Cheesy Santa Fe Beef & Bean Soup
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Cheesy Santa Fe Beef & Bean Soup that combines hearty ground beef with the vibrant tastes of southwestern ingredients. This comforting bowl of soup is loaded with beans, corn, and a spicy kick from Ro-Tel tomatoes, all enveloped in smooth, melty Velveeta cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, it pairs wonderfully with slices of warm cornbread, making it a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.
4-6 servings
Servings
280
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned)
large onion
1 (diced)
corn
1 (15 1/4 ounce) can (undrained)
pinto beans or black beans
1 (16 ounce) can (undrained)
stewed tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (undrained)
Ro-Tel tomatoes
1 (10 ounce) can (undrained)
Velveeta Mexican cheese
1 lb (cubed)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain the excess fat.
2
In a large soup pot, combine the browned beef and onions with the undrained corn, either black beans or pinto beans, stewed tomatoes, and Ro-Tel tomatoes.
3
Cube the Velveeta cheese and add it to the pot, stirring well to mix all the ingredients.
4
Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring frequently until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy and heated through, approximately 10-15 minutes.
5
Serve hot with slices of cornbread for dipping.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
22g
Carbs
17g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Santa Fe Beef & Bean Soup?
It is a rich, creamy southwestern-style soup that combines ground beef, beans, corn, and spicy Ro-Tel tomatoes in a base of melted Velveeta cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields between 4 to 6 servings.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients include 1 lb ground beef, a large onion, canned corn, pinto or black beans, stewed tomatoes, Ro-Tel tomatoes, and Velveeta Mexican cheese.
Do I need to drain the canned vegetables?
No, you should use the corn, beans, stewed tomatoes, and Ro-Tel tomatoes undrained to provide the liquid for the soup.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of cubed Velveeta Mexican cheese to create a smooth and creamy texture.
Can I use black beans instead of pinto beans?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either one (16 ounce) can of pinto beans or black beans.
How long does it take to cook the beef?
The ground beef and onion should be cooked in a skillet for approximately 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned.
What is the total cooking time for the soup?
After browning the beef, the soup needs to simmer for another 10-15 minutes to melt the cheese and heat through.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 280 calories per serving of this soup.
What is the protein content of the soup?
Each serving contains 17g of protein.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy recipe, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
What should I serve with Cheesy Santa Fe Beef & Bean Soup?
It pairs wonderfully with slices of warm cornbread for dipping.
How much fat is in this recipe?
The soup contains 14g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 22g of carbohydrates.
How should I prepare the Velveeta cheese?
The Velveeta should be cubed before adding it to the pot to help it melt more evenly and quickly.
Is this soup spicy?
The soup has a mild spicy kick due to the inclusion of Ro-Tel tomatoes and Velveeta Mexican cheese.
Can I use a different type of onion?
The recipe specifies a large diced onion; while yellow or white onions are standard, you can use what you have on hand.
What size cans of tomatoes are needed?
You will need one 14.5-ounce can of stewed tomatoes and one 10-ounce can of Ro-Tel tomatoes.
Do I need to add water or broth?
No, the liquid from the undrained canned ingredients provides all the necessary moisture.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to brown 1 lb of ground beef with a diced onion in a large skillet and then drain the excess fat.
Is this soup a good comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting bowl of soup that is a family favorite.
Can I substitute the ground beef with something else?
While the recipe calls for beef, you could substitute ground turkey or chicken if preferred, though the flavor profile will change.
What is Ro-Tel?
Ro-Tel is a brand of canned diced tomatoes and green chilies that adds a signature southwestern flavor and spice.
How do I prevent the cheese from sticking to the pot?
Heat the mixture over low heat and stir frequently until the cheese is completely melted.
Can I make this in a large soup pot?
Yes, the instructions recommend combining all ingredients in a large soup pot after browning the beef.
Is there any preparation needed for the corn?
No preparation is needed other than opening the can; use it undrained.
What makes this soup 'Santa Fe' style?
The combination of beans, corn, southwestern tomatoes (Ro-Tel), and Mexican cheese gives it its Santa Fe flair.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe uses 7 main ingredients.
Is this recipe easy to follow for beginners?
Yes, it is labeled as an easy recipe with only five simple steps.
Should the soup be served hot?
Yes, it should be served hot immediately after the cheese has melted and the mixture is heated through.