Mexican Wastebasket Soup
Mexican Wastebasket Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with vegetables, beans, and smoky sausage. Its vibrant, spicy notes make it perfect for satisfying a crowd or a cozy family dinner. Served over rice with cornbread, it's an easy, comforting meal full of bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a Dutch oven.
- Simmer for 1 to 2 hours.
- Serve over cooked rice with cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding chopped bell peppers or carrots to the mix. If you're looking to reduce sodium, use low-sodium canned beans and tomatoes. You can swap out the Smok-Y-Links for turkey sausage or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. This dish is versatile, allowing you to incorporate leftover vegetables from your fridge.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this flavorful soup over a bed of cooked rice for a filling meal. Pair it with slices of cornbread for a comforting combination, or try it alongside a fresh salad for some crunch. For a twist, serve with tortilla chips for dipping or as a topping. It also goes well with other Mexican recipes like Mexican Cornbread With Meat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in individual portions until heated through. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months; just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Wastebasket Soup contains roughly 382 calories, with 9g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 929mg per serving (40% 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 use different types of beans in this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute any beans you have on hand, such as black beans or kidney beans. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if you use canned beans, as they are already cooked and require less simmering.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the Smok-Y-Links sausage and using vegetable broth instead of water. Additionally, ensure that the soup mix is meat-free, or make a homemade spice blend for added flavor.
How can I thicken the soup if it's too watery?
If the soup turns out too watery for your liking, you can thicken it by adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) and simmering for a few more minutes. Alternatively, adding some mashed beans can also help achieve a thicker consistency.
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).