Tortilla Soup
Tortilla Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender stew meat with a medley of tomatoes and spices, topped with crispy flour tortillas and cheese. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this soup is a comforting blend of Mexican-inspired flavors that warms the soul.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 lb. stew meat, cut up ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/4 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 can Ro-Tel tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can beef broth ⓘ
- 1 can chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 can tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tsp. Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cans water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. lemon pepper ⓘ
- 4 flour tortillas, cut into 2-inch squares ⓘ
- grated Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Saute onion and meat in oil.
- Add the remainder of the ingredients.
- Bring to a boil and then simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the stew meat before adding other ingredients. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead. You can also vary the heat by adjusting the amount of Tabasco sauce or using a milder salsa if desired. To enhance the soup's texture, blend some of the beans or tomatoes before adding them.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tortilla soup hot, garnished with grated Cheddar cheese and additional tortilla strips for crunch. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Enchilada Casserole or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding avocado slices, sour cream, or fresh cilantro on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover tortilla soup can be stored 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 short intervals until heated through. If the soup thickens too much, add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tortilla Soup contains roughly 478 calories, with 15g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (98% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2386mg per serving (104% 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 tortilla soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply brown the onion and meat in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, ensuring the meat is tender and flavors meld beautifully.
What can I add to make the soup spicier?
To increase the spiciness, you can add more Tabasco sauce or include diced jalapeños or serrano peppers when cooking. Additionally, consider using spicy Ro-Tel tomatoes or a hotter variety of chili powder to elevate the heat level to your liking.
Can I freeze tortilla soup?
Yes, tortilla soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop. Add fresh tortilla strips and toppings just before serving for the best texture.
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).