This Santa Fe Soup is a delightful and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. With its rich blend of ground beef, beans, and robust seasonings, this soup is an ideal choice for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. Easy to prepare on the stove or in a slow cooker, it’s packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a standout dish for anyone looking to impress with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, and savory beef creates an irresistible taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it alone for a hearty meal or pair it with bread or rice for added satisfaction.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber from the beans, this soup is as healthy as it is tasty.
Tools and Preparation
Before you whip up your Santa Fe Soup, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for browning the beef and simmering the soup evenly.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for mixing ingredients without scratching your pot’s surface.
Ingredients
This hearty soup recipe is filled with ground beef, beans, and seasoning. A delicious soup that is easy to make on either the stove or in a slow cooker.
For the Soup Base
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel
- 1 (16 ounce) can pinto beans, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
- 1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (1 ounce) pack taco seasoning
- 1 (1 ounce) pack ranch seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Santa Fe Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Place the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven. Brown the beef over medium heat. Once browned, drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add the diced onion to the pot. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic along with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Stir in taco seasoning and ranch seasoning. Add the beef broth, Rotel tomatoes, pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans, and corn. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Enjoy your delicious Santa Fe Soup that brings warmth and flavor to your table!
How to Serve Santa Fe Soup
Santa Fe Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or a casual gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
Garnish with Fresh Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices.
- Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle some cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the soup with a burst of freshness.
Pair with Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the savory flavor of Santa Fe Soup perfectly.
Enjoy with Avocado
- Sliced Avocado: Add fresh avocado slices for a creamy texture that enhances each bite.
- Guacamole: Serve a small bowl of guacamole on the side for dipping.
How to Perfect Santa Fe Soup
To make your Santa Fe Soup even more delightful, consider these tips. They will help you achieve the best flavor and texture.
- Bold Seasoning: Use quality taco and ranch seasoning for rich flavors that stand out.
- Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables to enhance taste and nutrition.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more beef broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Let it Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer longer for deeper flavors; just be sure to stir occasionally.

Best Side Dishes for Santa Fe Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Santa Fe Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Mexican Rice: Flavorful rice complements the soup’s spice profile beautifully.
- Salad: A light salad with lime vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
- Quesadillas: Cheese-filled quesadillas make a great accompaniment; serve them warm and gooey.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice and beans can enhance your meal’s flavor complexity.
- Fruit Salsa: A sweet fruit salsa provides a nice balance to the savory flavors of Santa Fe Soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Santa Fe Soup can be a breeze, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the ground beef properly can result in a less flavorful soup. Always cook the beef until it’s well-browned to enhance the taste.
- Using canned ingredients without rinsing: Not rinsing beans or corn can lead to excess sodium and an off taste. Make sure to drain and rinse these ingredients for a fresher flavor.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking onions too long can make them mushy. Aim for just 3-4 minutes until they’re translucent before adding other ingredients.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: The taco and ranch seasonings may vary in strength. Taste your soup before serving and adjust seasonings as needed for a perfect balance.
- Not allowing enough time for flavors to meld: Rushing the cooking time can prevent the flavors from developing fully. Letting your soup simmer enhances its richness and depth.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Santa Fe Soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Santa Fe Soup
- Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Santa Fe Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers as soup expands when frozen.
Reheating Santa Fe Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place in an oven-safe dish, covered with foil for 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, stirring every minute until heated through.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Santa Fe Soup?
Santa Fe Soup is a hearty dish featuring ground beef, beans, corn, and spices that create a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
Can I make Santa Fe Soup vegetarian?
You can easily customize this recipe by substituting ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives while keeping all other ingredients the same.
How spicy is Santa Fe Soup?
The spice level depends on the type of Rotel used; original contains mild peppers. For more heat, use the hot version or add fresh jalapeños during cooking.
Can I make Santa Fe Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for delicious results.
Final Thoughts
Santa Fe Soup is not only easy to prepare, but it also offers plenty of room for customization. You can adjust the spice levels or add extra vegetables according to your taste. Try this versatile recipe today and enjoy its hearty flavors!

Santa Fe Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Santa Fe Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines ground beef, beans, and a medley of spices to create a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. This delightful soup is not only easy to prepare but also boasts a rich blend of ingredients that will impress your family and friends without requiring extensive cooking skills. With just five minutes of prep time, you can whip up this savory soup on the stove or in a slow cooker, making it an ideal choice for cozy dinners or gatherings. Packed with protein and fiber, Santa Fe Soup is as nutritious as it is delicious. Garnish with fresh toppings like sour cream and cilantro for an extra touch of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes
- 1 (16 ounce) can pinto beans, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
- 1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (1 ounce) pack taco seasoning
- 1 (1 ounce) pack ranch seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
- Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, salt, and pepper; cook for an additional minute.
- Mix in taco seasoning and ranch seasoning followed by beef broth, Rotel tomatoes, beans, and corn.
- Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop/Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For added spice, use hot Rotel or fresh jalapeños. Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat for a vegetarian version. Serve with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal.