Beef Mexican Soup
A hearty Mexican-inspired beef soup packed with vegetables, beans, and spices, perfect for a comforting family meal with bold flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef or turkey
- 1 chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 box beefy Hamburger Helper ⓘ
- 5 c. water
- 1 can Mexican style chili beans ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) bag frozen corn ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can sliced black olives ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped frozen okra (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef or turkey, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper in a large pot until browned.
- Drain off excess fat if using beef.
- Stir in the sauce mix from Hamburger Helper, water, seasonings, and chopped tomatoes with liquid.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in macaroni, frozen corn, Mexican style chili beans, and chopped frozen okra if using.
- Add sliced black olives with their liquid.
- Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider browning the ground beef or turkey with some diced garlic and cumin. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute ground turkey with lentils or beans. You can also replace the frozen corn with fresh corn cut off the cob for a sweeter touch. This soup is versatile, so feel free to add any leftover vegetables you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
This Beef Mexican Soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping. For a refreshing touch, serve with a mixed green salad or top with shredded cheese and sour cream. You can also explore other delicious Mexican recipes to complement your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it appears too thick. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Mexican Soup contains roughly 502 calories, with 29g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (126% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (87% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2544mg per serving (111% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often improve after a day in the fridge. Simply prepare the soup as directed, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Can I freeze the soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stove, adding a bit of water if needed.
How spicy is this soup?
The spiciness of the soup can be adjusted according to your preference. The recipe includes cayenne pepper and chili powder, but you can reduce these amounts or omit them for a milder flavor. Alternatively, if you enjoy heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).