Better The Next Day Soup
A hearty, flavorful soup with beef, beans, and chiles, perfect for satisfying cravings and serving with toppings like sour cream and cheese, ideal for cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook hamburger meat in a soup-sized pan until browned.
- Drain excess fat from the meat.
- Add chopped onions to the meat and cook until translucent if desired.
- Combine the cooked meat, tomato juice, pinto beans, green chiles, taco sauce, kidney beans, hominy, and powdered ranch dressing in the pan.
- Let all ingredients simmer together for 15 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese, with cornbread or corn chips on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices such as cumin or chili powder to the meat as it cooks. For a vegetarian option, substitute the hamburger with lentils or a meat alternative. You can also use fresh diced tomatoes instead of tomato juice for added freshness. If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before adding them.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or corn chips on the side. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or alongside Mexican recipes like Nachos Plus.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Better The Next Day Soup contains roughly 545 calories, with 19g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1375mg per serving (60% 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 beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute any canned beans you have on hand, such as black beans or cannellini beans. Just keep in mind that this may alter the flavor profile slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when combining the ingredients. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving for an extra kick.
Is it possible to freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the Better The Next Day Soup! Just allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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).