Santa Fe Soup

This Santa Fe Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, its robust combination of ground beef, beans, and spices makes it a crowd-pleaser. The best part is its versatility; you can easily prepare it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade soup whenever you please.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few steps, this soup comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: A blend of spices and hearty ingredients ensures every spoonful is packed with flavor.
• Versatile Options: You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste.
• Comforting Meal: This soup is perfect for colder days or when you’re craving something warm and filling.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: With its mild flavors, this soup appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary tools ready. Having the right equipment will streamline the process and ensure the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: This is essential for browning the beef evenly and cooking all ingredients together thoroughly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while ensuring even mixing of ingredients.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently.
• Knife: A sharp knife will make dicing onions and mincing garlic easy and fast.

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious Santa Fe Soup, gather these ingredients:

For the Soup Base

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Beans and Vegetables

• 1 10-ounce can Rotel
• 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

For Seasoning

• 1 1-ounce pack taco seasoning
• 1 1-ounce pack ranch seasoning

For Broth

• 2 cups beef broth

How to Make Santa Fe Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. Place ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven.
2. Brown the beef over medium heat until fully cooked.
3. Drain off any excess grease from the pot.

Step 2: Add Onions and Garlic

1. Add diced onion to the pot with browned beef.
2. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until onions are soft.
3. Stir in minced garlic, salt, and pepper; cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Sprinkle in taco seasoning and ranch seasoning; stir well to combine.
2. Pour in beef broth along with Rotel, pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans, and corn kernels.
3. Stir everything together until mixed evenly.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

1. Cover the pot with a lid to trap heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for about 30 minutes so flavors meld together.

Enjoy your warm bowl of Santa Fe Soup! Perfect as a main dish or paired with crusty bread.

How to Serve Santa Fe Soup

Serving Santa Fe Soup can be a delightful experience, enhancing its flavors with the right accompaniments. Here are some ideas to elevate your soup experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor and freshness.
• Chives: Finely chopped chives add a mild onion flavor that complements the soup well.

With Tortilla Chips

• Crunchy Chips: Serve tortilla chips on the side for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth soup.
• Crumbled Chips: Crumble chips directly into the soup for added crunch in every bite.

With Cheese

• Shredded Cheese: Top with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a rich, creamy finish.
• Feta Crumbles: For a tangy twist, sprinkle feta cheese on top before serving.

With Avocado

• Sliced Avocado: Add fresh avocado slices for creaminess and a healthy fat boost.
• Guacamole: Serve dollops of guacamole on top for an extra layer of flavor.

With Sour Cream or Yogurt

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can balance the spices and add richness to each bowl.
• Greek Yogurt: Use Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative, offering creaminess without excess calories.

How to Perfect Santa Fe Soup

Perfecting your Santa Fe Soup involves attention to detail and specific techniques. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking process.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to maximize flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and spices according to your preference.
• Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen its flavors; just ensure it doesn’t overcook.
• Experiment with Beans: Try different bean varieties like black-eyed peas or lentils for unique textures and tastes.
• Add Heat: If you enjoy spice, consider adding jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Serve Hot: Serving the soup piping hot ensures all flavors are at their peak when enjoyed.

Best Side Dishes for Santa Fe Soup

Pairing sides with your Santa Fe Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this hearty dish.

1. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the soup.
2. Garden Salad: A light garden salad with vinaigrette provides freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
3. Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas are perfect for dipping in the soup or enjoying alongside it.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutritional value to your meal.
5. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf complements the soup while adding substance without overpowering it.
6. Garlic Bread: Crisp garlic bread is great for dipping into the flavorful broth of Santa Fe Soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Santa Fe Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using too much fat: Adding excess grease from browning the beef can make the soup greasy. Always drain off any extra fat before adding other ingredients.
• Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning can leave your soup bland. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed throughout the cooking process.
• Skipping the sauté step: Neglecting to sauté onions and garlic can result in a lack of flavor depth. Always take the time to cook these aromatics before adding liquids.
• Overcooking beans: If you use beans that are too soft, they may break apart in the soup. Drain and rinse canned beans well to maintain their texture.
• Ignoring thickness adjustments: If your soup becomes too thick, it can be unappetizing. Add extra beef broth or water if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Santa Fe Soup

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

Reheating Santa Fe Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Pour into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until hot, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Santa Fe Soup that might help you in your cooking journey.

Can I make Santa Fe Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

What other proteins can I use in Santa Fe Soup?

You can substitute ground chicken, turkey, or even lamb if you prefer different flavors.

Is Santa Fe Soup spicy?

The spiciness depends on the brand of Rotel used. Choose mild if you prefer less heat, or opt for hot if you like a kick!

How do I customize my Santa Fe Soup?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or top with avocado, cheese, or cilantro for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

Santa Fe Soup is a versatile and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavors and comforting ingredients make it an ideal meal choice. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or additional veggies. Give this recipe a try; you’re sure to enjoy its warm embrace!

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Santa Fe Soup

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Discover the comforting warmth of Santa Fe Soup, a delightful blend of ground beef, hearty beans, and vibrant spices. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings, providing a fulfilling meal that everyone will love. Whether prepared on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, this versatile soup allows you to customize it with your favorite vegetables and toppings.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 can Rotel (10 oz)
• 1 can pinto beans (16 oz)
• 1 can black beans (15 oz)
• 1 can kidney beans (16 oz)
• 1 can corn kernels (drained)
• 2 cups beef broth
• Taco seasoning and ranch seasoning

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Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
2. Add diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, salt, and pepper; cook for another minute.
3. Mix in taco and ranch seasonings, then add beef broth, Rotel, pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans, and corn. Stir well.
4. Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for about 30 minutes to meld flavors.

• Author: Diary
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop or Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Southwestern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg