Tex-Mex Soup
A hearty and flavorful Tex-Mex soup packed with ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and spices. Its bold flavors and comforting texture make it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Topped with chips, cheese, sour cream, and lettuce for added freshness and crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 3-quart saucepan, brown the onion and ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the stewed tomatoes, pinto beans, tomato sauce, water, picante sauce, and cumin to the saucepan.
- Heat the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the soup topped with crushed corn or tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream, and shredded lettuce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker version, you can use pre-cooked ground beef or substitute it with turkey or a plant-based option for a lighter dish. You can also customize the spice level by adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Consider using fire-roasted tomatoes for an extra depth of flavor, or try adding corn for sweetness. This soup is a fantastic base for variations like the Tex-Mex Meat Loaf.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tex-Mex soup hot, garnished with crushed corn or tortilla chips, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh shredded lettuce for a crunchy contrast. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a simple side salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a slice of Chili Pizza or a dish of Fiesta Taco Bake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers 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 microwave-safe bowl until heated through. If the soup thickens too much, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tex-Mex Soup contains roughly 652 calories, with 23g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and calcium (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 749mg per serving (33% 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 vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make this Tex-Mex soup vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with a combination of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, or using lentils for protein. Be sure to check the labels on your canned ingredients to ensure they are vegetarian-friendly.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add more heat to your Tex-Mex soup, consider adding diced jalapeños, a few dashes of hot sauce, or using a spicy variety of picante sauce. You can also include a pinch of cayenne pepper or use chipotle in adobo for a smoky flavor.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers of this Tex-Mex soup for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or microwave until heated through.
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).