This Santa Fe soup with ground beef gives you a hearty weeknight meal loaded with warm chili spices and bold vegetables. You’ll sauté onions, peppers, and garlic, brown the beef, then stir in chili powder, cumin, and paprika before adding tomatoes, corn, beans, and stock. Simmer until flavors meld and finish with lime and cilantro for a bright finish. Serve hot with toppings like avocado or cheese, and you’ll soon master a comforting, crowd-pleasing bowl—more details await.
Ingredients and Quantity
A typical Santa Fe soup starts with a flavorful base of onions, garlic, and peppers, totaling about 2 cups of sautéed aromatics. For Ingredients and Quantity, you grab ground beef, 1 pound, and a mix of vegetable choices—bell peppers, corn, tomatoes, and a handful of spinach or diced zucchini. Add spices: 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Use 4 cups beef stock and 1 cup water to balance richness. Include 1 cup beans if you like. Optional garnish: cilantro and lime. This list stays concise, actionable, and precise, guiding you toward a bold, freedom-loving bowl.
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Vegetables | Mixed |
| Spices | As listed |
Preparations
Begin by prepping your ingredients: chop the onions and peppers, mince the garlic, and set the ground beef aside. You’ll start with focused prep to streamline the cook’s flow. Preparation techniques matter here: you want uniform dice for even cooking and steady texture in the final bowl. As you season, think flavor enhancement: a light sprinkle of salt, a pinch of cumin, and a dash of chili for warmth without overpowering the beef. Keep fats accessible for sizzle, letting aromas bloom before adding tomatoes and stock. This stage sets the soup’s backbone, so stay deliberate, organized, and calm. With clear steps, you’ll maintain control, reduce confusion, and secure a robust, cohesive base for the simmer.
Kitchen tools or Kitchenware Required
To make Santa Fe soup efficiently, you’ll need a few reliable kitchen tools: a heavy-bottom stockpot or Dutch oven for even heat and room for simmering, a sharp chef’s knife and cutting board for clean dice, and a sturdy wooden spoon or silicone spatula to avoid scratching and to stir gently as flavors bloom.
| Essential tools | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Heavy-bottom pot | Even heating and prevents scorching |
| Sharp knife + board | Precise, safe chopping |
| Wooden spoon or silicone spatula | Gentle stirring, non-scratch |
These kitchen essentials keep you nimble, confident, and free to focus on bold flavors. Cooking gadgets like a timer or instant read thermometer can elevate precision without crowding your counter.
How to Cook
- Heat a heavy-bottom pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a splash of oil until fragrant and softened.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, and paprika for flavor.
- Deglaze the pot with a splash of broth to lift caramelized bits.
- Pour in tomatoes, beans, corn, and a generous pinch of salt.
- Let the soup simmer, adjusting heat to maintain a gentle bubble.
- Near the end, add a squeeze of lime and a handful of cilantro.
- Serve hot for a balanced, comforting bowl with bold flavors.
How to Serve
Serve Santa Fe soup hot in wide bowls, garnished with a squeeze of lime and a handful of cilantro for bright contrast. You’ll want to present it with confidence, so choose sturdy bowls and keep the broth steaming at the table. For garnishing options, offer diced avocado, shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream on the side, letting guests tailor each serving. Use tortilla strips for crunch and a sprig of cilantro for aroma. Serving suggestions: pair with warm cornbread or a crisp green salad to balance the spice. Keep portions moderate and accessible, inviting conversation rather than ceremony. Clear labeling helps guests decide quickly, so indicate toppings and heat level where needed.
Tips
A few quick tips will keep Santa Fe soup vibrant and flavorful from stove to table. You’ll want sharp seasoning suggestions and clear garnishing options that elevate each bite without overpowering the beef. See these essentials below:
- Use a splash of lime juice at the end for brightness and balance
- Season in layers: salt early, cumin and chili later, finish with pepper
- Add fresh cilantro or green onions just before serving for contrast
- Keep garnish options simple: sour cream, shredded cheese, jalapeños, and avocado
For best results, taste as you go and adjust heat to your preference. Let the aromas guide your timing, not the clock. Your freedom here is choosing bold, clean flavors that celebrate the beef.
Food Value and Benefit
Santa Fe soup offers excellent nutritional value by combining accessible ingredients that provide a wholesome and satisfying meal. Eating this recipe delivers several health benefits and essential nutrients:
Benefits of Eating Santa Fe Soup:
- Supports steady energy levels through lean beef and beans, which provide high-quality protein and complex carbohydrates.
- Promotes satiety and fullness due to its fiber content from beans and vegetables.
- Provides essential vitamins and minerals including:
- Vitamin A (from peppers and vegetables) for eye health and immune support.
- Vitamin C (from peppers and tomatoes) to boost immunity and antioxidant protection.
- Iron (from lean beef and beans) to support healthy blood function.
- Magnesium (from beans and vegetables) for muscle and nerve function.
- Potassium (from vegetables and beans) to help regulate blood pressure.
- Offers meal versatility by allowing ingredient swaps to adjust flavor and texture according to personal preferences.
- Encourages smart portion control and easy meal prep for weeknight dinners and leftovers.
- Combines nutrient density with affordability through simple, common ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Beef in This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey. Juxtapose lean, lighter texture with savory depth; ground turkey delivers similar balance, though flavor differences emerge—season generously, monitor moisture, and adjust spices to preserve the boldness you crave.
How Many Servings Does This Soup Yield?
This soup yields about six servings, depending on portions. For accurate serving sizes, measure bowls and use portion control. If you’re hungry for more, adjust ingredients accordingly while keeping flavors balanced and freely enjoying your meal.
Can I Use Canned Beans Instead of Dried?
Yes, you can. Use canned bean varieties, drain and rinse, then adjust cooking time. Expect shorter simmering; add beans near the end to avoid mushiness, and taste for seasoning as you go.
Is It Okay to Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers, proper storage. Freeze promptly in airtight containers, label with date, and use within 3–4 months. Thaw safely in the fridge before reheating, and reheat to steaming hot for best flavor and texture.
What Are Authentic New Mexican Chiles Used?
New Mexican chiles include ancho, guajillo, and jalapeño; these chile varieties define authentic flavors. You’ll taste differing spice levels, from medium to hot, shaping your dish while preserving freedom to customize heat and depth.
