Mexicali Soup
A hearty Mexican-inspired soup featuring tender meatballs, savory tomato flavor, and mild spices, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, salt, and pepper. Shape into 12 meatballs.
- Brown meatballs in butter and minced onions.
- Add tomato soup and remaining chili powder to the pan.
- Fill the tomato soup can with water and add to the pan.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes until flavors meld and meatballs are cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, feel free to increase the chili powder or add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, pre-made meatballs can be used instead of making them from scratch. Consider using ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Fresh herbs like cilantro can elevate the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexicali Soup pairs beautifully with Easy Burritos or a side of cornbread for a hearty meal. Top individual servings with shredded cheese, avocado slices, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside a fresh salad or tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of water to maintain its consistency and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexicali Soup contains roughly 67 calories, with 2g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1784mg per serving (78% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or even lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of water and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added flavor and texture.
What can I add to make the soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of water or a small amount of instant mashed potatoes. Another option is to simmer the soup uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate for a more concentrated flavor.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomato soup?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh tomatoes, use about four cups of chopped tomatoes and add a bit of tomato paste for richness. You may need to season it more with salt and spices to achieve the desired flavor, as canned soup is typically pre-seasoned.
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).