Santa Fe Fiesta Chili Soup
This Santa Fe Fiesta Chili Soup is the perfect blend of hearty chili and comforting soup, making it a delightful twist for any occasion. Packed with lean ground beef and a medley of beans, this dish is both filling and nutritious, providing a rich source of protein and fiber. The bold flavors of ranch dressing and taco seasoning add a zesty depth, while the vibrant veggies like corn and tomatoes contribute essential vitamins. Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in, this soup is easy to prepare and is bound to impress your guests with its deliciousness. Plus, it stays wonderfully warm on the stove, allowing everyone to enjoy a serving whenever they please!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef or ground chuck
2 lbs (ground)
onion
1 (chopped)
ranch dressing mix
2 (1 ounce) packets (dry seasoning)
taco seasoning
2 (1 1/4 ounce) packets (dry seasoning)
black beans
1 (14 ounce) can (drained)
pinto beans
1 (14 ounce) can (drained)
kidney beans
1 (14 ounce) can (drained)
rotel
1 (14 ounce) can (with juices)
chopped tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (with juices)
corn
2 (14 - 21 ounce) cans (drained, can mix white or yellow)
water
2 cups (liquid)
green chilies
1 (6 ounce) can (optional, drained)
Instructions
1
In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the ground beef or chuck and chopped onion until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Once cooked, drain any excess fat and stir in the ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning, ensuring the meat is evenly coated.
3
Add all remaining ingredients to the pot, including the juices from the canned goods, and stir well to combine.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and enhance flavors.
5
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of sour cream, sliced green onions, chopped pickled jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, and either tortilla chips or Fritos for that extra crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Santa Fe Fiesta Chili Soup?
This soup is a hearty blend of chili and comforting soup featuring ground beef, multiple types of beans, and Southwestern seasonings.
What kind of meat should I use for this chili soup?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of ground beef or ground chuck.
How long does the Santa Fe Fiesta Chili Soup need to cook?
After browning the meat and adding the ingredients, the soup should simmer uncovered for 2 hours.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, lean ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a substitute for beef for a different protein option.
What seasonings give this soup its flavor?
The primary flavors come from two packets of ranch dressing mix and two packets of taco seasoning.
Do I need to drain the beans before adding them?
Yes, the black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans should all be drained before being added to the pot.
Should I drain the canned tomatoes and Rotel?
No, the recipe specifies adding the Rotel and chopped tomatoes with their juices.
What is Rotel?
Rotel is a brand of canned diced tomatoes blended with green chilies and spices commonly used in Southwestern cooking.
How many cans of corn are needed?
The recipe requires two cans of corn, which can be between 14 to 21 ounces each.
What type of corn is best for this recipe?
You can use white corn, yellow corn, or a mixture of both depending on your preference.
Is the Santa Fe Fiesta Chili Soup healthy?
Yes, it is considered healthy and nutritious as it provides a rich source of protein and fiber from the lean beef and beans.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
While the recipe specifies a large pot on the stove, you can transfer the mixture to a slow cooker after browning the meat and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Is this soup spicy?
The soup has a zesty depth from the taco seasoning and Rotel, but you can control the heat by including or omitting the optional green chilies and jalapeños.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not specified exactly, the use of 2 lbs of meat and 7 cans of vegetables makes it a large batch suitable for family gatherings or potlucks.
What should I serve as a garnish?
Suggested garnishes include sour cream, sliced green onions, chopped pickled jalapeños, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Does this soup have a crunch?
You can add a crunch by serving the soup with tortilla chips or Fritos.
How much water should I add?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of water to be added with the other ingredients.
Do I need to cover the pot while it simmers?
No, the instructions recommend simmering the soup uncovered for 2 hours.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, you can easily add bell peppers, zucchini, or extra onions to increase the vitamin content.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this chili soup freezes very well in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Can I omit the green chilies?
Yes, the 6-ounce can of green chilies is listed as an optional ingredient.
How long does it take to sauté the meat and onions?
It typically takes about 5-7 minutes for the meat to cook fully and the onions to become translucent.
Do I need to drain the fat from the meat?
Yes, once the beef and onions are cooked, you should drain any excess fat before adding the seasonings.
What size are the ranch and taco seasoning packets?
Use two 1-ounce packets of ranch dressing mix and two 1 1/4-ounce packets of taco seasoning.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as ideal for family gatherings and potlucks because it is easy to prepare and stays warm on the stove.
What are the main types of beans used?
The recipe uses a medley of black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you may need to add a bit of tomato juice or extra water to compensate for the liquid found in the canned versions.
How do I prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot?
The instructions suggest stirring the soup occasionally during the 2-hour simmering process.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should check the labels on your ranch and taco seasoning packets to ensure they do not contain gluten fillers.