Best Classic Beef Chili Recipe

Are you ready to enjoy the best classic beef chili you have ever tasted? Made with hearty ingredients like ground beef and beans, and full of flavor from our chili seasonings. 

classic beef chili made with ground beef topped with avocado next to cheese and tortilla chips

This recipe was originally created for the Beef Throwdown with New York Beef Council

I love a good bowl of chili, but depending on where you live, chili can look a little different. So I decided to take it back to the good ole’ days and create a classic beef chili that has those traditional flavors, heartiness, and simple ingredients. 

In case you are wondering, this is actually a healthy beef chili recipe and is packed full of protein. Obviously ground beef plays a big part, but the black beans and pinto beans are a good source of plant-based protein too. 

Beef is a great source of iron and helps with muscle maintenance, growth, keeps you fuller because of the protein content, and is full of vitamins and minerals, including creatine.

One of my favorite things about this homemade chili is that it requires pantry staples. This means you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand so you may not even have to make a trip to the store!

Classic Beef Chili Ingredients

Protein: ground beef, black beans, pinto beans

Spices: salt, garlic (minced and powder), chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt

Veggies: carrots, onion, fire roasted crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, jalapeno

Liquids: olive oil, beef, or chicken broth

Toppings: sour cream, cheese, avocado, chives, tortilla chips

How to Make this Ground Beef Chili Recipe with Beans

Heat a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then add the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and salt. Brown the beef until it’s no longer pink. 

Drain off the grease, but keep 1 to 2 tablespoons in the pot. Set the cooked ground beef to the side for now. 

Add the diced onions and carrots, allow them to cook just until softened. 

Place the jalapeno and garlic in, continuing cooking for another 2 minutes. 

Sprinkle in the remaining spices, and stir to combine. Then add the tomato paste and stir until the veggies are coated and saute for 2 more minutes. 

Pour in the roasted tomatoes and broth. Be sure to scrap the bottom when stirring to remove any bits that are stuck. 

Stir in the beans and cooked beef, then bring the chili to a low simmer. 

Cover and let it cook on low heat for at least 45 minutes. Chili is really great and flavorful when it cooks for at least 2 hours, so if you have the time, let it go longer. 

Stir occasionally. If you find that it is becoming too thick, you can add a little water or broth. 

Serve with your favorite toppings! 

ground beef chili in a bowl topped with tortilla chips, avocado, cheese, chives, and sour cream

What Beef Can Be Used in Chili? 

Because I was going for a classic recipe I chose ground beef, but there are tons of varieties of beef chilis. Here are a few cuts that are more popular:

  • Brisket – if you like corned beef or pastrami you would like brisket chili
  • Beef Chuck – because this cut is a little tougher, this is best for slow cooker chili
  • Meat from boneless short ribs – these are cheaper than bone in ribs

How to Store Healthy Beef Chili

Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. 

To freeze, place the chili in a freezer-friendly container and store for up to 2 months. You can also freeze in single-serving portions to make meal prep easier. If you want to reheat the full batch, store the chili flat in a plastic bag to save space in the freezer. 

classic ground beef chili and beans in a red bowl topped with garnishes

Hosting a Chili Bar Party 

If you want to let your guests do the work or allow them to customize their chili to their liking try a chili bar. 

Simply make the chili then set it out, along with all of the toppings. You could also transfer the chili to a slow cooker and place it on warm if you wanted to set up a table with all of the ingredients. 

Chili bars are great for parties and game days, plus you hardly have to worry about entertaining full time! 

Chili Bar Topping Ideas  

  • Sour cream 
  • Greek yogurt 
  • Cheddar cheese 
  • Sliced jalapenos 
  • Pico de gallo 
  • Tortilla crunchies 
  • Oyster crackers 
  • Chives 
  • Hot sauce
  • Diced onions
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
ground beef chili in a bowl topped with tortilla chips, avocado, cheese, chives, and sour cream

Classic Chili with Ground Beef

  • Author: Chef Julie Harrington, RD
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x

Description

Are you ready to enjoy the best classic beef chili you have ever tasted? Made with hearty ingredients like ground beef and beans, and full of flavor from our chili seasonings. 


Ingredients

Scale

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 ½ pounds ground beef

2 teaspoons salt

1 medium onion, diced

4 carrots, peeled and finely diced

1 jalapeno, finely minced (optional)

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons chili powder

2 tablespoons cumin

1 tablespoon oregano

1 teaspoon garlic powder

4 tablespoons tomato paste

1 (28-ounce) can fire roasted crushed tomatoes

2 cups beef or chicken broth

1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 (14-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Toppings: sour cream, cheese, avocado, chives, tortilla chips, etc.


Instructions

  1. Heat a large Dutch oven or pot over medium high heat. Add oil and let heat to medium high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Add salt and continue to cook until beef have browned and fully cooked.
  2. Drain beef draining off most of the fat, but reserve 1-2 tablespoons in the pot. Add the onions and carrots. Sauté until soft. Add the jalapeno and garlic. Continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
  3. Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. Stir to combine. Add the tomato paste and stir to coat the vegetables. Sauté for about 2 minutes.
  4. Pour in the fire roasted tomatoes and broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift anything that started to stick.
  5. Stir in the beef, black beans, and pinto beans.
  6. Bring chili to a low simmer. Cover the pot and allow to simmer on low heat for at least 45 minutes (ideally up to 2 hours to really develop the flavors!) Keep checking and stirring the chili every so often. If the chili becomes too thick, thin with additional broth or water.
  7. Top with your favorite topping and enjoy!

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

More Soups, Stews, and Chilis to Try:

Beef and Barley Soup

Cozy up to a bowl of Beef and Barley Soup. Not only can you add layers and layers of flavors, but they also can be balanced nutritionally.

Beef & Barley Soup in a white bowl garnished with parsley

I am on a total soup and stew kick lately. Mainly because I can cook once and eat all week.

I am teaching three cooking classes this week, so cooking all day at work, the last thing I want to do when I get home it to cook again and wash more dishes!

What is Hulled Barley?

Aim to add more whole grains in soups and stews when you can. Barley is a fantastic whole grain. I chose to use hull-less barley. This type of barley has an outer hull that’s so loosely attached to the kernel that it generally falls off during harvesting. This cuts down on processing and ensures that all of the bran and germ are retained.

Ingredients for Beef and Barley Soup 

all-purpose flour

Veggies: celery, carrots, garlic, kale, onion

Spices: salt, pepper, oregano, parsley

beef chuck roast – trim the fat if needed and dice into bite size pieces

olive oil

red wine

tomato paste

beef broth

water

hulless barley

kale

fresh parsley

top shot of hulled barley soup in a white bowl with a garnish next to dishtowel

How to Make Hulled Barley Soup 

Once you have trimmed and diced the beef, add the flour, salt, and pepper to a shallow bowl or dish and dredge each piece. Shake off the excess flour if needed. 

Add the olive oil to a large pot and heat over medium-high heat. 

Brown the beef, turning as needed. You will need to do this step in batches because you don’t want to overload the pot. Once the meat has finished browning, remove and set aside. 

Add the carrots, celery, diced onions, garlic, and oregano. Stirring occasionally, cook the veggies until they are soft. 

Pour in the red wine to deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping the brown bits. Simmer and reduce the red wine by half. Add in the tomato paste and stir. 

Place the beef back in the pot, and add the water and broth. 

Bring it to a boil then add the hulled barley. 

Turn the heat down low, and simmer for 45 minutes. The meat should be tender and the barley should be cooked all the way through. 

Be sure to stir it occasionally; this will keep the barley from sticking together. 

Once the soup is done, remove the pot from the heat and the kale. Season with salt and pepper! 

My Barley Soup is Too Thick, What Do I Do? 

If you find that the soup is too thick for your liking after it is done simmering, add some more water until it reaches a consistency you are happy with. 

Tips for Making and Storing 

  • Be sure to add the kale while the soup is still hot so it will wilt. 
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days. 
  • This barley soup is great for freezing. Let it cool completely before placing it in the freezer. To serve again, reheat on the stovetop over low heat until it is warm all the way through. 

Soups are great! Not only can you add layers and layers of flavors, but they also can be balanced nutritionally. Any good soup starts with mirepoix. I like to use dry herbs and spices in my soup recipes because you are able to add them during the cooking process, as they can stand up to the heat. 

Beef & Barley Soup in bowls with a white and blue striped napkin

This beef and barley soup may take a little longer to prepare, but it’s worth the wait.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
beef and barley soup in a white bowl

Beef and Barley Soup

  • Author: Chef Julie Harrington, RD
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 50
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stove Top

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 lb boneless beef chuck roast, fat trimmed off and cubed
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 3 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 4 cups water
  • 3/4 cup hulless barley
  • 4 cups kale, spines removed and roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a shallow dish combine flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the beef cubes with flour, shaking off excess flour. 

Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven (or large pot) over medium-high heat. Add the beef to the pot and cook just until the meat starts to brown, turning as needed. Do this in 2 or 3 batches, to not crowd the pot. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and oregano. Cook the vegetables until soft, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

Deglaze the pan with red wine scraping the fond (the brown bits) from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer and reduce red wine by half. Add tomato paste and stir to coat the vegetables.

Add beef back to the pot with water and beef broth. Stir to combine.

Bring to a boil, add barley and turn down to a simmer for 45-50 minutes, until meat is tender and barley is cooked through. Stir occasionally so the barley won’t stick together. If you find that too much liquid has evaporated or the soup is too thick add more water as necessary until you get the desired consistency.

Remove soup from heat and stir in the kale while the soup is still hot to wilt. Season with salt and pepper, as needed. 

Garnish with parsley, if using.


Notes

If you do not want to use wine, deglaze with additional beef broth.

Keywords: barley, beef, soup, batch cooking, meal prep

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

other recipes you may enjoy

Butternut Squash Apple Cheddar Soup

Butternut Squash Apple Cheddar Soup via Chef Julie Harrington, RD @ChefJulie_RD

There is nothing better then cozying up to a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening. Soups can pack in a ton of flavor utilizing various food groups creating a balanced meal.

A couple of weeks ago I had a cooking class called “Hearty Soups & Salads” and in the class, we discussed when making soup, the ingredients and steps are well thought out to build and develop depths of flavors.

Butternut Squash Apple Cheddar Soup via Chef Julie Harrington, RD @ChefJulie_RD

You might think, pairing butternut squash and Honeycrisp apples would yield a soup too sweet, but with the addition of sharp cheddar and plain yogurt, adds a balance of salty, with a hint of tart and tangy.

When blended, this creates a silky smooth soup. Batch cook and freeze some for later.

Butternut Squash Apple Cheddar Soup via Chef Julie Harrington, RD @ChefJulie_RD

Properly cool, freeze, and reheat soup:

  1. Refrigerators and freezers cannot cool soups quickly enough for food safety protocols. Speed up the cooling process by placing the pot of soup in a bath of ice water in the sink. Stir soup to help release the heat.
  2. Label and date large ziplock plastic bags. To help pour soup in the bag, place bag in the bowl and cuff the bag over the edges. Ladle soup into each bag, let out excess air and seal.
  3. Lay bags flat in a single layer in the freezer. When completely frozen, stack bags to save space in the freezer.
  4. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Butternut Squash Apple Cheddar Soup in a white bowl

Butternut Squash Apple Cheddar Soup

  • Author: Chef Julie Harrington, RD

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon butter
½ sweet onion, diced
2 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cut into chunks
2 Honeycrisp apples, peeled and cut into chunks
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
4 ounces sharp cheddar, grated (about 1/2 cup) [I used Cabot’s sharp cheddar]
¼ teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
Salt and ground pepper to taste
Chopped fresh chives, for garnish


Instructions

Saute onions with butter over low medium heat in a large stockpot until translucent.
Add squash, apples, and stock or broth in a large pan; bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium, cover pan and simmer squash for 20 minutes or until very tender.
Uncover and let cool. Puree in blender or food processor, in batches, if necessary.
Return puree to saucepan and place over medium-low heat. Stir in yogurt, cheese, and ground red pepper. Add salt and ground pepper to taste.
Whisk soup just until heated through (do not allow to boil). Serve sprinkled with chives.


Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin isn’t only for sweet recipes. Try switching things up and use pumpkin in a savory cooking application. Start with this Turkey Pumpkin Chili! 

Turkey Pumpkin Chili with a piece of cornbread in a white bowl

How is October already coming to an end? Fall is a busy time for me with conferences and a lot of work travel. Also during this time of year, I’m sure your Pinterest boards are being saturated with pumpkin everything! I am would say I am a self-proclaimed pumpkin lover, but my RD friend Maggie I would nominate as the president of the pumpkin lover’s club. She just came out with a pumpkin cookbook featuring 50 creative pumpkin flavored, shaped, & spiced recipes.

Turkey Pumpkin Chili with piece of cornbread in a white bowl

Did You Know?

A few years back I was at a conference and an RD from Nestle was there speaking about Libby’s canned pumpkin. That brand is a staple across supermarkets nationally. I’m sure many of you, like myself, stock up on Libby’s canned pumpkin this time of year. I was fascinated to learn they exclusively use Dickinson pumpkins, which are a special strain of pumpkins.

Why Dickinson Pumpkins?

Libby’s acquired the rights to the “Libby’s Select Dickinson” pumpkin in 1929 from the Dickinson family who brought it in the early 1800s from Kentucky. If you ever Google “Dickinson pumpkin” images that appear look like a pale, slightly misshapen butternut squash, not the jack-o-lantern pumpkin you may be thinking of. When Dickinson pumpkins are grown and cultivated just right, they yield a sweet, bright orange flesh that’s amazing in dishes from pies to pasta, and a healthier ingredient to swap into some of your favorite recipes.

Confession: One year I was a little too pumpkin obsessed. I ate it in my oats for breakfast, stirred it in my yogurt, made smoothies, breads, soups every. single. day. I had a tad too much beta-carotene and my palms started turning orange. Lesson learned.

While pumpkin is used in sweet applications the majority of the time, pumpkin works well with savory applications. This chili is perfect for someone who isn’t too crazy about super spicy chili. It’s a mellow flavor with a hint of sweet. I feel like chili isn’t complete without a slice of cornbread. I always crumble up the cornbread right into the chili.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
white bowl with turkey pumpkin chili with a piece of cornbread

Turkey Pumpkin Chili

  • Author: Chef Julie Harrington, RD
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6
  • Category: chili

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb. ground turkey breast
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 (28 oz) can no salt added diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken stock
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained & rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained & rinsed
  • pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the turkey, and cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
  2. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add in the diced tomatoes, pumpkin, chicken stock and beans, and stir to combine.
  4. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
  5. Serve with cornbread.

Notes

This chili freezes well. Make a large batch and freeze half for another time.

Keywords: chili, pumpkin, turkey,

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

Other recipes you may enjoy

Butternut & Acorn Squash Soup

Butternut and Acorn Squash soup is a healthy, creamy, one-pot meal or can be served as an easy appetizer, so cozy up because dinner is almost ready!

butternut squash soup topped with pepitas next to a piece of bread


Ever wonder how food bloggers come up with their recipes?


I pretty much think or talk about food all day. At work, I’m educating clients about nutrition through food or teaching cooking classes. Then, for the blog, my recipe creations are inspired by conversations I have, discussions in cooking classes or demonstrations, or simply from a particular ingredient. Travel definitely plays a big role in recipe development too. I love dining out when I travel, experiencing the local fare. I like to try and recreate recipes I’ve tried with my own little twist.

Ever wonder what kind of squash to use for different recipes? I break it down here!

Next time before you start dialing for takeout, really take a look at what is in your kitchen. You never know – you might whip up something delicious!

top shot of two bowls of acorn and butternut squash soup next to baguettes

Ingredients Needed for Butternut and Acorn Squash Soup

Veggies: butternut squash, acorn squash, onion, carrots

Spices: garlic, nutmeg, salt and pepper, garam masala

Oil

Miso – I prefer chickpea miso or white miso

Cashews

Apple – try to get a sweeter variety such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Pink Lady

Veggie broth – low sodium of course!

Water

butternut squash soup in a white bowl topped with pepitas next to bread

How to Make Butternut Acorn Squash Soup

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon baking mat and preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Using a paring knife, pierce the squash, place them on the baking sheet, and bake for 20 minutes. Once they are done cooking, let them cool slightly before dicing into cubes.

Heat the olive oil over medium high heat in a large pot. Add the garlic, carrots, and onions.

Saute for about 3 minutes or until the onions start becoming translucent.

Add the nutmeg and garam masala and stir to coat the veggies.

Stir in the miso, cashew, cubed squash, and apple. Once combined, add the veggie broth and water. Make sure everything is covered and use more water if needed.

Simmer for 30 minutes, until the squash is tender and season with salt and pepper.

Add the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth. You could also use an immersion blender directly in the pot if you are using stainless steel.

dipping a piece of bread into a bowl of butternut and acorn squash soup

Do You Have to Roast the Squash First?

Roasting the squash ahead of time makes them softer and much easier to peel and dice.

My Soup is Too Thick, What Should I Do?

Once you blend all of the ingredients together and you find that it’s thicker than you would like, simply stir in water a little at a time until it’s your desired consistency.

Is this Butternut Acorn Squash Soup Healthy?

You betcha! These winter squash varieties are full of antioxidants and vitamins! Not to mention the healthy fats and fiber from the cashews, and the nourishment of the broth base.

FREE Cooking Class

This recipe was featured as part of Virtual Teaching Kitchen’s FREE virtual cooking classes. Click here to learn more about the Virtual Teaching kitchen.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
squash soup in a bowl with pumpkin seeds

Butternut & Acorn Squash Soup

  • Author: Chef Julie Harrington, RD
  • Prep Time: 30
  • Cook Time: 40
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8
  • Category: soup

Description

Cozy up to a bowl of this creamy Butternut & Acorn Squash Soup.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 butternut squash, (about 4 cups), chopped
  • 1 acorn squash, (about 2 cups), chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 carrots, (about 1 cup) peeled and diced
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons garam masala
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (a small pinch)
  • 2 tablespoons chickpea miso (or white miso)
  • 3/4 cup raw cashews
  • 1 apple, peeled and diced (preferably a sweet variety like Honeycrisp, gala, pink lady)
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. To easily cut the squashes, pierce butternut squash and acorn squash with a paring knife. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes to soften, so it will be easier to chop. Let cool until able to handle. Peel and dice squash into cubes.
  2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions, garlic, and carrots. Saute for about 3 minutes, until onions start to become translucent.
  3. Add the garam masala and nutmeg and coat the vegetables.
  4. Stir in the chickpea miso, cashews, butternut squash, acorn squash, and apple. Stir to combine. Add the vegetable broth and water, covering the vegetables. (Use more water, if needed).
  5. Simmer soup for 30 minutes, until squash is tender. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. In batches, add soup to a blender. Blend until smooth. If soup is too thick, add more water.
  7. Serve warm. (Optional: sprinkle pepitas on top to garnish)

Keywords: soup, squash

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

 

Other recipes you may enjoy

Chicken Zoodle Soup

Soups on! Did you know February is Soup Season? I am kicking off Soup Season with this Chicken Zoodle Soup.This post is sponsored by the General Mills Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition on behalf of ProgressoTM and ReganMillerJones, Inc. I received free samples of the soup mentioned and was compensated for my time, but as always, opinions are my own! Thank you for supporting brands that make RDelicious Kitchen possible!
During this time of year, soup becomes almost an everyday staple for me. There is nothing better than cozying up to a warm bowl of soup on a cold winter day. If it is a soup from scratch or from a can or package, my goal is to bump up the veggies.
I get a lot of questions about canned soup from clients. Canned soup is quick & easy. It’s convenience in a can! Whether you’re cooking for one or a family, prep a meal in minutes. There is a whole aisle dedicated to just soup at my local grocery store, so it can be challenging to decide which one would be the best choice.
First, check your ingredient list. ProgressoTM is now serving White Meat Chicken With No Antibiotics. Ever! They do not include any artificial colors or flavors.
Then, check the serving size. You may be surprised, in a can of soup there is usually more than 1 serving per container. In one can of ProgressoTM Light Chicken Noodle Soup there are 2 servings. By adding zoodles, this one can of soup turned into 4 servings, which now cuts the sodium in half per serving.
Have #SoupYourWay by pairing with zoodles, a side salad, or a sandwich.

By adding more veggies, it adds an extra punch of nutrition and flavor, helps stretch your dollar, which in turn will create more servings to also help lower the sodium content.ProgressoTM is out to prove that “vegetables” and “flavors” can co-exist.

Simply pour the hot soup over the zoodles and enjoy. It can’t get much simpler than that!

If you have leftovers, make sure you are cooling down and storing properly. Leftover soup can last in the refrigerator for three days and up to one month in the freezer. Follow these steps to store soups for later use.

  1. Refrigerators and freezers cannot cool soups quickly enough for food safety protocols. Speed up the cooling process by placing the pot of soup in a bath of ice water in the sink. Stir soup to help release the heat.
  2. Label and date large ziplock plastic bags. To help pour soup in the bag, place bag in the bowl and cuff the bag over the edges. Ladle soup into each bag, let out excess air and seal.
  3. Lay bags flat in a single layer in the freezer. When completely frozen, stack bags to save space in the freezer.
  4. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

Print

clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
chicken zoodle soup in a white bowl

Chicken Zoodle Soup

  • Author: Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen
  • Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can ProgressoTM Light Chicken Noodle Soup
  • 1 large zucchini, spiralized

Instructions

  1. Heat soup in a small pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Spiralize zucchini and divide between 4 bowls. Pour hot soup over zoodles and serve immediately.

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen

For more soup news and recipes, be sure to visit the ProgressoTM website, Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook pages.
And don’t forget to check out Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition, for the latest on nutrition research.

Creamy Tomato Soup

A creamy soup without the cream? Check out the secret ingredient that makes this dairy free Creamy Tomato Soup thick and creamy. Creamy Tomato Soup via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_kitchenCan you believe it’s almost 2017!? Where did the year go? The Recipe ReDux club is playing a little party game at the end of 2016: Grabbing your nearest cookbook and ReDux the recipe on page 201, 16, 216 – or any combination of the number ‘2016.’

I opened You Have It Made cookbook by Ellie Krieger to page 126 – creamy tomato soup. I actually won this cookbook at FNCE at the Luvo booth and was able to meet one of favorite chef/RD’s Ellie Krieger. Julie with Ellie Krieger via RDelicious Kitchen via @RD_kitchenThis soup is so simple and packed with flavor. It’s called a “Creamy” Tomato Soup, but guess what? There’s no cream! That’s the magic of Registered Dietitian chefs – we know how to alter recipes with alternative ingredients to pack in more nutritional value while still getting delicious results.
Creamy Tomato Soup via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_kitchenThe magic behind this creamless creamy soup – cashews! Cashews provide the ultimate creaminess when blended into soups. They make this creamy tomato soup so thick and smooth you would never know there isn’t dairy in there.

Creamy Tomato Soup via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_kitchenYou can’t have tomato soup without grilled cheese, am I right? Instead of adding a grilled cheese on the side, I made mini grilled cheese “croutons” with my favorite whole grain bread + Cabot cheddar cheese.
Creamy Tomato Soup via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_kitchen

Print

clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
creamy tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons on a white bowl

Creamy Tomato Soup

  • Author: Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen
  • Yield: 6

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 (28-ounce) cans no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • 3/4 cup raw cashews
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 slices whole wheat bread
  • 2 ounces cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon butter

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, thyme, garlic, salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes with their juice, 1 1/2 cups of water, the cashews, and tomato paste. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the soup begins to thicken, about 20 minutes. Allow to cool slightly, for about 15 minutes, then puree in 3 batches until smooth, transferring the puree to a pot or storage container as it is pureed.
  2. To continue, reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.
  3. As the soup is cooking, spread butter on each slice of bread. Place butter side of bread down in a small pan, layer with cheese, then place the other slice of bread on top (butter side facing up). Cook until golden brown on each side and cheese has melted. Cut into small squares.
  4. Pour soup into bowl and top with mini grilled cheese “croutons”.

Notes

Creamy Tomato Soup recipe by Ellie Krieger’s You Have It Made cookbook.

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

RDelicious Kitchen @RD_Kitchen
Creamy Tomato Soup via RDelicious Kitchen @RD_kitchen

Vegetable Lentil Soup

Warm-up this winter with a warm bowl of Vegetable Lentil Soup. This vegan-friendly soup will be sure to help meet your daily recommendations of veggies for the day!

Vegetable Lentil Soup in a white decorative bowl

Dare I say it’s actually starting to feel like winter here in New Jersey. Usually, in December I’m beginning to make my favorite soups, but this year was just so warm. I’m hoping I’m not jinxing myself and all of a sudden we are going to get a blizzard. If so, I do have this big batch of vegetable lentil soup to warm up with!

vegetable lentil soup in a decorative white bowl

One of my favorite things at work is teaching cooking classes. A few months ago I taught a class called “Soups and Stocks”. My goal for the class was to show how making soup at home can be simple, nutritious, and delicious. The biggest complaints I heard from customers is when they tried making it at home, their soups “tasted bland, watered down, and boring”. The key to a flavorful soup is the base: stock. Due to the process, Progresso’s chefs use to simmer the real bones, Progresso Cooking Stocks have rich, meaty flavor and are full of body, making them ideal for adding deep, complex flavor to many dishes including soups, stews, sauces, and gravies.

lentil soup in a decorative white bowl

What’s the difference between stock and broth?

The foundation of any great soup of stew is a flavorful broth or stock. Often the terms stock and broth are used interchangeably, but there are three important differences: ingredients, cook time, and seasoning.

Stock is made by simmering a combination of bones, mirepoix (carrots, celery, and onion), and aromatics in water for two to six hours. Gelatin from the bones is an essential part of the stock that is created when the connective tissue in meat breaks down, giving stock its body; the gelatin is what causes a stock to gel when chilled.

Broth is typically made by simmering meat, mirepoix, and aromatics for a shorter amount of time, typically between 1 and 2 hours. It is also often more heavily seasoned than stock.

Bone broth is a hybrid of broth and stock. It is cooked for a long period of time and the goal is not only to extract the gelatin from the bones (like in a stock), but also to release the nutritious compounds and minerals (namely collagen, but also glucosamine, amino acids, electrolytes, calcium, and more). 

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Vegetable Lentil Soup on a white wooden board

Vegetable Lentil Soup

  • Author: Chef Julie Harrington, RD
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 40
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8
  • Category: Soup

Description

Warm up this winter with a warm bowl of Vegetable Lentil Soup. This vegan soup will be sure to help meet your daily recommendations of veggies for the day!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 (15 oz) cans fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup green lentils
  • 1 (1 quart) box Progresso vegetable cooking stock
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 cups kale, ribs removed and chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add the onions and carrots, cook stirring often, until onion becomes tender and translucent.
  2. Add the garlic, cumin, and thyme. Cook until fragrant. Add fire roasted tomatoes and chickpeas.
  3. Add the lentils, then pour in Progresso vegetable cooking stock and water. Season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Bring soup to a boil, then turn down to a gentle simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, until the lentils are tender.
  4. Transfer 3 cups of soup into a blender or food processor (make sure to get an even mixture of veggies and broth). Puree mixture until smooth. Add pureed soup back into the pot and add kale. Cook until wilted.

Keywords: lentil, vegan, vegetarian, soup, plant-based

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

Disclosure: By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by Progresso and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.

Other recipes you may enjoy

Hearty Vegetable Soup

Nothing is better than coming inside from a cold winter day and warming up with a hearty bowl of soup. Making soup from scratch is by far better than the canned stuff. Canned soups are packed with a ton of sodium. The recommended intake of sodium is < 2,400 mg per day. In some soups thats 75% of your sodium intake right there!
 
Making homemade soup is simple. Plus, if you make a big batch you can freeze half and bring it back out later in the winter season. Stick to the broth based soups with tons of vegetables for fewer calories and for a nutrient dense meal.

Minestrone soup RD1.jpg

Hearty Vegetable Soup

Makes 12 servings

 

Ingredients:
4 strips bacon, diced
3 carrots, peeled and chopped into a small dice
4 celery stalks, chopped into a small dice
5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 medium red onions, chopped
Salt and pepper
1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced
3/4 cup sundried tomatoes, sliced
2 quarts low sodium vegetable stock
2 quarts water
3 cups kale, roughly chopped
1 lb whole-wheat ditalini pasta
1 (15 oz) can chickpeas


Directions:

1. In a large stock pot over add the bacon and cook until crispy. Add the carrots, celery, garlic, and onions to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the veggies are tender, 7-8 minutes more.

2. Add the mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, and cook for another 2 minutes.

3. Add the stock and water to the pot, and bring up to a boil.

4. Add the kale, pasta, and chickpeas to the soup pot, and cook until the pasta is al dente. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Ladle the soup into shallow bowls.


Minestrone Soup RD2.jpg


Screen shot 2013-12-16 at 11.13.29 PM.png
(nutrition facts based on calorie count)

 

 

Enjoy!