Why You’ll Love this Hearty Beef Chili
There are three compelling reasons why this hearty beef chili deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
First, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for game days, weeknight dinners, or feeding a crowd.
Second, the combination of Campbell’s tomato soup and V-8 juice creates a rich, tangy base that’s hard to resist.
And third, it’s practically foolproof.
I’m convinced the secret lies in that tablespoon of sugar, which balances the acidity of all those tomato products.
Want something even more flavorful? Let it simmer longer. The flavors meld beautifully with time.
What Ingredients are in Hearty Beef Chili?
This hearty beef chili combines classic ingredients to create a rich, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The foundation starts with ground beef for protein and substance, while a trio of tomato products—diced tomatoes, tomato soup, and tomato paste—creates a thick, flavorful base.
The addition of V-8 juice might seem unexpected, but it adds depth and nutrients that regular tomato juice simply can’t match.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 14½ ounces diced tomatoes
- 10½ ounces Campbell’s tomato soup
- 24 ounces V-8 vegetable juice
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 48 ounces canned kidney beans
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- ½ cup catsup (ketchup)
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters—especially with the ground beef. I prefer using 80/20 ground beef for the right balance of flavor and texture, though you could certainly use leaner options.
The chili powder amount might seem modest, but remember you can always add more to taste. Some cooks might wonder about the relatively small amount of chili powder, but don’t worry—the bouillon cubes and the blend of tomato products create plenty of flavor.
And that tablespoon of sugar? Absolutely essential for balancing the acidity in all those tomatoes.
How to Make this Hearty Beef Chili
Making this hearty beef chili couldn’t be more straightforward, and it’s perfect for both quick weeknight meals and lazy weekend cooking.
Start by browning 1 pound of ground beef in a large soup pot over medium heat. You’ll want to break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, creating those perfect little meat crumbles that distribute throughout the chili.
Once the beef has lost its pink color and developed some nice browning, it’s time to move on to the beans. Drain and rinse the 48 ounces of kidney beans thoroughly—this step helps reduce the sodium content and prevents that cloudy, starchy liquid from affecting your chili’s texture.
Now comes the fun part—combining all the ingredients in your pot. Add the browned beef and rinsed beans, then pour in the 14½ ounces of diced tomatoes, 10½ ounces of Campbell’s tomato soup, 24 ounces of V-8 vegetable juice, and 6 ounces of tomato paste.
Next, introduce your diced onion (about 1 medium onion), 1 tablespoon of sugar, ½ teaspoon of chili powder, 2 beef bouillon cubes, and ½ cup of catsup. Give everything a good stir to combine. The mixture might look a bit thin at first, but don’t worry—it will thicken beautifully as it cooks.
Let the chili simmer over low heat for a minimum of 30 minutes, though honestly, the longer it cooks, the better it gets. I sometimes let mine go for 2-3 hours when I’ve the time, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
The flavors meld together in magical ways with extended cooking. Can’t stand over a stove that long? No problem. This recipe works wonderfully in a crockpot too—just transfer everything after browning the beef, and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Using premium soup equipment will ensure consistent temperature control and even cooking throughout the process.
For the best results and most even heating, consider using a quality copper cooking set when preparing this rich, flavorful chili.
Either way, you’ll end up with a rich, deeply flavored chili that’s ready to be topped with your favorite garnishes like cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Hearty Beef Chili Substitutions and Variations
Whether you’re missing an ingredient or simply want to put your own spin on this hearty beef chili, the recipe offers plenty of flexibility for substitutions and variations.
Don’t have ground beef? Turkey makes a leaner alternative, or try a mix of beef and pork for richness.
Vegetarians can swap in textured vegetable protein or extra beans. Speaking of beans, black beans or pinto beans work perfectly if kidney beans aren’t your thing.
For heat lovers, increase the chili powder or add diced jalapeños.
Want it sweet? Double the sugar.
Can’t find V-8? Regular tomato juice with extra spices does the trick.
What to Serve with Hearty Beef Chili
While a steaming bowl of hearty beef chili stands perfectly fine on its own, complementary sides can elevate your meal from satisfying to spectacular.
I love pairing mine with warm cornbread slathered in honey butter—that sweet-savory combo is practically mandatory in my kitchen.
A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette cuts through the richness, or try cooling things down with a dollop of sour cream and avocado slices.
Tortilla chips for scooping? Yes, please.
Want to get fancy? Jalapeño poppers or cheese quesadillas make this a feast.
Honestly, what couldn’t use a side of chili?
Final Thoughts
As I reach the end of sharing this hearty beef chili recipe, I can’t help but appreciate how this humble dish brings people together.
There’s something magical about a pot of chili simmering on the stove, filling your home with irresistible aromas that draw everyone to the kitchen.
For added depth, consider incorporating a touch of Mexican chocolate which creates an earthy undertone similar to authentic mole sauce.
This recipe, with its perfect balance of tomato richness and subtle spice, offers comfort in every spoonful.
Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or warming up on a chilly evening, this beef chili delivers satisfaction.
For a refreshing summer alternative, consider trying a bright shrimp ceviche prepared with fresh cucumbers, peppers, and zesty lime juice.
