Hearty Beef Soup with Beans and Tomatoes

This rich and flavorful beef soup with beans and tomatoes is an excellent choice for a nourishing meal. Combining minced beef with the robust flavors of red beans and tomatoes creates a hearty dish. The addition of garlic and chili pepper provides a spicy kick that complements the savory elements of the soup. Perfect for chilly evenings, this recipe is both comforting and satisfying. It's a versatile meal that can be adapted with different spices or garnishes to suit your taste. You'll also appreciate the simplicity of this dish, which requires just a few basic ingredients you may already have on hand. It’s easy to adjust the seasoning to make it milder or spicier according to your preferences. This dish can serve as a delightful main course or a starter for a larger meal. Whether you're feeding a family or hosting friends, this soup is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

500 g minced beef
1 can of red kidney beans
1 can of tomatoes in juice
2 onions
Garlic (to taste)

Spices

1 chili pepper
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)

Garnish

Cheese (for sprinkling)
Fresh herbs (to taste)

Preparation Time

25 minutes (including prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare your ingredients: Finely chop the onions and garlic. Dice the chili pepper, removing the seeds if you prefer a milder flavor.
Begin sautéing: In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and aromatic.
Incorporate the minced beef: Add the minced beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continuously stir to ensure the meat browns evenly.
Add the heat: Stir in the diced chili pepper, adjusting the amount based on your preference for spiciness.
Simmer with water: Pour in enough water to cover the beef and let it simmer until the meat is fully cooked, approximately 10-15 minutes.
Integrate the beans and tomatoes: Add the can of red kidney beans and tomatoes, stirring them into the beef mixture.
Adjust seasoning: Season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper, adjusting to taste.
Continue to simmer: Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Prepare the garnishes: Grate the cheese and chop the fresh herbs, setting both aside for serving.
Taste-test: Once the soup is done, taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary. Your soup should be flavorful and aromatic.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkling each serving with cheese and a handful of fresh herbs.
Garnish option: For extra flavor, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a dash of lime juice to each bowl.
Make it yours: Don’t hesitate to adjust the soup with your favorite spices or vegetables to make it truly yours.
Enjoy: Serve with crusty bread or warm rolls for a complete meal that will be sure to delight your family or guests.

Tips

Substitutions: Replace minced beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Making it vegetarian: Omit the beef and add more beans or lentils for protein.
Extra flavor: Add cumin or paprika for a smoky twist.
Storage: This soup freezes well, making it ideal for batch cooking.

Nutritions (per serving)

Calories: Approx. 350
Protein: 25g
Fats: 12g
Carbohydrates: 30g

Variations

Mexican-inspired: Add corn and a squeeze of lime for a Mexican twist.
Italian touch: Use basil and oregano instead of chili for an Italian flavor profile.
Vegan alternative: Use vegan cheese and more vegetables for a vegan version.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Add a side of green salad for a refreshing contrast.
Pair with a glass of red wine to enhance the rich flavors.

Best Places

Gourmet Soup Kitchen - Known for its hearty soups. Location: 123 Soup Lane, New York, USA.
Casa de Sopa - Famous for its fusion soups. Location: 45 Delicious St., Mexico City, Mexico.
Bistro du Bouillon - Offers an exquisite range of soups. Location: 78 Rue de Yummy, Paris, France.
Café Comfort - Cozy spot with a vast soup menu. Location: 5 Soup Street, San Francisco, USA.
Taste of Tuscany - Italian soups with authentic flavors. Location: 34 Pasta Road, Florence, Italy.
The Soup Mill - Rustic setting with homemade soups. Location: 89 Cozy Blvd, London, UK.
Homeland Soups - Offers traditional country soups. Location: 7 Old Town Ln., Prague, Czech Republic.
Soup Symphony - Creative and musical inspired soup dishes. Location: 22 Harmony Ave, Vienna, Austria.
Kettle Specialties - Specializes in unique regional soups. Location: 10 Bounty Dr., Sydney, Australia.
Soup Haven - Relaxing atmosphere with tasty soups. Location: 12 Restful Rd, Kyoto, Japan.