Description
Mexican Picadillo Soup
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 potatoes, diced
1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
4 cups beef broth
1/2 cup uncooked pearl barley or rice
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Cook ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Remove excess grease if necessary.
Sauté aromatics: Stir in onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.
Add vegetables and spices: Add carrots, potatoes, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Build the soup base: Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil. Stir in pearl barley or rice. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the barley/rice and vegetables are tender.
Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 310 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a foolproof soup. First, ensure all vegetables are diced to a uniform, small size for even cooking. In your large pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat to develop fond (the browned bits at the bottom). After removing the beef and draining grease, add the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Next, add the carrots and potatoes, cooking for 2-3 minutes to slightly soften. Return the beef to the pot, add all spices, and stir for one minute to toast them. Pour in the broth, scraping the pot’s bottom to deglaze. Add the barley or rice and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a steady simmer. Cover partially and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until grains and potatoes are tender.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty soup is a complete meal but can be elevated with simple sides. Serve with warm corn tortillas or crusty bread for dipping. Top with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream or crema. For extra texture, add crushed tortilla chips or a sprinkle of cotija cheese just before serving.
How-to Summary
Brown the ground beef, then sauté onions and garlic. Add diced vegetables and spices, then pour in broth. Add your grain (barley or rice) and simmer until everything is tender. Season to taste and garnish generously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes. Brown the beef and sauté onions/garlic first for best flavor. Then add all ingredients except garnish to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
What can I use instead of pearl barley? White rice, brown rice, or even small pasta like orzo or ditalini work well. Adjust cooking time according to the grain you choose.
How can I make this soup leaner? Use ground turkey or lean ground beef (90/10). You can also increase the vegetables and slightly reduce the meat quantity.
How should I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much.
Can I freeze this soup? Yes, but be aware that potatoes can become grainy upon thawing. For best freezing results, consider omitting potatoes and adding fresh ones when reheating. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: Do not skip browning the meat, as it builds foundational flavor. Do not add uncooked rice or barley at the end—it needs the full simmering time to cook. Do not overcook the vegetables into mush; aim for tender but firm. Finally, do not forget to season in layers (when browning meat, adding spices) and do a final taste adjustment before serving.
Conclusion
This Mexican Picadillo Soup is the ultimate weeknight comfort food, transforming simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying and flavorful meal. It’s incredibly adaptable to your pantry and dietary preferences. With the detailed guide and tips provided, you can confidently avoid common errors and tailor the soup to perfection. We hope this hearty recipe becomes a cherished staple in your dinner rotation.