Santa Fe Soup: The Ultimate Hearty and Healthy Delight
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion in Every Bite: Santa Fe Soup combines vibrant spices, hearty beans, and savory ground beef to create a symphony of flavors that will excite your taste buds.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and low in carbs, this soup is a wholesome choice for any meal, supporting your health goals without sacrificing taste.
- Quick & Easy to Make: With just a 5-minute prep and 35-minute cook time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal in a hurry.
- Versatile & Customizable: Whether you like it spicy, mild, or topped with your favorite garnishes, Santa Fe Soup is adaptable to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
Introduction: Make Your Taste Buds Dance with Santa Fe Soup!
Imagine a bowl of warm, hearty soup that’s bursting with bold flavors, vibrant colors, and wholesome ingredients. That’s exactly what Santa Fe Soup offers! This delightful dish is like a fiesta in a bowl—combining the smoky heat of spices, the richness of beans, and the savory goodness of ground beef. Whether you’re craving comfort food or a nutritious meal that hits all the right notes, Santa Fe Soup is your new go-to. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up that even kitchen novices will feel like culinary rock stars. So, grab your ingredients, turn up the heat, and let’s dive into the delicious world of Santa Fe Soup!
Ingredients with Measurements
- 1 pound ground beef (450g)
- 1 cup diced onion (150g)
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 10 oz can Rotel (280g)
- 16 oz can pinto beans, drained (450g)
- 15 oz can black beans, drained (425g)
- 16 oz can kidney beans, drained (450g)
- 1 can corn kernels, drained (15 oz)
- 1 oz taco seasoning (28g)
- 1 oz ranch seasoning (28g)
- 2 cups beef broth (480ml)
Step-by-Step Directions to Make Santa Fe Soup
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat to keep the soup light and healthy.
- Sauté the Onion: Add the diced onion to the pot with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, adding a layer of sweetness to the soup.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the garlic releases its aroma, infusing the soup with flavor.
- Mix in Spices and Broth: Add the taco seasoning and ranch seasoning to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
- Add the Vegetables and Beans: Stir in the Rotel, pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans, and corn. Mix everything thoroughly so the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the soup simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to deepen.
- Serve Hot: Once ready, ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy the hearty, spicy goodness!
Creative Ways to Present and Serve Santa Fe Soup
- Classic Bowl: Serve the soup in deep bowls topped with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a traditional touch.
- With Cornbread or Tortilla Chips: Pair your soup with warm cornbread or crispy tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
- Garnished with Fresh Avocado: Top with sliced avocado or guacamole for a creamy contrast to the spicy broth.
- As a Topping for Rice or Quinoa: Spoon the soup over cooked rice or quinoa for a filling, grain-based meal.
- Spicy or Mild: Adjust the heat by adding hot sauce or jalapeños for spice lovers, or keep it mild for sensitive palates.
How to Store and How Long It Lasts
Santa Fe Soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until hot, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The flavors often deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious!
FAQs About Santa Fe Soup
- 1. Can I make Santa Fe Soup vegetarian?
- Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or additional beans for a vegetarian version.
- 2. Is Santa Fe Soup spicy?
- The soup has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the Rotel and taco seasoning. Adjust the heat by adding hot sauce or jalapeños if desired.
- 3. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
- Yes! Use fresh diced tomatoes and corn kernels if available. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure everything is tender.
- 4. Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
- Definitely! It keeps well in the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for meal prepping.
- 5. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
- Yes! Brown the beef and sauté onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- 6. What are some good toppings for Santa Fe Soup?
- Try shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, avocado, or a squeeze of lime for added flavor.
- 7. Can I add other vegetables?
- Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
- 8. Is Santa Fe Soup gluten-free?
- Yes, as long as the seasonings and broth are gluten-free, this soup is naturally gluten-free.
- 9. How can I make this soup spicier?
- Add chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or increase the amount of Rotel and taco seasoning for more heat.
- 10. Can I use fresh herbs instead of seasonings?
- Fresh cilantro, cumin, or chili powder can be used to enhance the flavor profile if you prefer fresh herbs.
Enjoy your culinary adventure with Santa Fe Soup—your new favorite for hearty, healthy, and flavorful meals that bring a fiesta to your table every time!
Santa Fe Soup 🌶️
A hearty, flavorful, and healthy soup bursting with vibrant spices and beans.
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients
Ground Beef
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced onion 150g
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
Canned Goods
- 10 oz Rotel 280g
- 16 oz pinto beans drained
- 15 oz black beans drained
- 16 oz kidney beans drained
- 15 oz can corn kernels drained
- 1 oz taco seasoning 28g
- 1 oz ranch seasoning 28g
Broth
- 2 cups beef broth 480ml
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, salt, and pepper; cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Mix in taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, beef broth, Rotel, beans, and corn.
- Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Notes
Feel free to adjust seasonings and ingredients to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!