Luminary Soup
Luminary Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, zesty green chilies, and a medley of beans and tomatoes. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this soup is sure to warm you up and satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 (1 1/4 oz.) pkg. taco seasoning ⓘ
- 1 (1 oz.) pkg. Ranch dressing mix ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can hominy, undrained ⓘ
- 3 (14 1/2 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, undrained ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, undrained ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with onion and green chilies.
- Stir in remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
- Simmer for 30 minutes on low.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider browning the ground beef with garlic and bell peppers. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more chopped green chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of this soup. You could also use black beans instead of kidney or pinto beans for a different texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Luminary Soup with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top. It pairs beautifully with warm cornbread or tortilla chips on the side. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or with traditional Mexican recipes like Beef Enchiladas for a festive touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply transfer to a pot and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Luminary Soup contains roughly 223 calories, with 12g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1943mg per serving (84% 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 Luminary Soup in advance?
Yes, this soup can be made in advance and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just prepare it as instructed, let it cool, and store in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for the best taste.
Is it possible to freeze Luminary Soup?
Absolutely! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This makes it a great meal prep option.
What can I add to make this soup more nutritious?
To boost the nutritional value, consider adding chopped spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking. You could also throw in some diced zucchini or carrots for added vegetables. These additions will enhance both the flavor and the health benefits of your Luminary Soup.
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).