Mexican Beef and Rice Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender ground beef, aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and rice in a savory broth. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly evenings, offering a rich and satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with bold Mexican flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or alongside warm tortillas, this soup is sure to please the entire family.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon. Remove any excess grease, if necessary.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot with the cooked beef. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Add Spices and Tomato Paste
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavors. Add the tomato paste and stir until evenly combined.
Step 4: Incorporate Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Add Beans, Corn, and Rice
Stir in the black beans, frozen corn, and cooked rice. Simmer for an additional 5–7 minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 6: Finish with Lime Juice
Remove the soup from heat and stir in the lime juice for a bright, zesty finish. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, or sour cream, if desired.
Variations
- Turkey or Chicken Option: Substitute ground turkey or shredded chicken for the ground beef for a leaner version.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Omit the beef and use vegetable broth, adding more beans or diced zucchini for protein and texture.
- Spice Adjustment: For a milder soup, reduce the chili powder and omit the cayenne pepper. For more heat, add diced jalapeños or extra cayenne.
Cooking Notes
- If using uncooked rice, add 1/2 cup directly to the soup along with an extra cup of broth. Simmer until the rice is tender.
- Fresh vegetables, such as diced tomatoes and corn cut off the cob, can be used instead of canned for a fresher taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm flour or corn tortillas for dipping.
- Top with shredded cheese, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips
- Brown the beef thoroughly for a deeper flavor base.
- For a thicker soup, add less broth or simmer longer to reduce the liquid.
- Use pre-cooked or leftover rice to save time.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 15g
FAQs
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef first, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients (except cooked rice and lime juice). Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Stir in the rice and lime juice before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Cool it completely before transferring to airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
Q: How can I make this soup dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free unless topped with cheese or sour cream. Simply skip those toppings or use dairy-free alternatives.
Conclusion
Mexican Beef and Rice Soup is a comforting, delicious dish packed with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Its versatility makes it suitable for meal prep, family dinners, or casual gatherings. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with an array of toppings, this soup will warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds. Try it today for a meal that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine straight to your table!