Imagine a hearty, flavor-packed soup that combines the bold southwestern spices with the comfort of a classic beef soup - and can be prepared in advance! This Southwestern Hamburger Soup is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero. Perfect for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone craving a delicious, satisfying meal that's ready in under an hour, this recipe will transform your dinner routine and have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Drain the kidney beans and corn, and set them aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Once the beef is browned, stir in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), drained kidney beans, drained corn, and beef broth. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the soup.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- After 30 minutes, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if desired.
- Once done, remove the pot from heat. Let the soup cool slightly before serving or packaging for freezer meals.
- If you are making freezer meals, portion the soup into airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Label each container with the date and contents.
- To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and then heat it in a pot over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl until hot.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use fresh spices and consider toasting your cumin and chili powder in the pot for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients to enhance their depth.
- Choose a lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15) to reduce excess fat while maintaining great flavor.
- If you want to make this soup even more nutritious, consider adding diced bell peppers or a handful of chopped spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- When preparing freezer meals, use high-quality freezer bags or containers that are specifically designed for freezing to prevent freezer burn.
- For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño with the onions or include a pinch of cayenne pepper when seasoning.
- This soup pairs wonderfully with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg
