Hearty Chipotle Beef and Vegetable Soup
vHey everyone! I hope you have your soup spoons ready, because today we are making a bowl of ultimate comfort: a hearty, spicy beef and vegetable soup.
This isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill vegetable soup. We are taking it to a whole new level with tender chunks of beef, a garden’s worth of hearty vegetables, and a rich, smoky broth with a satisfying kick.
The secret to our soup’s amazing flavor is a beautiful blend of spices, with smoked paprika and chipotle chili powder leading the charge.
They give the broth a smoldering, fiery depth that perfectly complements the rich beef and sweet vegetables. We’ll slow-simmer everything until the beef is fall-apart tender and the flavors have melded into a symphony of deliciousness.
This is the perfect one-pot meal to warm you up on a chilly evening. It’s rustic, filling, and packed with incredible flavor. Let’s get that pot on the stove and make some magic!
Quick Recipe Snapshot
Here’s everything you need to know at a glance to plan for this comforting meal.
| Prep time | Cook time | Total time | Yield | Skill level | Spice level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 minutes | 2 hours | 2 hours 25 minutes | 6-8 servings | Easy | Medium-Spicy |
Ingredients
We’re using a classic combination of beef and vegetables, elevated with a bold spice blend.
For the Soup Base:
- Beef Chuck – Also known as stewing beef, this cut is perfect for slow cooking. Its marbling and connective tissue break down, making the beef incredibly tender. Cut it into 1-inch cubes.
- 3-4 servings: 1 lb
- 6-8 servings: 2 lbs
- Aromatics – The foundation of any great soup.
- Onion: 1 large, chopped
- Carrots: 2-3, peeled and sliced
- Celery: 2-3 ribs, sliced
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Liquids – To create our rich and savory broth.
- Beef Broth: 6 cups, low-sodium
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz) can, fire-roasted for extra flavor
- Spice Blend – Here’s where the magic happens.
- Chipotle Chili Powder: 1 tbsp (provides smoky heat)
- Smoked Paprika: 1 tbsp
- Cumin: 1 tsp
- Dried Oregano: 1 tsp
- Cayenne Pepper: ¼ to ½ tsp, adjust to your liking
For the Vegetables:
- Potatoes – Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best as they hold their shape well.
- 3-4 servings: 1 lb, diced
- 6-8 servings: 2 lbs, diced
- Frozen Vegetables – A mix of corn and green beans adds sweetness and texture.
- Corn: 1 cup
- Green Beans: 1 cup
Spice Profile Breakdown
Let’s break down the key spices that give our soup its signature warmth and complexity.
| Spice | Flavor Role | Optional Substitution |
|---|---|---|
| Chipotle Chili Powder | Provides a medium, smoky heat and a deep, earthy flavor. | Ancho chili powder (milder, fruitier) or regular chili powder with a pinch of smoked paprika. |
| Smoked Paprika | Adds a vibrant color and a sweet, smoky flavor that enhances the chipotle. | Sweet paprika will work, but you’ll lose the smoky dimension. |
| Cumin | Adds a warm, nutty, and slightly earthy background note. | Coriander can be used for a lighter, more citrusy warmth. |
| Cayenne Pepper | Provides a direct, clean heat to elevate the overall spiciness. | A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or some red pepper flakes. |
Essential Tools
No special equipment needed, just your favorite soup-making essentials.
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed stockpot
- Cutting board and a sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs
- Ladle
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to build a soup with incredible depth of flavor.
Step 1: Sear the Beef for Maximum Flavor
The first step to a great soup is developing a deep, savory flavor, and that starts with browning the beef. Pat your beef cubes completely dry with a paper towel and season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering hot, add the beef in a single layer, being careful not to crowd the pan (work in batches if you need to). Let the beef sear for 3-4 minutes per side without moving it, until a deep brown crust forms. That crust is pure flavor! Once browned, remove the beef with tongs and set it aside.
Step 2: Build the Aromatic Foundation
Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Sauté the vegetables for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions have softened and are turning translucent. This process, often called sweating the vegetables, coaxes out their natural sweetness. Add the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until you can smell its wonderful, pungent aroma.
Step 3: Bloom the Spices and Simmer
Now it’s time to add our spice blend. Sprinkle the chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper over the vegetables. Stir constantly for about one minute. This step, known as “blooming” the spices, toasts them in the oil and unlocks their full aromatic potential. Pour in a splash of the beef broth to deglaze the pot, using your spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the rest of the beef broth, the can of fire-roasted tomatoes, and return the seared beef (along with any juices) to the pot.
Step 4: The Slow Simmer and Final Additions
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for at least 1.5 hours. This slow cooking time is what will make the beef incredibly tender. After 1.5 hours, stir in the diced potatoes, put the lid back on, and continue to simmer for another 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen corn and green beans. They just need a few minutes to heat through, which keeps their color bright and their texture crisp-tender. Season the finished soup with salt and pepper to your taste.
Recipe Variations
This soup is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to make it your own.
- Adjusting the Spice: To make it milder, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use a regular chili powder instead of chipotle. To turn up the heat, add an extra ½ teaspoon of cayenne or stir in a finely chopped jalapeño along with the onions.
- Vegetable Swaps: This soup is a great way to use up whatever vegetables you have on hand. Sweet potatoes, parsnips, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a handful of chopped kale or spinach stirred in at the end would all be delicious.
- Tex-Mex Fusion: Give the soup a Southwestern twist by adding a can of drained and rinsed black beans along with the corn. Serve it topped with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and some crushed tortilla chips.
Serving Suggestions
A hearty soup like this doesn’t need much, but a few simple additions can make it a perfect meal.
- Crusty Bread: A thick slice of warm, crusty bread or a fluffy dinner roll is non-negotiable for dipping into that incredible broth.
- Cornbread: A slice of sweet, crumbly cornbread is another fantastic pairing that complements the smoky, spicy flavors.
- Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich and hearty soup.
- Fresh Toppings: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions can add a burst of fresh flavor and color right before serving.
Storage & Reheating Tips
This is one of those soups that tastes even better the next day.
- Storage: Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. Avoid boiling it, which can make the vegetables mushy.
- Flavor Infusion: As the soup sits, the flavors will continue to meld and deepen. The spice level might even seem a little more pronounced on day two!
Common Mistakes & Fixes
Here’s how to troubleshoot some common soup-making hiccups.
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| My beef is tough. | The soup just needs more time. Tough beef is undercooked beef. Put the lid back on and continue to simmer on low for another 30-60 minutes. The connective tissue needs time to break down. |
| The soup is too spicy. | A dollop of sour cream or a splash of cream stirred into your bowl can help mellow the heat. A little squeeze of lime juice can also cut through the spice and brighten the flavors. |
| My vegetables are mushy. | This happens when vegetables are added too early. Always add the heartier root vegetables like potatoes first, and the quicker-cooking ones like green beans and corn at the very end. |
| The broth tastes bland. | Make sure you properly seared the beef and bloomed the spices. If it’s still lacking something, it’s likely salt. Add salt gradually and taste as you go. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can also boost the savory flavor. |
| The soup is too thin. | You can let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mash a few of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot to release their starch and thicken the broth naturally. |
FAQs
Here are answers to a few more common questions.
What is the best cut of beef for this soup?
Beef chuck is the best choice. It has great flavor and a good amount of fat and collagen, which breaks down during slow cooking to make the meat tender and the broth rich. You can also use bottom round or brisket.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Complete the steps for searing the beef and sautéing the aromatics and spices on the stovetop first for maximum flavor. Then, transfer everything (except the frozen veggies) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the frozen corn and green beans during the last 30 minutes.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
And there you have it – a truly spectacular spicy beef and vegetable soup that is packed with flavor and sure to become a new family favorite. It’s the perfect meal to cozy up with and feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I hope you give this recipe a try. Be sure to come back and let me know how you liked it in the comments below!
