Indulge in the rich and satisfying flavours of Beef Tortilla Soup, a hearty Mexican-inspired dish that’s perfect for warming up chilly evenings. This comforting soup brings together tender, succulent beef, vibrant vegetables, and a medley of aromatic spices, all simmered to perfection in a savoury broth. Topped with crispy tortilla strips, creamy avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese, each spoonful offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Whether you’re seeking a soul-soothing dinner or an impressive crowd-pleaser, this recipe promises a bowlful of pure comfort and culinary delight. Let’s embark on this culinary journey and savour the essence of Mexican cuisine right at your own table.
What’s in this Beef Tortilla Soup recipe?
- Beef: Tender cuts of beef, such as sirloin or stewing beef, are used to bring a rich and hearty flavour to the soup.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatic staples provide a fragrant base for the soup, adding depth of flavour.
- Bell Peppers: Colourful bell peppers contribute both sweetness and vibrant colour to the soup.
- Tomatoes: Fresh or canned tomatoes are used to create the robust tomato base that forms the heart of the soup.
- Chilli Peppers: Depending on your preference for heat, you can include mild or spicy chilli peppers to add a kick to the soup.
- Spices (Cumin, Paprika, Chili Powder): This blend of spices imparts a distinctive Mexican flavour profile to the soup, with earthy, smoky, and spicy notes.
- Beef Broth: A savoury beef broth serves as the foundation of the soup, providing a rich and flavourful liquid base.
- Corn: Sweetcorn kernels add a natural sweetness and a pleasing texture to the soup.
- Black Beans: These protein-packed legumes add heartiness and a delightful contrast in texture.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brings a zesty brightness to balance the flavours of the soup.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves provide a burst of fresh herbaceousness, enhancing the overall taste.
- Tortilla Strips: These crispy strips of tortillas are a signature element of the dish, offering a satisfying crunch.
- Avocado: Creamy avocado slices add a luscious creaminess and a touch of richness to the soup.
- Cheese (Optional): Grated cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, can be added for a melty, indulgent finish.
How To Make This Recipe
Ingredients:
- 500g beef (sirloin or stewing beef), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers (any colour), chopped
- 400g tomatoes (canned or fresh), diced
- 2 chilli peppers (adjust to taste), finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chilli powder (adjust to taste)
- 1.5 litres beef broth
- 150g sweetcorn kernels
- 400g canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla strips (for garnish)
- Avocado slices (for garnish)
- Grated cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Sear the Beef: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil, then sear the beef pieces until they’re browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they’re soft and fragrant.
- Add Peppers and Chillies: Add the chopped bell peppers and chilli peppers. Continue to cook for a few minutes until the peppers start to soften.
- Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, and chilli powder. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and cook for another few minutes.
- Return Beef: Return the seared beef to the pot, along with any accumulated juices.
- Pour in Beef Broth: Pour in the beef broth, ensuring that it covers all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer, uncovered, for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Add Sweetcorn and Black Beans: Stir in the sweetcorn and black beans. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
- Season and Add Lime Juice: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Squeeze in the lime juice for a bright, zesty flavour.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with chopped fresh cilantro, tortilla strips, avocado slices, and grated cheese (if desired).
- Serve Warm: Serve the Beef Tortilla Soup while it’s still hot and enjoy the delicious, comforting flavours.
Tips Of Recipe
- Choose Quality Beef: Opt for a good-quality cut of beef like sirloin or stewing beef. This will ensure tender and flavourful meat in your soup.
- Searing for Flavour: Searing the beef before simmering adds depth and richness to the soup. Don’t rush this step; allow the meat to brown properly.
- Adjust Heat Level: Tailor the spiciness of the soup to your preference by varying the amount of chilli peppers or chilli powder used.
- Balancing Flavours: Taste and adjust the seasoning as you go along. This helps to achieve a well-balanced and flavourful broth.
- Simmer for Tender Beef: A long, slow simmer allows the beef to become tender and infuses the soup with its flavour. Patience is key!
- Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables according to your preference. Corn, zucchini, or even spinach can be great additions.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavour. It adds a bright, citrusy element that lifts the overall taste.
- Garnish Creatively: Have fun with garnishes! The combination of tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, and cheese adds a delightful texture and visual appeal.
- Make it Ahead: Soups often taste even better the next day. You can make it in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
- Store Wisely: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Avoid Freezing with Cream: If your recipe includes cream or dairy, consider adding it fresh when you reheat the soup. Cream-based soups can sometimes separate or become grainy when frozen.
- Serve with a Side: Consider serving the soup with warm crusty bread or tortillas for a complete and satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use a different type of meat, like chicken, in this recipe? A1: Absolutely! You can substitute beef with chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Q2: How can I make this soup spicier? A2: To increase the heat, add more chilli peppers or adjust the amount of chilli powder to your taste.
Q3: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh? A3: Yes, canned tomatoes work perfectly in this recipe. Just use roughly 400 grams of canned tomatoes and be sure to include the juice.
Q4: What are some creative garnish ideas? A4: Aside from the classic tortilla strips, avocado slices, and cilantro, you can also consider adding a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of grated cheese, or a squeeze of extra lime juice for added flavour.
Q5: Can I make this soup in advance? A5: Yes, this soup actually tends to develop even more flavour if made a day in advance. Simply reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
Q6: How do I store leftovers? A6: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Q7: Can I freeze Beef Tortilla Soup? A7: While it’s possible to freeze, it’s best to do so without the garnishes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Q8: What’s the best way to reheat the soup? A8: For best results, gently reheat the soup on the stove over low heat. If it’s too thick, you can add a little extra broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Q9: Can I make this soup vegetarian? A9: Absolutely! You can omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead for a delicious vegetarian version.
Q10: Are there any gluten-free alternatives for the tortilla strips? A10: You can use gluten-free corn tortillas to make the strips, or consider using corn tortilla chips instead.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Tortilla Chips or Strips: Serve with extra crispy tortilla chips or strips on the side. They add a delightful crunch to each spoonful.
- Lime Wedges: Provide lime wedges for a zesty squeeze over the soup. This adds a fresh, citrusy kick.
- Avocado Slices: Offer extra avocado slices for those who want to add more creaminess and richness to their bowl.
- Grated Cheese: Set out bowls of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend. Allow guests to sprinkle it over their soup for extra indulgence.
- Fresh Cilantro Leaves: Provide a small bowl of freshly chopped cilantro leaves. It adds a burst of fresh herbaceousness to each serving.
- Sour Cream or Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt can be a creamy and cooling contrast to the spiciness of the soup.
- Chopped Spring Onions: Offer a sprinkle of chopped spring onions for a mild, oniony flavour and a pop of colour.
- Diced Tomatoes: Freshly diced tomatoes can be a juicy and refreshing addition to the soup.
- Salsa or Pico de Gallo: A small bowl of homemade salsa or pico de gallo can be served on the side for those who want an extra kick of flavour.
- Jalapeño Slices: For those who love extra heat, provide sliced jalapeños to add a spicy kick.
- Crumbled Queso Fresco or Feta Cheese: Offer a crumbly cheese like queso fresco or feta for a tangy, salty element.
- Warm Tortillas or Bread: Serve warm tortillas or crusty bread on the side. They’re great for soaking up the delicious broth.
How to Store
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container. Seal the container well to prevent any air from getting in. Place it in the refrigerator.
- Label and Date: It’s a good practice to label the container with the contents and date. This helps you keep track of how long it’s been stored.
- Use Within 3-4 Days: Beef Tortilla Soup can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Beyond this period, its quality may start to deteriorate.
- Avoid Freezing with Cream: If your recipe includes cream or dairy, consider adding it fresh when you reheat the soup. Cream-based soups can sometimes separate or become grainy when frozen.
If you need to freeze it:
- Cool Completely: Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing. This prevents condensation inside the container.
- Portion Out: If you won’t be using the entire batch at once, consider portioning it out before freezing. This way, you can thaw only what you need.
- Airtight Freezer Containers: Use airtight, freezer-safe containers. Glass or heavy-duty plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work well.
- Leave Some Headroom: Leave a bit of space at the top of the container to allow for expansion as the soup freezes.
- Label with Date: Clearly label the container with the contents and date. This helps you keep track of how long it’s been stored.
- Use Within 3 Months: Beef Tortilla Soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Beyond this period, it may start to lose quality.
- Thawing: To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly. This helps maintain the texture and flavour of the soup.
How to Freeze
- Cool Completely: Allow the soup to cool down completely before freezing. This helps prevent condensation inside the container.
- Portion Out (Optional): If you won’t be using the entire batch at once, consider portioning it out before freezing. This way, you can thaw only what you need, reducing the need to re-freeze leftovers.
- Choose Freezer-Safe Containers: Use airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty resealable plastic bags. Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work well.
- Leave Headroom: Leave a bit of space at the top of the container to allow for expansion as the soup freezes. This prevents the container from cracking.
- Seal Well: Ensure that the container is sealed tightly to prevent any air from getting in. If using a bag, press out as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label with Date and Contents: Clearly label the container with the contents (Beef Tortilla Soup) and date. This helps you keep track of how long it’s been stored.
- Lay Flat (for Bags): If using a resealable bag, try to lay it flat in the freezer. This helps the soup freeze in a thinner layer, which can make it easier to thaw later.
- Store Properly: Place the container in a part of the freezer where it won’t be disturbed. Try to avoid placing it directly against the freezer wall, as this can cause uneven freezing.
- Use Within 3 Months: Beef Tortilla Soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Beyond this period, it may start to lose quality.
- Thawing: To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly. This helps maintain the texture and flavour of the soup.
