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Home Recipe Index Soups & Chilis

Crowd Pleaser Mexican Soup

★★★★★ 4.8 /5
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Polly Conner
By: Polly ConnerPosted: 11/28/22Updated: 2/9/23

This post may contain affiliate or sponsored links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This Mexican Soup recipe is one of those tried and true recipes that I’ve been making for years and years. It’s easy, super flavorful, freezer friendly, and makes a huge batch.

Mexican Soup in a bowl with tortilla chips.
Table of Contents
  • Why You’ll Love This Mexican Soup Recipe
  • Featured Review
  • Ingredients
  • Substitutions & Variations
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • 3 Cooking Methods for Mexican Soup
  • Can I Freeze This Mexican Soup Recipe?
  • Freezing Instructions
  • What Should I Serve with Mexican Soup?
  • FAQs
  • More Soup Recipes You’ll Love
  • Top 5 Slow Cooker Recipes
  • Crowd Pleaser Mexican Soup
  • Want More Mexican Recipes?

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Soup Recipe

  • It’s versatile. Mexican soup can be made on the stove, in the slow cooker, or in the Instant Pot.
  • It makes a huge batch. This recipe is great for groups of people.
  • It freezes beautifully. I almost always freeze the leftovers in small portions to have for lunches down the road.
  • It’s easy. A novice cook will feel like a pro after making this recipe.
  • It is SO flavorful. You’ll be making it over and over again!

Featured Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I’m pretty sure we’ve tried every. single. recipe for Mexican Soup and this is our hands-down favorite. We have made this every. single. week to get through this winter and it just never gets old; we just keep mixing up the toppings. Stop reading and make it already!”

– Sarah

Mexican soup in a dutch oven.

Ingredients

The ingredients in Mexican soup are recognizable and affordable. Here is what you need…

Ingredient Notes:

  • Ground beef – (Here is where to find meat you can trust)
  • Taco Seasoning – You can use homemade or store bought. I prefer to make my own Taco Seasoning and keep it in a jar in my spice cabinet.
  • Chicken Broth – It’s easy to make your own chicken broth at home.

Substitutions & Variations

Ground Beef – You can substitute ground chicken or turkey.

Garlic Salt – Substitute 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt

Shoepeg White Corn – Substitute yellow corn if you can’t find Shoepeg.

Salsa – You can use mild or medium. While I’ve never used hot, I think it would add too much intensity.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Saute Diced Onion

In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium-high heat until shimmery. Add the onions and cook, stirring, for about 4 minutes, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper while they cook. 

Sautéing onion in a dutch oven.

Brown the Ground Beef

Add in garlic and ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking up the meat as it cooks, until the meat is cooked through (5-7 minutes.) Drain the grease from the meat.

Browning ground beef in a dutch oven.

Add Remaining Ingredients

Add the meat mixture and all other ingredients to a large stockpot. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 20-30 minutes*, stirring occasionally. 

Ingredients for mexican soup in a dutch oven.

3 Cooking Methods for Mexican Soup

There aren’t many soups that can be made every which way. This is one of the reasons I keep coming back to this recipe. Here’s a quick overview of your options:

Stovetop Method

After cooking the onions and the beef in a skillet, add all the ingredients into a large stockpot. Simmer for 1-2 hours.

Slow Cooker Method

After cooking the onions and the beef in a skillet, add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Instant Pot Method

Use the sauté setting to cook the onions and beef. Add all the ingredients in, lock and seal the lid. Cook at high pressure for 7 minutes, then quick release the pressure.

Cooked mexican soup in a dutch oven.

Can I Freeze This Mexican Soup Recipe?

Yes yes yes! Mexican soup freezes and thaws beautifully BEFORE or AFTER cooking. Because it makes such a big batch, I almost always freeze it in small portions to have for lunches down the road. When frozen after cooking, it can also be a great freezer meal for 1-2 people.

Freezing Instructions

To Freeze:

Option 1 (Before Cooking): Cook the onions and beef, then stir in the rest of the ingredients, and freezer in airtight freezer containers.

Option 2 (After Cooking): Follow all of the cooking instructions in the recipe below. Let cool and freeze in airtight freezer containers.

To Prepare From Frozen:

Option 1 (Before Cooking): Let the soup thaw completely. Then follow the cooking instructions for whatever cooking method you choose (see options below).

Option 2 (After Cooking): Let soup thaw completely. Then just warm up in the microwave or on the stove on low until desired temp.

Mexican soup frozen in soupercubes.

What Should I Serve with Mexican Soup?

Believe me when I say this soup is hearty. You won’t need much more to go with it other than tortilla chips or maybe some corn bread. I like to provide some optional toppings like:

  • Diced or sliced avocado
  • Sour cream
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (here’s how to shred your own to save money)
  • Diced red onion
  • Chopped chives
  • Sweet Potato Corn Bread would make a great side dish!
Mexican Soup in a bowl with tortilla chips.

FAQs

Can I make Mexican Soup in advance?

Yes, this soup works beautifully to prepare in advance and reheat. Just reheat it on low.

Can I freeze Mexican Soup?

Yes! Follow all of the cooking instructions in the recipe below. Let the soup cool and freeze in airtight freezer containers.

What should I serve with Mexican Soup?

Believe me when I say this soup is hearty. You won’t need much more to go with it other than tortilla chips or maybe some corn bread. I like to provide some optional toppings like:
Diced or sliced avocado
Sour cream
Shredded cheddar cheese
Diced red onion
Chopped chives
Sweet Potato Corn Bread would make a great side dish!

Is Mexican Soup Spicy?

The recipe as written is not very spicy. If you want, you can amp it up by adding more taco seasoning and using medium salsa.

More Soup Recipes You’ll Love

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Chicken Taco Soup

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Vegetarian Tortilla Soup

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Mexican Soup in a bowl with tortilla chips
★★★★★ 4.8 from 18 reviews

Crowd Pleaser Mexican Soup

Super easy Mexican soup recipe. Packed with flavor, very filling and makes a TON. Great recipe for large groups. Freezer friendly as well!

Yield: 12 servings 1x
Prep: 15 minutesCook: 20 minutesTotal: 35 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • salt and pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 lbs lean ground beef (or sub ground chicken or turkey) (where to find meat you can trust)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt (Sub: 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt)
  • 4 tablespoons taco seasoning, or more to taste
  • 2 (15 oz) cans petite diced tomatoes, juices and all (Tip: Use fire-roasted tomatoes for more flavor.)
  • 2 (4 oz) cans diced green chiles, juices and all
  • 2 (11 oz) cans shoepeg white corn, drained (sub: yellow corn)
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 quart of chicken broth
  • 1 cup mild salsa (use medium if you like spice!)
  • Optional Toppings: Shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, diced avocado, salsa, sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, squeeze of fresh lime, red onion

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions

Make It Now

Stove Top Method:

  1. In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium-high heat until shimmery. Add the onions and cook, stirring, for about 4 minutes, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper while they cook. Add the onions and cook, stirring, for about 4 minutes, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper while they cook. 
  2. Add in garlic and ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking up the meat as it cooks, until the meat is cooked through (5-7 minutes.) Drain the grease from the meat.
  3. Stir in the garlic salt, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, green chiles, corn, beans, broth, and salsa to the pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 20-30 minutes*, stirring occasionally. 
  4. Optional: Serve with your favorite Tex Mex toppings.

*Note: Polly’s mom’s original version says to cook it even longer, about 1-2 hours, but you may have to add in more broth to thin it out.

Slow Cooker Method:

  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium-high heat until shimmery. Add the onions and cook, stirring, for about 4 minutes, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper while they cook. 
  2. Add in garlic and ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking up the meat as it cooks, until the meat is cooked through (5-7 minutes.) Drain the grease from the meat.
  3. Add the meat mixture and all other ingredients (except the toppings) to a 6 quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.
  4. Optional: Serve with your favorite Tex Mex toppings.

Instant Pot Method:

  1. Set the 6-quart Instant Pot to “Sauté.” Pour in 2 tablespoons of the oil and heat until shimmery. Add the onions and cook, stirring, for about 4 minutes, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper while they cook. 
  2. Add in garlic and ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking up the meat as it cooks, until the meat is cooked through (5-7 minutes.) Press cancel. Drain the grease from the meat.
  3. Add all other ingredients (except the toppings) to the Instant Pot. Lock and seal the lid. Cook at high pressure for 7 minutes, then quick release the pressure. 
  4. Optional: Serve with your favorite Tex Mex toppings.

Freeze For Later

Option 1 (Before Cooking): Cook the onions and beef, then stir in the rest of the ingredients, and freeze the uncooked soup in an airtight freezer container(s).

Option 2 (After Cooking): Follow all of the cooking instructions in the recipe. Let the soup cool and then freeze in airtight freezer containers.

Prepare From Frozen

Option 1 (Before Cooking): Let the soup thaw completely. Then follow the cooking instructions for whatever cooking method you choose in the recipe above.

Option 2 (After Cooking): Let soup thaw completely. Then just warm up in the microwave, on the stove on low, or in the slow cooker on low, until warmed through.


Notes/Tips

Gluten-Free Version: Make sure any store-bought taco seasoning or broth is labeled gluten-free. 

Dairy-Free Version: Omit cheese and sour cream as a topping.

Where We Get Our Beef: We get our beef from ButcherBox. The beef is grass-fed and curated from trusted farms. We highly recommend this service to source healthy meat–like uncured bacon, chicken, and wild salmon–and have used it for years ourselves.

You can substitute ground chicken or turkey for ground beef. 

No garlic salt? No problem. Substitute 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt

Shoepeg White Corn can be hard to find. Substitute yellow corn if you can’t find Shoepeg.

You can use mild or medium salsa. While I’ve never used hot, I think it would add too much intensity.

© Author: Polly Conner
Cuisine: Mexican Method: Stove Top

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Polly Conner

Polly Conner

As co-founder of Thriving Home, Polly’s passionate about helping busy parents get dinner on the table. With a house full of kids, dogs, and (usually) a DIY project in the works, she knows firsthand how every minute (and every dollar) counts. As a business owner, she enjoys wearing multiple hats and serves best as a project manager for Thriving Home.

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  1. AvatarMags says

    Posted on 9/16/23 at 5:56 pm

    I made this with my slow cooker. It was good but didn’t hit with my family. I ate some of the leftovers a couple days later and it tasted better.

    ★★★★

    Reply
    • Carla from Thriving HomeCarla from Thriving Home says

      Posted on 9/17/23 at 12:57 pm

      Sorry to hear this one wasn’t a hit with your family. I love recipes that taste better as leftovers.

      Reply
  2. AvatarVeronica Schnitker says

    Posted on 8/23/23 at 10:25 am

    Very simple ingredients and instructions. I’ve passed this recipe on to friends and family. They also love it and make it regularly

    Reply
    • Carla from Thriving HomeCarla from Thriving Home says

      Posted on 8/23/23 at 12:17 pm

      Wonderful to hear this Veronica! The best recipes are the ones that keep on giving. 🙂

      Reply
  3. AvatarNancy Brandt says

    Posted on 8/12/23 at 12:51 pm

    I have been making this soup for about 6 years now and it comes out perfect every single time. I’ve made it for guests and they love it! It’s also a great freezer meal!!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Carla from Thriving HomeCarla from Thriving Home says

      Posted on 8/14/23 at 9:33 am

      Hi Nancy! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. So glad you’ve found a keeper!

      Reply
  4. AvatarNikki Stidham says

    Posted on 2/19/23 at 9:29 am

    So delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Carla from Thriving HomeCarla from Thriving Home says

      Posted on 2/19/23 at 1:34 pm

      Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. We appreciate it!

      Reply
  5. AvatarDanelle says

    Posted on 2/15/23 at 10:45 pm

    Huge favorite for my family!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Carla from Thriving HomeCarla from Thriving Home says

      Posted on 2/16/23 at 8:09 am

      Love to hear that Danelle. Thanks for leaving a review!

      Reply
  6. AvatarBecka Siegel says

    Posted on 1/23/23 at 8:53 pm

    This soup is delicious! I used fire-roasted tomatoes and ALL of the toppings. The squeeze of fresh lime juice was perfect! This one’s a keeper for sure.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Carla from Thriving HomeCarla from Thriving Home says

      Posted on 1/24/23 at 11:23 am

      So glad to hear this Becka! Though, I eat the soup without all the toppings when I’m in a hurry, I LOVE it when I can add it all!

      Reply
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