Hot Tamale Soup
Hot Tamale Soup offers a hearty, spicy blend of ground beef, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, combined with tender tamales and beans for a comforting meal. Perfect for chilly days or when craving bold flavors, this dish is a satisfying choice for those who love Mexican-inspired cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- pinch of ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 3 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes, chopped, with juice ⓘ
- 12 purchased tamales (3 oz. each) ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 c. corn kernels ⓘ
- shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat a heavy pan and add ground beef, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, and chopped garlic; cook until beef is browned.
- Add chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and ground cinnamon; cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth and chopped tomatoes with juice to the pan.
- Cover and simmer the mixture for 30 minutes.
- Add the purchased tamales, rinsed and drained pinto beans, and corn kernels to the soup.
- Serve topped with shredded Cheddar cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the ground beef for textured vegetable protein or lentils. You can also use leftover tamales from other dishes or try a different type of bean like black beans for variation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Hot Tamale Soup with warm cornbread or tortilla chips for a delightful crunch. A dollop of sour cream or avocado slices can enhance the flavors, and it pairs beautifully with Cheese And Sour Cream Enchilada for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth if the soup thickens too much. You can also microwave in a safe container, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Tamale Soup contains roughly 1950 calories, with 106g protein, 169g carbohydrates, and 112g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), protein (212% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (150% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1530mg per serving (67% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance. Just follow the recipe through step 4, then cool and refrigerate. Before serving, heat it on the stovetop and add the tamales and beans.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
You can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this soup or use beef broth for a richer flavor. Just be mindful of the salt content, as some broths can be quite salty.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it entirely for a milder soup. Adding toppings like sour cream can also help balance the heat. For extra spice, include more chili powder or fresh chilies.
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).