Teresa'S Tortilla Soup
A hearty and flavorful Mexican-inspired tortilla soup with savory ground beef, smoky tomatoes, and spicy seasonings, perfect for warming up family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground round ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large red pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 can pinto beans with jalapenos ⓘ
- 1 small can (8 oz) whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 3 cans dried stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 package dry buttermilk Ranch style dressing ⓘ
- 1 envelope taco seasoning mix ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- grated cheese ⓘ
- sour cream (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground round meat; drain excess fat.
- Heat chopped onion and red pepper in a skillet with 1 teaspoon of butter for a few minutes until softened.
- Combine all ingredients in a large stock pot.
- Add 1 gallon of water to the pot.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
- Serve the soup over crushed tortilla chips.
- Top each serving with 1 tablespoon grated cheese and sour cream (optional).
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Teresa's Tortilla Soup, consider adding fresh cilantro or lime juice just before serving. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the ground round with black beans or lentils. For a spicier kick, add diced jalapenos or hot sauce. This soup can also be made in a slow cooker; simply combine all ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Teresa's Tortilla Soup in bowls over a generous amount of crushed tortilla chips for added crunch. Pair it with a side of Joyce's Mexican Cornbread for a complete meal. For extra toppings, consider adding diced avocado or sliced radishes. This soup also goes well with a simple salad or some fresh guacamole.
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 until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Teresa'S Tortilla Soup contains roughly 653 calories, with 40g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (79% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1732mg per serving (75% 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 recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the pinto beans with black beans or kidney beans based on your preference. Each type will add a unique flavor and texture to the soup. If you're looking for a heartier option, try using a mix of beans.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Teresa's Tortilla Soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I use instead of buttermilk Ranch dressing mix?
If you don't have buttermilk Ranch dressing mix, you can make a simple substitute by mixing equal parts of sour cream and mayonnaise with a bit of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs. Alternatively, you can use a packet of Italian dressing mix for a different flavor profile.
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).