Beef Taco Tortilla Soup
"One of my all time favorite soups! This is thick and hearty and should be served as a full meal and is even better the following day, for best flavor brown the ground beef well, the longer this soup simmers partially covered the more intense the flavor will be, so don’t be afraid to simmer longer that 1-1/2 hours!"
Original is 7 servings
Ingredients
Nutritional
- Serving Size: 1 (678.8 g)
- Calories 937.7
- Total Fat - 31.2 g
- Saturated Fat - 8.2 g
- Cholesterol - 237.6 mg
- Sodium - 961.9 mg
- Total Carbohydrate - 84.7 g
- Dietary Fiber - 14.8 g
- Sugars - 12.9 g
- Protein - 77.7 g
- Calcium - 90.9 mg
- Iron - 12.5 mg
- Vitamin C - 52.4 mg
- Thiamin - 0.6 mg
Step by Step Method
Step 1
In a large pot brown the beef with onions, garlic, jalapeno peppers and chili flakes until well browned (this may take about about 12-15 minutes to brown the beef) drain fat and return to pot.
Step 2
Add in all the remaining ingredients except the tortillas;bring to a boil stirring constantly over medium-high heat.
Step 3
Reduce heat to low and and simmer partially covered for about 1-1/2 hours (simmer uncovered the last 30 minutes of cooking).
Step 4
Season with salt and black pepper about halfway through cooking.
Step 5
Thin out with more water or tomato juice if necessary.
Step 6
While the soup is cooking place the tortilla strips on a lightly greased baking sheet and if desired sprinkle with salt.
Step 7
Bake in a preheated 375 degree F oven for about 8 minutes.
Step 8
Ladle the soup into bowl and top with sour cream, grated cheddar cheese and baked tortilla strips.
Tips
No special items needed.
Editorial Notes
The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.
- When selecting ground beef, opt for the leanest option available to reduce fat content.
- If you want to make the soup spicier, add additional jalapeno peppers and chili flakes.
- Substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner option. The benefit of this substitution is that it will reduce the amount of fat and calories in the dish, making it a healthier option.
- Substitute vegetable broth for beer for a vegetarian option. The benefit of this substitution is that it will make the dish suitable for vegetarians and vegans, as well as those who do not consume alcohol.
Vegetarian Taco Tortilla Soup Replace the ground beef with 1 package of your favorite vegetarian crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of beer and omit the taco sauce. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon of cumin to the soup.
Vegan Taco Tortilla Soup Replace the ground beef with 1 package of vegan crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of beer and omit the taco sauce. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder to the soup. Top with vegan sour cream and diced avocado.
RECOMMENDED DISH: Mexican Street Corn Salad - This delicious and flavorful side dish is the perfect accompaniment to the Beef Taco Tortilla Soup. It features sweet corn, creamy mayo, tangy lime juice, and a hint of spice from the chili powder. The bright flavors of the salad are a great contrast to the rich and hearty soup.
RECOMMENDED DISH: Mexican Rice - This flavorful, easy-to-make side dish is the perfect accompaniment to the Beef Taco Tortilla Soup. It features long-grain rice cooked in a savory tomato-based broth, with onion, garlic, and cumin for added flavor. The rice is a great contrast to the soup, providing a light and fluffy base to the meal.
FAQ
Q: How long should I simmer the soup?
A: Simmer the soup partially covered for about 1-1/2 hours, and then simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Q: What type of vegetables should I use?
A: You can use any type of vegetables that you like. Try adding carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, and any other vegetables that you enjoy.
1 Reviews
You'll Also Love
Fun facts:
Fun Fact 1:The taco soup is believed to have originated in the US in the late 19th century when Mexican immigrants introduced their own version of the dish. It was popularized in the 1950s when it was featured in a cookbook by celebrity chef James Beard.
Fun Fact 2:The taco soup is a favorite of former US President George W. Bush, who served it in the White House and even served it to the Mexican President Vicente Fox during a state visit.