5-Ingredient Tortilla Soup Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe is designed to serve 6 people. Ingredient quantities adjust automatically for larger or smaller servings, but cooking times remain the same. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (24-ounce) jar thick and chunky salsa
• 2 (15.5-ounce) cans reduced-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
• 12 ounces fire-roasted frozen corn
• 2 1/2 cups beef broth

Directions

1. Place a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and crumbly, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
2. In a blender, combine one can of black beans with half of the salsa. Blend until smooth to create a creamy mixture.
3. Return the ground beef to the pot and add the black bean mixture, the remaining can of black beans, frozen corn, the rest of the salsa, and the beef broth. Reduce the heat to medium.
4. Simmer the soup until heated through, approximately 10 minutes.
5. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	494
Total Fat	15g (19%)
Saturated Fat	5g (27%)
Cholesterol	67mg (22%)
Sodium	1251mg (54%)
Total Carbohydrate	56g (20%)
Dietary Fiber	16g (59%)
Total Sugars	7g
Protein	38g (76%)
Vitamin C	6mg (7%)
Calcium	103mg (8%)
Iron	6mg (34%)
Potassium	1340mg (29%)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values may vary depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient data may not be available for all ingredients. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, consult a doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe.

The Rich Story of Tortilla Soup

Tortilla soup, or sopa de tortilla, has roots deeply embedded in Mexican culinary traditions. Believed to have originated in central Mexico, particularly in the region around Puebla, this soup was historically a way to use leftover tortillas, blending practicality with flavor. Over time, it evolved into a celebrated dish featuring a savory broth, typically made with tomatoes, chilies, and chicken or beef, garnished with crisp tortilla strips. Its simplicity belies its rich cultural significance, symbolizing both comfort and resourcefulness in Mexican kitchens.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

Different regions of Mexico add their own unique touch to tortilla soup. In Puebla, for instance, the broth often includes pasilla or guajillo chilies, giving it a mild smoky flavor. In contrast, Mexico City versions may incorporate avocado slices, shredded cheese, and a squeeze of lime for freshness. Some coastal regions add seafood or shrimp, reflecting local ingredients. The 5-ingredient version, using ground beef, black beans, corn, salsa, and beef broth, is a simplified adaptation suitable for busy households, while still preserving the essence of the traditional flavors.

How Tortilla Soup Stands Out

Unlike other Mexican soups such as pozole or menudo, tortilla soup is distinguished by its topping of crispy fried tortilla strips and its blend of tomato-based broth with beans and corn. The combination of texturescreamy, hearty broth and crunchy tortilla piecescreates a unique eating experience. While pozole emphasizes hominy and menudo features tripe, tortilla soup focuses on accessible ingredients, making it easier to prepare without compromising taste.

Typical Serving Occasions

Tortilla soup is versatile and can be served as a starter or a main course. In traditional Mexican homes, it often appears at family gatherings, festive dinners, and special holidays like Cinco de Mayo. Restaurants commonly serve it with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro. Its warmth and comforting flavors make it a popular choice in both casual and formal dining settings, as well as a cozy weekday meal.

Interesting Facts

• The word tortilla in this context refers not to a wrap, but to the fried strips used as a garnish.
• Modern adaptations, like this 5-ingredient version, make the soup more accessible without losing the traditional appeal.
• Tortilla soup is celebrated for being nutritious, often including beans and vegetables that provide fiber, protein, and vitamins.
• The soups visual appealwith colorful toppings and golden tortilla stripsmakes it a favorite for food photography and social media posts.
• Some Mexican cooks enhance the flavor by lightly charring the tomatoes and chilies for a smoky, complex taste.

FAQ about 5-Ingredient Tortilla Soup Recipe

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