Mexican Beef and Rice Soup

“Embark on a flavor-packed journey with this Mexican Beef and Rice Soup, a comforting and hearty dish that brings the vibrant essence of Mexican cuisine to your table. Made with savory ground beef, aromatic onions, and zesty taco seasoning, this soup boasts a rich and satisfying flavor profile that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Simmered in a fragrant broth alongside tender corn, hearty black beans, and tangy diced tomatoes, this soup offers a delightful medley of textures and tastes. Finished with a hint of lime juice and fresh cilantro, each spoonful is a symphony of Mexican-inspired flavors.

Whether enjoyed as a soul-soothing meal on a chilly evening or as a crowd-pleasing option for gatherings, this Mexican Beef and Rice Soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Serve it with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips for an extra touch of indulgence. Get ready to savor the warmth and comfort of this delicious soup!”

Mexican Beef and Rice Soup

Ingredients:

2 pounds ground beef

1/3 cup chopped white onions

1 teaspoons minced garlic

3 tablespoons taco seasoning

2 quarts beef stock or beef broth

2 cups frozen corn

15.5 ounces black beans rinsed and drained, 1 can

14.5 ounces petite diced tomatoes drained, 1 can

1 cup tomato purée

2 teaspoons lime juice

2 teaspoons salt

1 cup white rice or brown rice

1 tablespoon fresh cilantro

Instructions:

In a dutch oven or large soup pot, brown the ground beef, onion and minced garlic over medium high heat. Cook and crumble. Drain off any fat.

Add in the taco seasoning and mix together.

Add the beef stock, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes with juice, tomato purée, lime juice, salt and uncooked rice.

Bring this to a boil, then cover and simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender. Stir in freshly snipped cilantro.

Serve with cheese, sour cream, a lime wedge, cilantro and tortilla chips on the side.

Notes:

Customization: This soup is highly adaptable to personal preferences. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less taco seasoning or even adding additional chili powder or cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Protein Options: While ground beef is traditional in this recipe, you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter option.

Rice Varieties: Choose your preferred rice variety based on texture and taste. White rice cooks faster and has a softer texture, while brown rice offers more nutty flavor and additional nutrients.

Toppings: The toppings are where you can get creative! Consider adding avocado slices, diced red onions, or a dollop of Greek yogurt along with the suggested toppings like cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and tortilla chips.

Make-Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Broth Options: Feel free to use homemade beef stock or broth for a richer flavor, or opt for low-sodium versions if you’re watching your sodium intake. Vegetable broth can also be used for a vegetarian version of the soup.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a substitute for ground beef to make a lighter version of the soup.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or simply omit it altogether.

Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of beef stock for a vegetarian-friendly option.

Can I use canned corn instead of frozen corn?

Yes, canned corn can be used as a substitute for frozen corn in this recipe. Simply drain and rinse the canned corn before adding it to the soup.

How long can I store leftovers of this soup?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat before serving.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I omit the rice from the recipe?

Yes, you can omit the rice if desired.

However, keep in mind that it adds texture and heartiness to the soup.

What can I use instead of cilantro?

If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or green onions for a similar flavor profile.

Can I use homemade taco seasoning instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade taco seasoning can be used instead of store-bought.

Adjust the quantity to taste.

Is there a low-sodium alternative for the beef stock?

Yes, you can use low-sodium beef stock or broth to reduce the overall sodium content of the soup.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, this soup can be adapted for a slow cooker.

Brown the ground beef and onions beforehand, then transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.