extra zing. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, so make it your own!
How to Prepare Chili Cheese Soup with Ground Beef
Making this chili cheese soup is a breeze, and I’ll walk you through it step-by-step! You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together, and the aroma will have everyone gathering around the kitchen in no time.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Let’s kick things off by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. You’ll want to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks, stirring occasionally. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Make sure to drain any excess grease, as we want a hearty soup, not a greasy one!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Toss in the can of diced tomatoes, the chili beans, and the beef broth to the pot with the browned beef. Give everything a good stir to combine, and then crank up the heat until it reaches a boil. This is where the magic starts to happen, so keep an eye on it!
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. This simmering step is super important because it allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully. Don’t forget to stir occasionally, so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, it’s time to serve up this comforting bowl of goodness! Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Add a dollop of sour cream for that creamy touch, and maybe a sprinkle of chopped green onions if you’re feeling fancy. Grab a spoon and dig in—enjoy every hearty bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip this up even on the busiest of days!
- Hearty Flavors: The combination of ground beef, spices, and cheese creates a rich, satisfying flavor that warms your soul.
- Comfort Food: Perfect for those chilly evenings when all you want is a cozy bowl of something delicious.
- Versatile: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients or adjust the spice level to make it your own!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this cheesy, comforting soup—it’s a hit at any dinner table!
Tips for Success
Want to take your chili cheese soup to the next level? Here are some of my favorite tips for success that’ll help you create the ultimate cozy dish:
- Quality Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes a world of difference. Opt for good ground beef and flavorful beef broth—your taste buds will thank you!
- Adjust the Spice: If you like a little kick, don’t be shy! You can easily adjust the spice level by adding a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of chili powder while it simmers.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to experiment! Add some diced bell peppers, corn, or even black beans for extra texture and flavor. The beauty of this soup is its versatility!
- Let It Rest: If you have time, let the soup sit for a bit after cooking. This allows the flavors to develop even more, creating a richer taste.
These little tweaks will ensure your chili cheese soup is nothing short of amazing every time!
Nutritional Information
Now, I know you might be curious about the nutritional side of things! Each hearty bowl of this chili cheese soup with ground beef offers a satisfying combination of flavors and nutrients:
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 600mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 500 IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 200mg
- Iron: 3mg
Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so it’s always a good idea to check the labels if you’re keeping an eye on nutrition. But rest assured, each bowl is packed with comforting goodness that’ll keep you warm and satisfied!
FAQ About Chili Cheese Soup with Ground Beef
Got questions about this delicious chili cheese soup? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries folks often have:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that it may be a bit less rich in flavor.
- How can I make this soup vegetarian? You can easily swap the ground beef for a combination of beans like black beans and kidney beans. Just use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ll have a hearty vegetarian chili cheese soup!
- What if I want it spicier? If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce while it simmers. You can also increase the amount of chili powder for an extra kick!
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Definitely! This soup tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance. Just store it in the fridge, and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
Hope this helps clarify things! Enjoy making your chili cheese soup with ground beef!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Storing your chili cheese soup is super easy. Just let it cool down to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, feel free to freeze it for up to 3 months—just make sure to leave some space in the container, as it will expand when frozen.
When it’s time to enjoy your soup again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. You can also pop it in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 1-minute intervals until hot. Just don’t forget to top it with fresh cheese and sour cream again—it makes all the difference!
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Chili Cheese Soup with Ground Beef
Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz
- 1 can chili beans 15 oz
- 2 cups beef broth
For the Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Add the diced tomatoes, chili beans, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream.