Chili Soup

It's that time of year that a comforting soup just hits the spot! The other week, my kids asked if I could make some chili soup. I've made chili before which they love, but never in soup form. So I was tickled to have a reason to try out a new recipe! And let me tell ya, it was a hit! This was also a simple recipe to throw together and even better, it freezes well. You can make adjustments to suit your taste. I made ours with a little bit of spice to it as the kids like spicy food. I also topped my bowl with mozzarella cheese, diced red onion and cilantro (I ♥ that stuff!)



1 pound ground beef

2 onions, cut in chunks
1 green pepper, cut into bite-size squares
1 red pepper, cut into bite-size squares (or it can all be whatever color peppers you want)
hot chili peppers, chopped, to taste
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 large 29-ounce can tomatoes, cut up (reserving juice)
2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
6 cups beef stock
4 Tablespoons tomato paste (if you don't have this on hand, it'll still be fine)
2 15½-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed (thus reducing the explosive side effects, also kidney beans work well too)
2 Tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper
Garnishes of your choosing (cheese, cilantro, etc)

Brown the beef in a large saucepan until oil forms in the pan. Toss in the onions, garlic, and all the peppers and sauté until soft. (if you have a lot of grease, feel free to drain it now). Stir in the chopped tomatoes (reserving juice) and let them cook down over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Stir in the vinegar, and let it cook down. Pour in the reserved tomato juice, the beef stock, and the tomato paste. Bring to a boil. Add the beans and let boil for several minutes. Reduce the heat, stir in the chili powder and cumin, partially cover, and let simmer for 30 minutes.


When ready to serve, ladle into bowls and garnish with grated cheese and chopped cilantro. Pass a bowl of tortilla chips while you're at it. =)

"It's the ones who listen that understand the most,

even if they know the least."