Mexican Trash Basket Soup
A hearty Mexican-inspired soup loaded with beans, vegetables, and sausage, perfect for warming up and sharing with family and friends on a cozy day.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine onion, Rotel tomatoes, green chilies, pinto beans, corn, lima beans, onion soup mix, and celery in a large pot and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add zucchini, sliced sausage, and black olives to the pot.
- Serve the soup over cubed Monterey Jack cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider sautéing the onion and celery before adding them to the pot. For a spicier kick, use hot Rotel instead of mild. If you don't have pinto beans, black beans or kidney beans can work as substitutes. For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with a plant-based alternative or omit it entirely. This soup is great for using up leftover vegetables as well.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty soup is perfect served over cubed Monterey Jack cheese for added creaminess. Pair it with crusty bread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal. A side salad with a zesty dressing makes for a refreshing contrast. For those who love Mexican recipes, consider serving it alongside Microwave Fiesta Tamale Pie for a complete dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, in 1-2 minute intervals until hot. Be sure to stir in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Trash Basket Soup contains roughly 756 calories, with 18g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1839mg per serving (80% 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, this soup can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just let it cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What can I add for extra protein?
For additional protein, you can add shredded chicken or ground beef. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, consider adding quinoa or lentils to boost the protein content without compromising flavor. These additions will make the soup even heartier.
Is this soup spicy?
The spice level of this soup largely depends on the type of Rotel you use. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for the mild version. For more heat, choose the hot variety or add extra green chilies. Adjusting the amount of sausage can also influence the spice level.
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).