Lazy Wife's Chili Soup

Some nights you need a bowl of chili on the table fast, and this six-ingredient soup delivers. Browned ground beef, a can of chili beans, tomato juice, and zesty tomato soup come together in about 20 minutes of actual hands-on work.

The secret shortcut is using canned tomato soup as the flavor base. It brings a concentrated, slightly sweet tomato depth that would normally take hours of reducing to achieve from scratch. Combined with tomato juice, you get a broth that’s rich without being heavy.

Brown the beef well and drain the fat before adding everything else. That initial sear adds meaty depth. Once combined, a quick 10-minute boil melds the flavors, then you just keep it warm until dinner.

Season the chili powder to your family’s preference. Start with a tablespoon and work up from there.

Pro Tips

• This works great in a slow cooker: brown the beef, combine everything, and cook on low for 4-6 hours
• Top with shredded cheddar, sour cream, and crushed crackers or tortilla chips
• Leftovers thicken overnight; add a splash of tomato juice when reheating

Variations

• Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version
• Add a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Ro-Tel) for extra kick
• Stir in a cup of corn kernels for sweetness and color