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Mexican soup with ground beef and potatoes in a rustic bowl
Vicky Sharma

Mexican Soup with Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe

A hearty and flavorful Mexican soup with ground beef and potatoes made in one pot. This easy, comforting recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers authentic-inspired flavors with simple ingredients.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 85/15 recommended
  • 2 medium potatoes peeled and diced
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional:
  • 1 cup corn fresh, frozen, or canned
  • 1 carrot diced
  • 1 zucchini chopped
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution and better simmering without burning.
  • Wooden spoon Ideal for breaking up ground beef and stirring without scratching your cookware.
  • Knife & cutting board Use a sharp knife for evenly diced potatoes so they cook at the same rate.

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
    1 small onion, 1 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves garlic
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until fully done (internal temp 160°F/71°C). Drain excess fat if needed.
    1 lb ground beef
  3. Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add diced tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes to enhance flavor.
    1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, Salt and black pepper to taste, 1 can
    Adding spices and tomatoes to beef
  4. Pour in beef broth and add diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
    4 cups low-sodium beef broth, 2 medium potatoes
    Adding broth and potatoes to soup
  5. Add optional vegetables like corn, carrots, or zucchini. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
    1 cup corn, 1 carrot, 1 zucchini
    Mexican soup simmering in pot
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
    Fresh cilantro, Lime wedges

Video

Notes

  • Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the best texture, they hold shape well.
  • Do not overcook potatoes to avoid a mushy texture.
  • Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving for a deeper flavor.
  • Soup tastes even better the next day.