Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Beef, Bean & Bacon Fiesta Soup?
It is a rich and soul-warming soup featuring ground beef, smoky bacon, multiple varieties of beans, lager beer, and enchilada sauce, cooked in a slow cooker for deep flavor.
What type of beef is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground sirloin or lean ground beef, which should be browned and crumbled before adding to the slow cooker.
How long does this soup need to cook in a slow cooker?
You can cook the soup on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
How many calories are in a serving of this fiesta soup?
There are approximately 355 calories per serving of this Hearty Beef, Bean & Bacon Fiesta Soup.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, according to the description, this soup freezes beautifully for future meals.
What types of beans are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans, all typically used in 15.5 ounce portions.
Should the beans be drained before adding them?
Yes, the kidney and black beans should be rinsed and drained, while the pinto beans should be drained.
What are the recommended garnishes for this soup?
Suggested toppings include crispy tortilla strips or chips, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped green onions.
Does this recipe contain alcohol?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 cup of lager beer to add a unique depth of flavor to the soup.
What size slow cooker is needed?
You should use a 5-quart or larger slow cooker for this recipe.
How much protein does this soup provide?
This soup is quite high in protein, offering 23g per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is approximately 15g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
Each serving contains 31g of carbohydrates.
How should the bacon be prepared?
The 5 slices of bacon should be cooked, drained, and chopped before being added to the slow cooker.
What kind of sauce gives the soup its 'fiesta' flavor?
A combination of a 10-ounce can of enchilada sauce and a 12-ounce bottle of chili sauce provides the base flavor.
Is the beef cooked in the slow cooker or beforehand?
The beef should be sautรฉed in a skillet with onion, garlic, and celery until browned before transferring it to the slow cooker.
Can I make the soup spicy?
Yes, you can add an optional pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat level.
What vegetables are in the soup?
The recipe includes onion, garlic, celery, Rotel tomatoes with chilies, and corn.
Should I remove the bay leaf?
Yes, you should remove the bay leaf after the cooking process is complete and before serving.
What kind of corn is used?
The recipe calls for a 15.25 ounce can of niblet corn, which should be drained.
What is the primary liquid base for the soup?
The liquid base consists of beef broth, lager beer, enchilada sauce, and chili sauce.
What spices are needed for the seasoning?
The seasoning mix includes chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt.
What is Rotel?
Rotel is a brand of canned diced tomatoes and green chilies that adds a zesty flavor to the soup.
What should I serve as a side for this meal?
The recipe suggests pairing the soup with a fresh side salad for a complete meal experience.
Does this soup contain fiber?
While the specific fiber count is not listed in the data, the inclusion of three types of beans and several vegetables makes it a fiber-rich dish.
Can I use different spices?
The recipe uses a specific blend of cumin, paprika, and chili powder to achieve its fiesta flavor, but you can adjust these to your personal taste.
Is it important to drain the beef fat?
Yes, the instructions state to drain the excess fat after browning the beef to ensure the soup isn't too greasy.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
Can I use corn chips instead of tortilla strips?
Yes, you can use either tortilla chips or corn chips as a garnish for added texture.
Is the onion finely chopped or sliced?
The recipe specifically asks for the onion to be finely chopped.