Best Mexican Beef and Rice Soup
This Mexican Beef and Rice Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish filled with tender beef, perfectly cooked rice, and a vibrant broth seasoned with authentic Mexican spices. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that's easy to customize and perfect for a chilly evening.
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced optional
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 cup cooked rice long grain or white rice works best
- ½ cup frozen corn
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss the beef cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder.
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned beef in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Sear the beef on all sides until browned. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, and jalapeno (if using) and cook for another 3 minutes, until fragrant.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the seared beef back to the pot.
- Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
- Stir in the cooked rice and frozen corn. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, until heated through.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, chili powder, or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors.
- Ladle the Mexican Beef And Rice Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
Adjust spices to your liking. For a spicier soup, add more jalapeno or cayenne pepper. Use high-quality beef broth for the best flavor. Simmering the soup longer enhances the flavor. To spice things up, add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce while simmering. Other vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini can be added. For a creamier soup, stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a pot or microwave until warmed through.