Santa Fe Soup

This Santa Fe Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings warmth on chilly days. Packed with ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices, it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The best part? It’s simple to prepare on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you can have this delicious soup ready in about 40 minutes.
• Flavorful: The combination of spices and beans creates a rich taste that will satisfy your cravings.
• Nutritious: Loaded with protein from the beef and beans, this soup makes for a healthy meal option.
• Versatile: Great for lunch or dinner, it can be served alone or with toppings like cheese and sour cream.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for feeding a group, this recipe yields six servings, ideal for family meals or potlucks.

Tools and Preparation

To make Santa Fe Soup, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly while cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for browning meat and simmering the soup evenly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and safely.

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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
• 2 cups beef broth

How to Make Santa Fe Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Place your ground beef in the large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook until browned. After browning the beef:
1. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add in the diced onion.
3. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices

Once the onion is soft:
1. Stir in minced garlic along with salt and pepper.
2. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine All Ingredients

Next:
1. Sprinkle in both taco seasoning and ranch seasoning.
2. Pour in beef broth along with Rotel, pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans, and corn kernels.
3. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Cover the pot:
– Reduce heat to medium-low.
– Let it cook for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

Enjoy your delicious Santa Fe Soup!

How to Serve Santa Fe Soup

Santa Fe Soup is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste. Whether served on its own or with tasty accompaniments, this hearty soup is sure to satisfy.

Toppings

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy richness that balances the spices in the soup.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of flavor and a pop of color.
• Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top for extra gooeyness; cheddar or Monterey Jack work well.

Bread Pairings

• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping; sourdough or baguette are great options.
• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the flavors of the soup perfectly and adds a comforting touch.

Salad Options

• Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette pairs well to balance the richness of the soup.
• Avocado Salad: An avocado salad with lime dressing enhances the dish’s freshness and brings out its hearty ingredients.

How to Perfect Santa Fe Soup

To make your Santa Fe Soup even better, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance flavors and ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Bold seasoning: Adjust the amount of taco and ranch seasoning to match your taste preference for spiciness.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and onions elevate the flavor profile compared to dried versions.
• Let it simmer longer: Allowing the soup to simmer for an hour deepens the flavors even more. Just keep it on low heat!
• Experiment with beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans based on your preference or what you have on hand.

Best Side Dishes for Santa Fe Soup

Pairing sides with Santa Fe Soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some delicious options that complement this flavorful dish.

1. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds a rich texture that contrasts nicely with the soup’s spices. Serve with tortilla chips for crunch.
2. Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas filled with vegetables or chicken provide a satisfying addition that can be dipped into the soup.
3. Mexican Rice: Fluffy Mexican rice seasoned with spices perfectly complements the bold flavors of the soup.
4. Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, and cilantro offers a refreshing bite and brightens up each spoonful.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables add a healthy side option that pairs well with the heartiness of Santa Fe Soup.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice, beans, and cheese create a filling and flavorful side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing Santa Fe Soup. Here are some common pitfalls and tips on how to avoid them.

• Bold ingredient choices: Using the wrong type of beans can affect the flavor. Stick with pinto, black, and kidney beans for the best results.
• Bold seasoning errors: Not measuring your taco and ranch seasonings can lead to an unbalanced taste. Always measure for consistency.
• Bold cooking time miscalculations: Cooking for too long can lead to mushy ingredients. Follow the recommended cooking times closely.
• Bold neglecting broth quality: Using low-quality broth may dull the soup’s flavor. Opt for a good beef broth for a rich taste.
• Bold skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the beef properly can result in less flavor. Take your time to achieve that savory crust.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Santa Fe Soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Santa Fe Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Santa Fe Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Santa Fe Soup?

Santa Fe Soup is a hearty dish made with ground beef, beans, corn, and flavorful seasonings. It’s both filling and delicious.

How can I customize my Santa Fe Soup?

You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or adjust the spice level with jalapeños based on your taste preference.

Can I make Santa Fe Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and then transfer all ingredients into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Is there a vegetarian version of Santa Fe Soup?

Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a tasty vegetarian option.

How do I serve Santa Fe Soup?

Serve Santa Fe Soup warm with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. It’s perfect with tortilla chips or bread on the side.

Final Thoughts

Santa Fe Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that offers versatility in preparation and ingredients. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or side dishes. Enjoy this comforting dish any night of the week!