Mexican Beef and Rice Soup

Mexican Beef and Rice Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico right to your table. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a cold day or a dish to impress your friends and family. With its rich ingredients and bold spices, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe takes just 45 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich in Flavor: The combination of spices, fresh vegetables, and beef creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile.
• Versatile Serving Options: Customize your soup with various toppings like cheese, avocado, and tortilla strips for added texture and taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making this delightful Mexican Beef and Rice Soup, gather the essential tools that will help simplify the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cooking spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for browning the beef and simmering the soup evenly.
• Cooking spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients without damaging your pot.
• Knife and cutting board: Necessary for efficiently chopping vegetables, ensuring even cooking.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 bell pepper (diced (any color))
• 1 jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped (optional for extra heat))
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 can (14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water

For the Additions

• 1/2 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 can (15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup frozen corn

For Garnishing

• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Sliced avocado
• Tortilla strips or chips
• Extra lime wedges

How to Make Mexican Beef and Rice Soup

Step 1: Cook the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using) to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Season and Add Tomatoes

Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices. Then add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the pot and stir to combine.

Step 4: Add Broth and Rice

Pour in the beef broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the rice, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until rice is tender.

Step 5: Add Beans and Corn

Stir in the black beans and frozen corn. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through.

Step 6: Season and Finish

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle soup into bowls. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, tortilla strips or chips, and extra lime wedges as desired. Enjoy your delicious Mexican Beef and Rice Soup!

How to Serve Mexican Beef and Rice Soup

Serving Mexican Beef and Rice Soup can turn a simple meal into a festive occasion. With the right toppings and accompaniments, you can enhance the flavor and presentation of this hearty dish.

Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top for a creamy texture that melts beautifully.
• Sour Cream: Add a dollop of sour cream for richness and to balance the spices in the soup.
• Sliced Avocado: Fresh avocado slices add creaminess and a healthy touch to each bowl.
• Tortilla Strips or Chips: Crunchy tortilla strips or chips provide a delightful contrast to the broth.
• Chopped Cilantro: Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

Extra Lime Wedges

• Lime Wedges: Serve extra lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the soup’s flavors.

How to Perfect Mexican Beef and Rice Soup

To make your Mexican Beef and Rice Soup truly outstanding, consider these helpful tips. These pointers will ensure that every bowl is packed with flavor and texture.

• Bold Spices: Use fresh spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika for maximum flavor impact.
• Quality Broth: Opt for a high-quality beef broth; homemade or low-sodium options work best for richer taste.
• Proper Simmering: Allow your soup to simmer long enough for the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Rice Cooking Tip: If you prefer firmer rice, consider adding it later in the cooking process to prevent overcooking.
• Taste as You Go: Regularly taste your soup while cooking; adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.
• Customize Texture: For a thicker soup, mash some beans against the pot’s side before adding them; this adds creaminess.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Beef and Rice Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Mexican Beef and Rice Soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement its flavors well.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing salad featuring corn, lime, cilantro, and cheese—perfect for balancing the soup’s heartiness.
2. Guacamole with Tortilla Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crispy tortilla chips makes for an irresistible appetizer.
3. Spanish Rice: Fluffy Spanish rice flavored with tomato sauce offers a delicious side that pairs well with any soup.
4. Cheesy Quesadillas: Warm quesadillas filled with cheese (and optional veggies) provide both comfort and flavor alongside the soup.
5. Jicama Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from jicama, carrots, and lime adds freshness to each bite of soup.
6. Black Bean Salad: A zesty salad featuring black beans, corn, tomatoes, onion, and lime dressing complements the flavors in your soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mexican Beef and Rice Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Boldly skip the browning step: Failing to properly brown the beef can lead to a less flavorful soup. Always cook the beef until it’s browned for depth of flavor.
• Boldly ignore the spices: Forgetting to toast your spices will diminish their flavor. Always sauté them briefly before adding other ingredients.
• Boldly rush the simmering: Not allowing enough time for the rice to cook will result in undercooked grains. Let it simmer until tender for the best texture.
• Boldly overlook seasoning adjustments: Neglecting to taste and adjust seasoning can leave your soup bland. Always sample and season as needed before serving.
• Boldly skimp on toppings: Skipping out on toppings can lessen the enjoyment of your soup. Use shredded cheese, avocado, and cilantro for added flavor and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Mexican Beef and Rice Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container.
• Keep for up to 3 months; label with date for reference.

Reheating Mexican Beef and Rice Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Mexican Beef and Rice Soup:

What is Mexican Beef and Rice Soup?

Mexican Beef and Rice Soup is a hearty dish featuring ground beef, rice, beans, and vibrant spices that create a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option while still maintaining great flavor in your Mexican Beef and Rice Soup.

How can I make this soup spicier?

For added heat, include more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking. Adjust according to your spice preference.

Can I add vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding vegetables such as zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition in your Mexican Beef and Rice Soup.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This soup stores well in the refrigerator or freezer, making it an excellent choice for meal prep throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Beef and Rice Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or additional vegetables. Whether you enjoy it on a chilly day or serve it at gatherings, this comforting dish is sure to impress. Give it a try!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Mexican Beef and Rice Soup

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Savor the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this hearty Mexican Beef and Rice Soup. This dish combines tender ground beef, aromatic spices, and wholesome ingredients to create a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. In just under an hour, you can prepare a delicious one-pot recipe that is sure to please your family and friends. Customize your bowl with fresh toppings like avocado, cheese, and cilantro for added texture and flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 bell pepper (diced)
• 1 jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped, optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup frozen corn
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Sliced avocado
• Tortilla strips or chips
• Extra lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks; drain excess fat.
2. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté for 5 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic for another 1-2 minutes.
3. Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano; cook for 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes with juice.
4. Pour in beef broth and water; bring to a boil. Stir in rice, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender.
5. Mix in black beans and frozen corn; simmer for 5 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste; finish with lime juice and cilantro.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg