New Mexico Sopita With Cheese
New Mexico Sopita is a hearty and comforting dish that embodies the flavors of Southwestern cuisine. Made with simple ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and a spicy tomato sauce, this recipe is both easy to prepare and satisfying. The pasta is toasted before simmering in a flavorful broth, ensuring it retains a pleasant texture and absorbs the robust flavors of the sauce.
Finished with cubes of cheese for a delightful cheesy surprise in every bite, New Mexico Sopita offers a delicious taste of home-cooked comfort that’s perfect for any mealtime.
New Mexico Sopita
Ingredients:
black pepper
Parmesan
ground beef
garlic
salt
pepper
pasta
one yellow can of El Pato spicy tomato sauce
3 cups hot water
3 tablespoons of Knorr caldo de tomate
cubes of cheese
Instructions:
Brown ground beef and add spices you like (garlic salt and pepper for me)
Add your pasta and toast, I use up my odds and ends clearing out the pantry.
I add one yellow can of El Pato spicy tomato sauce, and three cups hot water with 3 tablespoons of Knorr caldo de tomate.
Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
I love to drop in little cubes of cheese for delicious random cheese bombs in our bowls.
Easy, affordable and filling…a true NM comfort meal.
Notes:
Ingredients: This recipe uses basic pantry staples like ground beef, garlic, pasta, and a can of El Pato spicy tomato sauce, which gives it a distinctive Southwestern flavor.
Flavorful Spices: The dish is seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper, enhancing the savory profile of the ground beef and pasta.
Toasting the Pasta: Toasting the pasta before adding the liquid helps develop its flavor and ensures it maintains a firm texture when cooked in the sauce, preventing it from becoming mushy.
Broth Preparation: The broth is made by combining hot water with Knorr caldo de tomate, a tomato-based bouillon, which adds depth and richness to the dish.
Simmering: After bringing to a boil, the mixture is simmered for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the pasta to cook through.
Cheese Addition: Cubes of cheese are added towards the end, creating pockets of melted cheese throughout the dish, adding richness and a creamy texture.
Affordable and Easy: This recipe emphasizes simplicity and affordability, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
Comfort Food: New Mexico Sopita is described as a comforting meal, showcasing the warm and hearty flavors typical of New Mexican cuisine.
Customizable: The recipe allows for flexibility in spice levels and cheese choice, accommodating personal preferences and available ingredients.
Overall: New Mexico Sopita offers a flavorful and satisfying meal option that’s easy to prepare, making it a favorite for those seeking a taste of home-cooked comfort with a Southwestern twist.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 350 | Protein: 15-20 grams | Carbohydrates: 40 grams | Fat: 15 grams | Sodium: 800 milligrams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat if you prefer a different protein source.
What is “El Pato” spicy tomato sauce, and where can I find it?
El Pato is a brand of spicy tomato sauce often used in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine.
You can typically find it in the Hispanic or international section of your local grocery store.
If unavailable, you can use another spicy tomato sauce or a combination of tomato sauce and hot sauce to achieve a similar flavor.
Is Knorr caldo de tomate necessary, and what can I use as a substitute?
Knorr caldo de tomate is a tomato bouillon seasoning.
While it adds a distinctive flavor to the dish, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth powder or cubes.
Adjust the quantity to your taste.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version by using plant-based ground meat, vegetable broth, and vegan cheese alternatives.
Ensure that the pasta and seasonings you use are also suitable for your dietary preferences.
What type of pasta works best for New Mexico Sopita?
The choice of pasta is flexible, but smaller pasta shapes like elbows, shells, or small penne work well.
Using small pasta allows it to cook evenly in the soup and absorb the flavors effectively.
You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed.
What is Knorr caldo de tomate, and can I substitute it with something else?
Knorr caldo de tomate is a tomato bouillon seasoning.
If you don’t have it, you can substitute it with regular tomato bouillon cubes or powder or use vegetable or chicken broth cubes or powder for added flavor.
What type of pasta should I use for this recipe, and can I use gluten-free pasta?
You can use your favorite pasta for this recipe. Smaller pasta shapes like elbows, shells, or small penne work well.
If you prefer or require gluten-free options, there are various gluten-free pasta choices available that you can use.
Is “El Pato” spicy tomato sauce very spicy, and can I adjust the spiciness level?
“El Pato” spicy tomato sauce is known for its spiciness.
To adjust the spiciness level, you can use less of it or combine it with regular tomato sauce to mellow the heat while maintaining the flavor.
Adjust the amount to your preference.
What type of cheese cubes work best in this soup?
You can use a variety of cheese cubes depending on your taste.
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend can be delicious options.
Cube the cheese into small pieces so they can melt evenly in the soup.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan-friendly?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version of this soup.
Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat, use vegetable broth instead of beef stock, and opt for dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Make sure all the ingredients you use align with your dietary preferences.