Mexican Tamale Soup
A hearty Mexican Tamale Soup packed with flavorful beef, vegetables, beans, and tender tamales, perfect for comforting meals with a spicy, savory kick. Suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger, chopped onion, and chopped bell pepper in a large pot.
- Add beef broth, stewed tomatoes, cream-style corn, beans with jalapeno, garlic powder, salt, and cumin seed to the browned meat mixture.
- Simmer the mixture for 30 minutes.
- Just before serving, stir in the cornstarch to thicken the soup.
- Cut the drained tamales into 1-inch pieces and add to the soup.
- Heat through and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or using spicy sausage instead of hamburger. You can also substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the tamales. This hearty soup pairs well with a side of tortilla chips or a fresh salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mexican Tamale Soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. It pairs beautifully with Creamy Cheese Tacos for a complete meal. For a festive touch, accompany it with lime wedges and a side of crispy tortilla chips for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Tamale Soup contains roughly 1579 calories, with 66g protein, 194g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), protein (133% of the Daily Value), and calcium (103% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 wait to add the tamales until you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together while keeping the tamales intact until serving.
What types of beans can I use?
You can use any type of canned beans you prefer, such as black beans or pinto beans. If you want to add more flavor, consider using seasoned beans instead of plain ones.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop before serving.
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).