Mexicali Vegetable-Beef Soup
A hearty, flavorful soup combining lean ground beef, vegetables, beans, and spicy taco seasoning, perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onions, stirring frequently.
- Add the drained and rinsed white beans, sliced zucchini, sliced carrots, beef broth, and taco seasoning mix to the saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the saucepan.
- Reduce heat and simmer the soup for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef. Fresh veggies, like bell peppers or corn, can be swapped in for zucchini or carrots. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. This recipe is reminiscent of Quick And Easy Taco Soup, so feel free to get creative with your seasonings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Mexicali Vegetable-Beef Soup with a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top for a creamy finish. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping. For a complete meal, consider adding a side salad or pairing it with a Mexican Tortilla Casserole for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a bowl for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexicali Vegetable-Beef Soup contains roughly 455 calories, with 17g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (97% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 15g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 frozen vegetables in this soup?
Yes, frozen vegetables are a convenient alternative and can be used in place of fresh ones. Just add them directly to the pot without thawing. This will save you prep time and still yield a delicious result.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or beyond meat crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also increase the variety of beans and vegetables to enhance the flavors.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup stores well and is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have easy lunches or dinners ready to go. Just follow the storage tips for the best results.
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).