Weight Watchers Tortilla Soup
A hearty, flavorful Mexican-inspired tortilla soup with tender chicken, melted cheese, and crispy tortillas, perfect for cozy gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c. chopped onions
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oleo
- 16 oz. can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 c. beef bouillon (2 cubes) ⓘ
- 2 c. chicken bouillon (2 cubes) ⓘ
- 1 c. water
- 1 1/2 c. tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 small can green chiles, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cumin seed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt (optional) ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. picante sauce ⓘ
- 6 corn tortillas, cut into slices ⓘ
- 6 oz. Cheddar cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 12 oz. cooked chicken ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onions and garlic in oleo until translucent.
- Add chopped tomatoes, beef and chicken bouillon, water, tomato juice, chopped green chiles, cumin seed, chili powder, salt (if using), black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and picante sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook in a crock-pot or on the stove for 1 hour.
- Add shredded Cheddar cheese and sliced tortillas to the soup.
- Simmer for an additional 10 minutes until cheese melts and tortillas soften.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a combination of homemade chicken and beef broth instead of bouillon cubes. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works great as a substitute for cooked chicken. You can also experiment with different spices, like smoked paprika, to enhance the taste. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken bouillon with vegetable broth and omit the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This tortilla soup is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a side of quesadilla for a satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or avocado slices for an extra touch. For a complete dinner, serve alongside a fresh green salad or some Mexican rice. Explore more Mexican recipes to complement this flavorful dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened. You can also reheat in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Weight Watchers Tortilla Soup contains roughly 645 calories, with 30g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (116% of the Daily Value), and calcium (95% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2738mg per serving (119% 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 in advance?
Yes, you can make the soup a day ahead of time. Just prepare it as directed, let it cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight. Just remember to add the cheese and tortillas when reheating to keep them fresh.
What can I substitute for corn tortillas?
If you don't have corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas or tortilla chips as a substitute. If using chips, add them just before serving to maintain their crunch. Alternatively, try adding cooked rice for a hearty twist on this dish.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze this tortilla soup for up to 2 months. However, it's best to freeze it without the cheese and tortillas, as they may change texture when reheated. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
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).