Introduction
Mexican Shell Soup with Ground Beef is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine with the comforting warmth of a soup. This recipe is perfect for a cold winter day or when you’re craving a filling and satisfying meal. The combination of ground beef, pasta shells, vegetables, and spices creates a flavorful and satisfying soup that will soon become a family favorite.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to cooking, this recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any special culinary skills. With simple ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store, you can whip up a batch of this Mexican Shell Soup with Ground Beef in no time.
So, grab your apron and get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and comforting Mexican-inspired soup!
In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients you’ll need, the steps to prepare the soup, variations you can try to customize the recipe, helpful tips for success, and finally, answer some frequently asked questions about this dish.
Ingredients
To make Mexican Shell Soup with Ground Beef, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can of diced tomatoes
– 1 can of corn kernels
– 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
– 8 cups of beef or vegetable broth
– 1 cup of pasta shells
– 1 teaspoon of chili powder
– 1 teaspoon of cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, corn kernels, and black beans. Mix well.
4. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and bring the soup to a simmer.
5. Add the pasta shells, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Simmer the soup for about 15-20 minutes or until the pasta shells are cooked through.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations
– For a spicier version, add a chopped jalapeño pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
– To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or extra beans.
– Experiment with different types of pasta shapes for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
– Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and freshness.
Tips
– To save time, you can use pre-cooked ground beef or leftover cooked beef in this recipe.
– If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or add a tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in water to thicken the soup.
– Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
– Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences.
Conclusion
Mexican Shell Soup with Ground Beef is a versatile and flavorful dish that is sure to warm you up from the inside out. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a comforting bowl of soup, this recipe is a winner.
So, next time you’re looking for a hearty and tasty meal to enjoy, give this Mexican-inspired soup a try. With its rich flavors and comforting appeal, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. Serve it with a side of tortilla chips or warm bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze Mexican Shell Soup with Ground Beef?
A: Yes, you can freeze this soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean and tasty alternative to ground beef in this recipe.
Q: How can I make this soup more kid-friendly?
A: You can add some shredded cheese on top or serve the soup with a side of tortilla chips for dipping.
Mexican Shell Soup with Ground Beef
A delicious and hearty Mexican-inspired soup that combines ground beef, pasta shells, vegetables, and spices in a flavorful broth.
Ingredients
-
1 lb ground beef
-
1 onion, diced
-
2 cloves of garlic, minced
-
1 can of diced tomatoes
-
1 can of corn kernels
-
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
-
8 cups of beef or vegetable broth
-
1 cup of pasta shells
-
1 teaspoon of chili powder
-
1 teaspoon of cumin
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
-
In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
-
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is translucent.
-
Stir in the diced tomatoes, corn kernels, and black beans. Mix well.
-
Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and bring the soup to a simmer.
-
Add the pasta shells, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
-
Simmer the soup for about 15-20 minutes or until the pasta shells are cooked through.
-
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
