Quick & Easy One-Pot Mexican Beef and Bean Soup: Your Go-To Weeknight Meal
Searching for a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together in a flash? Look no further than this incredibly satisfying one-pot Mexican beef and bean soup! Designed for busy weeknights, this recipe promises a delicious dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. And here’s a pro tip: if you’re savvy with your meal prep and keep cooked ground beef and sautéed onions stashed in your freezer, you can shave that time down to an astounding 15 minutes. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a lifeline for those hectic evenings when time is precious, but you still crave a wholesome, homemade meal.
The Secret to Speed: Smart Freezer Prep
The true magic behind this soup’s lightning-fast preparation lies in strategic freezer stocking. Imagine coming home after a long day and knowing that the hardest part of dinner is already done. By having pre-cooked ground beef and pre-sautéed onions ready in your freezer, you bypass the longest cooking steps, transforming a 30-minute meal into a mere 15-minute assembly. This method is a game-changer for meal planning and a cornerstone of efficient home cooking.
Maximize Your Time and Savings with Bulk Cooking
While convenience is key, so is smart budgeting. This recipe, and many others, can become even more economical if you embrace the power of bulk cooking. If you’re currently not utilizing our recommended method for cooking ground beef in large batches to stock your freezer, it’s time to consider the immense benefits. Think about it: cooking five pounds of ground beef all at once takes significantly less active time than cooking one pound five separate times throughout the week. This not only saves you precious minutes but also reduces your dishwashing load, frees up valuable freezer space (as cooked meat is more compact than raw), and streamlines your entire cooking process.
Combining this efficient cooking strategy with purchasing ground beef when it’s on sale can lead to substantial financial savings. Even if bulk cooking isn’t a regular part of your routine for every ingredient, focusing on staples like cooked ground beef and cooked chicken when they’re at their best price can result in major time and money savings over the long run. These simple habits create a foundation for a more organized, less stressful, and budget-friendly kitchen.
Choose Your Beans: Canned Convenience or Dried Savings?
Our recipe uses canned beans and tomatoes for ultimate convenience, allowing you to whip up this soup even faster. However, if you have a little extra time on your hands and are looking for a more cost-effective option, cooking dried beans from scratch is an excellent alternative. Not only will you save money compared to buying canned beans every time, but you’ll also end up with extra cooked beans to freeze for future meals, further enhancing your meal prep capabilities and overall savings. The choice is yours, depending on your schedule and financial goals.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Style Soup
- Unbeatable Flavor: This soup is bursting with the savory taste of beef, robust tomatoes, and hearty beans, all seasoned with a perfectly balanced taco seasoning mix.
- Effortless Preparation: Truly a one-pot wonder, minimizing cleanup and maximizing enjoyment.
- Highly Customizable: From mild to extra spicy, and with a variety of toppings, you can tailor this soup to everyone’s preference.
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with protein from the beef and fiber from the beans and vegetables, it’s a satisfying and wholesome meal.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that appeals to all ages, making dinner time a breeze.
Recipe
Quick & Easy Mexican Style Soup
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Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked ground beef
- ½ cup onion
- 3 cups water
- 32 ounces light kidney beans (undrained)
- 32 ounces diced stewed tomatoes (undrained)
- 16 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
Additional condiments as desired:
- avocado, peeled, pitted, and chopped
- shredded cheddar cheese
- sour cream
- tortilla chips
Instructions
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Finely chop ½ cup onion. This step can be done ahead of time and frozen for even quicker prep.
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In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, combine 1 pound cooked ground beef and the chopped onion. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is thoroughly reheated and the onion has softened. If starting with raw ground beef, brown it first, drain excess fat, then add the onion and cook until tender.
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Pour in 3 cups water, along with 32 ounces diced stewed tomatoes (undrained), 32 ounces light kidney beans (undrained), and 16 ounces tomato sauce. Stir in 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 10-15 minutes, or until the soup is heated through and the flavors have melded.
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Serve hot with your favorite toppings! Generously add shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh chopped avocado, and crunchy tortilla chips if desired. For those who enjoy a spicier kick, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a spoonful of your favorite salsa.
Notes
Please note that the nutritional information provided below is for the soup base only and does not include any additional toppings or condiments that you might choose to add. These optional extras will increase the calorie and nutrient counts.
Nutrition per serving
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Serving Suggestions & Customization Ideas
This Quick & Easy Mexican Style Soup is a fantastic meal on its own, but its versatility truly shines when you consider the many ways to serve and customize it. Here are some ideas to make it uniquely yours:
- Classic Toppings: As mentioned in the recipe, a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream, creamy chopped avocado, and crispy tortilla chips are always a hit. These additions provide a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
- Heat It Up: If you love a spicy kick, don’t hesitate to stir in some diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) or a splash of your favorite hot sauce or salsa. A pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes can also do the trick.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro is a must for an authentic Mexican flavor, but finely chopped green onions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley can also add a nice touch.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional value and texture by stirring in canned corn (drained), diced bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach during the last few minutes of simmering.
- Serve with Sides: While a complete meal, this soup pairs wonderfully with a side of warm cornbread, a simple green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette, or even a side of fluffy Mexican rice.
- Make it a Bowl Bar: Lay out a variety of toppings and let everyone customize their own bowl – perfect for entertaining or a fun family dinner!
Storing and Reheating Your Soup
One of the best things about this Mexican beef and bean soup is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prepping and enjoying leftovers. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this soup freezes exceptionally well. Divide cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little headspace, and freeze for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator (if possible) or use your microwave’s defrost setting. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. You might need to add a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage. Fresh toppings can be added just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
This quick and easy Mexican style soup is more than just a recipe; it’s an intelligent solution for modern busy lifestyles. By combining readily available ingredients with smart freezer prep, you can create a satisfying, flavor-packed meal that saves you time, money, and stress. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit any taste preference, making it a guaranteed family favorite. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try, and discover the joy of delicious, homemade food in minutes!