Beefy Mexican Soup
A hearty Mexican-inspired beef soup loaded with tomatoes, corn, and chili flavors, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper
- 1 package Hamburger Helper chili-tomato ⓘ
- 5 cups water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 can (16 oz.) whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can (8 oz.) whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sliced, pitted olives (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook and stir ground chuck, onion, and green pepper in a Dutch oven until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in sauce mix, water, chili powder, salt, garlic salt, and tomatoes with liquid.
- Break up the tomatoes with a fork.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Stir in macaroni, corn (with liquid), and olives.
- Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Garnish with corn chips, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced carrots or celery when cooking the onion and green pepper. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground chuck to lighten the dish. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with black beans and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Serving Suggestions
This Beefy Mexican Soup pairs beautifully with corn chips or a side of Mexican Pinto Beans for a complete meal. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. You can also top the soup with shredded cheese, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. It’s perfect for game day or family gatherings!
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, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes or until hot. Be sure to add a splash of water if the soup thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beefy Mexican Soup contains roughly 546 calories, with 13g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1749mg per serving (76% 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 use different types of meat in this soup?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground chuck for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, consider using black beans or lentils. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add heat, incorporate diced jalapeños, a splash of hot sauce, or increase the chili powder to your taste. You can also serve the soup with sliced fresh peppers or a sprinkle of cayenne for an extra kick.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
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).