Mexican Beef and Rice Soup: A Warm and Comforting Delight

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

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Imagine curling up with a bowl of hearty, flavorful soup on a chilly evening. It’s rich, filling, and packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavors that dance on your taste buds. That’s what Mexican Beef and Rice Soup offers—a perfect balance of warmth, spice, and comfort. Whether you’re making a quick dinner for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this soup will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love Mexican Beef and Rice Soup

This soup combines the best of both worlds: the heartiness of a classic beef stew and the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. The tender ground beef, wholesome rice, and zesty seasonings come together in a flavorful broth that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Plus, it’s customizable—you can add your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup Base

IngredientQuantity
Ground beef2 pounds
White onion (chopped)1/3 cup
Minced garlic1 teaspoon
Taco seasoning3 tablespoons
Beef stock or broth2 quarts
Frozen corn2 cups
Black beans (rinsed, drained)15.5 ounces (1 can)
Petite diced tomatoes14.5 ounces (1 can)
Tomato purée1 cup
Lime juice2 teaspoons
Salt2 teaspoons
White or brown rice1 cup

For Garnishes (Optional but Recommended)

  • Fresh cilantro (1 tablespoon, snipped)
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Lime wedges
  • Tortilla chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

Start by heating a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook and crumble the beef until it’s browned and the onion is softened, about 7–10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat to prevent a greasy soup.

2. Season the Meat

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef and mix well. This step ensures the beef is evenly coated with bold, zesty flavors.

3. Add the Broth and Vegetables

Pour in the beef stock or broth, followed by the frozen corn, black beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), and tomato purée. Stir everything together to combine.

4. Incorporate the Lime Juice and Rice

Add the lime juice and salt, then stir in the uncooked rice. The lime juice brightens up the flavors, while the rice provides a hearty texture.

5. Simmer Until Perfect

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.

6. Add Fresh Cilantro

Once the soup is done cooking, stir in freshly snipped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Mexican Beef and Rice Soup hot, with a variety of garnishes on the side. Here are some ideas to elevate your soup:

  • Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top.
  • Sour Cream: Add a dollop of sour cream for a creamy contrast.
  • Tortilla Chips: Crush tortilla chips over the soup for a delightful crunch.
  • Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice for an extra zing.
  • Cilantro: Garnish with additional cilantro for a fresh, herbaceous touch.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Simple Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy—just pantry staples and a few fresh items to create a delicious, satisfying meal.

2. Balanced Flavors

The combination of taco seasoning, lime juice, and cilantro ensures a well-rounded, vibrant flavor profile.

3. Hearty and Filling

With protein-packed beef, rice, and beans, this soup is as filling as it is flavorful.

4. Easy to Customize

You can easily adjust the spice level, switch up the toppings, or use different types of rice to suit your preferences.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

NutrientAmount
Calories350
Total Fat15g
Saturated Fat6g
Cholesterol65mg
Sodium780mg
Total Carbohydrates30g
Dietary Fiber5g
Protein25g

Tips for Making the Best Mexican Beef and Rice Soup

  1. Choose Your Rice Wisely: White rice cooks faster, while brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Don’t Skip the Lime Juice: It might seem like a small addition, but the acidity cuts through the richness and elevates the dish.
  3. Freeze for Later: This soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, transfer it to an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months.
  4. Add Heat if Desired: If you like your soup spicy, toss in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

FAQs About Mexican Beef and Rice Soup

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you want a leaner option. Just be sure to season it well.

2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with all other ingredients. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

3. What other beans can I use?

If you don’t have black beans, you can substitute with kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas.

4. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Definitely. Replace the beef with a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or lentils, and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock.

5. How can I thicken the soup?

For a thicker consistency, let the soup simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. You can also mash some of the beans to naturally thicken the broth.

6. How long does this soup last in the fridge?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Conclusion

The Mexican Beef and Rice Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting bowl of flavor that brings everyone together. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or enjoying it solo with your favorite toppings, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

So why wait? Grab your ingredients, fire up your stove, and treat yourself to the cozy, delicious flavors of this hearty soup today!

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Mexican Beef and Rice Soup: A Warm and Comforting Delight


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  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Curl up with a bowl of this hearty, flavorful Mexican Beef and Rice Soup on a chilly evening! Packed with tender ground beef, wholesome rice, zesty seasonings, and a flavorful broth, this soup is the perfect balance of comfort and spice. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that the whole family will love, and you can even customize it with your favorite toppings!


Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

  • 2 pounds Ground Beef
  • 1/3 cup White Onion (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic
  • 3 tablespoons Taco Seasoning
  • 2 quarts Beef Stock or Broth
  • 2 cups Frozen Corn
  • 1 can (15.5 ounces) Black Beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) Petite Diced Tomatoes
  • 1 cup Tomato Purée
  • 2 teaspoons Lime Juice
  • 2 teaspoons Salt
  • 1 cup White or Brown Rice

For Garnishes (Optional but Recommended):

  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Cilantro (snipped)
  • Shredded Cheese
  • Sour Cream
  • Lime Wedges
  • Tortilla Chips

Instructions

  • Brown the Beef
    Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the beef as it cooks, for about 7–10 minutes, until browned and the onion is softened. Drain off any excess fat.
  • Season the Meat
    Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and mix well to coat the meat with the seasoning.
  • Add the Broth and Vegetables
    Pour in the beef stock, then add the frozen corn, black beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), and tomato purée. Stir everything together.
  • Incorporate Lime Juice and Rice
    Add lime juice and salt, then stir in the uncooked rice. Stir to combine.
  • Simmer Until Perfect
    Bring the soup to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until the rice is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking.
  • Add Fresh Cilantro
    Stir in the freshly snipped cilantro for an added burst of flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Notes

  • Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find pantry staples and fresh ingredients come together for a delicious meal.
  • Balanced Flavors: Taco seasoning, lime juice, and cilantro create a vibrant, well-rounded taste.
  • Hearty and Filling: Packed with beef, beans, rice, and veggies, this soup will keep you full and satisfied.
  • Easy to Customize: Adjust the spice level or toppings to fit your preferences.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

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