Santa Fe Soup

This Santa Fe Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or need a quick meal after a busy day, this soup delivers on flavor and comfort. Packed with ground beef, beans, and zesty seasonings, it’s a nutritious option that will warm your soul. Plus, it’s easy to prepare on the stove or in a slow cooker, making it versatile for your cooking style.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of ground beef, beans, and spices creates a rich and satisfying taste.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Make it on the stovetop or let it simmer in your slow cooker—either way, it’s delicious!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this filling soup, making it perfect for family dinners.
• Healthy Option: With plenty of protein from the beef and beans, this soup is as nutritious as it is tasty.

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Tools and Preparation

To make Santa Fe Soup efficiently, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for browning meat and simmering soups evenly.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop vegetables easily.
• Knife: A sharp knife helps speed up onion dicing and garlic mincing for quicker preparation.

Ingredients

This hearty soup recipe is filled with ground beef, beans, and seasoning. A delicious soup that is easy to make on either the stove or in a slow cooker.

For the Meat Base

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 10-ounce can Rotel

For the Beans

• 1 16-ounce can pinto beans, drained
• 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained
• 1 16-ounce can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can corn kernels, drained

Additional Flavoring

• 1 1-ounce pack taco seasoning
• 1 1-ounce pack ranch seasoning
• 2 cups beef broth

How to Make Santa Fe Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Place ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven. Brown the beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Once browned, drain off any excess grease.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Add diced onion to the pot. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic along with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Stir in taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, beef broth, Rotel tomatoes, pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans, and corn kernels. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

Enjoy your comforting bowl of Santa Fe Soup!

How to Serve Santa Fe Soup

Serving Santa Fe Soup can be a delightful experience, and there are many ways to elevate this hearty dish. Consider these creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

• Chopped Cilantro: Adds a fresh, vibrant flavor that complements the soup’s spices.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream creates a creamy contrast and balances the heat.
• Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for extra richness.

Pair with Bread

• Cornbread: The sweet, crumbly texture of cornbread pairs perfectly with the savory soup.
• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is great for dipping and adds an aromatic punch.

Serve with Avocado

• Sliced Avocado: Fresh avocado slices provide creaminess and healthy fats that enhance the soup’s taste.
• Guacamole: Serve a scoop of guacamole on top for added flavor and texture.

How to Perfect Santa Fe Soup

To make sure your Santa Fe Soup is always a hit, follow these handy tips. They’ll help you achieve the best flavor and texture every time.

• Choose Quality Beef: Using lean ground beef will keep the soup flavorful without excess grease.
• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh taco and ranch seasoning will enhance the flavor profile significantly.
• Add Extra Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrients and taste.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of taco seasoning based on your spice preference for a milder or spicier soup.
• Cook Slowly: Letting it simmer longer allows flavors to meld beautifully, especially if using a slow cooker.

Best Side Dishes for Santa Fe Soup

Complement your delicious bowl of Santa Fe Soup with these fantastic side dishes. Each option pairs well and enhances your dining experience.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes a perfect addition to soak up the soup.
2. Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips add texture; consider serving them with salsa on the side.
3. Caesar Salad: A crisp salad provides freshness that balances the hearty nature of the soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice and meat make for a tasty accompaniment.
5. Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas can be dipped into the soup for extra flavor and enjoyment.
6. Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa adds brightness and acidity, enhancing every spoonful of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Santa Fe Soup can be quite simple, but there are a few common errors that can lead to disappointing results.

• seasoning choices: Not using enough seasoning can make your soup bland. Always taste and adjust the spices as needed.
• meat cooking: Overcooking the ground beef can make it tough. Brown it just until it’s no longer pink for a tender texture.
• ingredient prep: Skipping the draining of canned beans and corn can lead to a watery soup. Always drain these ingredients to maintain the right consistency.
• simmering time: Cooking the soup too briefly may not allow flavors to meld. Aim for at least 30 minutes on low heat for optimal taste.
• ingredient variations: Ignoring possible substitutions can limit creativity. Feel free to swap beans or add vegetables based on your preference.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Use within 3-4 days for best freshness.

Freezing Santa Fe Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Santa Fe Soup

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering with a lid or wrap. Heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until steaming hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Santa Fe Soup.

What is Santa Fe Soup?

Santa Fe Soup is a hearty dish made with ground beef, beans, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for any occasion.

Can I make Santa Fe Soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or extra beans for added protein.

How spicy is Santa Fe Soup?

The spice level can vary depending on the type of Rotel used. For milder soup, choose the original flavor without added heat.

What can I serve with Santa Fe Soup?

Pair it with cornbread or tortilla chips for a delightful meal experience.

Final Thoughts

Santa Fe Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Give this delicious recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!