7 Can Tortilla Soup Recipe

Tortilla soup is one of those comfort foods that can take you straight to the heart of Mexican cuisine. Its rich, flavorful broth, layered with crispy tortillas, savory vegetables, and hearty chicken or beef, is a bowl of pure warmth. This soup is an absolute crowd-pleaser, perfect for chilly evenings, cozy gatherings, or when you’re simply craving something flavorful yet comforting. And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile, easy to make, and can be adjusted to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

In this post, we’ll walk through a 7-can tortilla soup recipe-yes, you heard that right! Using seven simple canned ingredients, we’re going to make a soup that’s bursting with bold flavors, textures, and just the right amount of spice. Plus, we’ll dive deep into ingredient insights, expert tips, and some fun variations to give your soup an extra special touch.

Here’s a quick glance at the recipe: it’s all about simplicity, with a dash of creativity and flavor-packed ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. This recipe uses seven canned ingredients as its base, making it not only super convenient but also budget-friendly.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s break down the ingredients so you know exactly what you need to grab from your pantry or local store. It’s a simple, no-fuss shopping list, but together these ingredients create a soup that’s bursting with flavor.

Canned Chicken – About 12 oz (You could also use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken if you prefer, but canned chicken is super convenient for this recipe).
Canned Fire-Roasted Tomatoes – 1 can (Fire-roasted tomatoes have a smoky depth that regular canned tomatoes simply can’t match. This gives your broth that distinct, rich flavor).
Canned Corn – 1 can (Add a little sweetness and crunch. You can use regular corn, or if you prefer, opt for a can of fire-roasted corn for an added layer of smokiness).
Canned Black Beans – 1 can (Black beans are hearty, filling, and give the soup a lovely earthy base).
Canned Green Chiles – 1 can (For that zingy, mild heat. These bring a bit of tang and spice to the soup, but nothing too overpowering).
Canned Chicken Broth – 1 can (This is the base for your soup, making it savory and rich. If you like it thicker, feel free to add less broth, or for a more soupy texture, add a little extra).
Canned Sliced Jalapeños – 1 can (Optional, but if you love heat, this is a must. They add an extra kick, but they’re totally adjustable depending on your spice tolerance).

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get to the good part-making the soup. It’s super simple, even for beginner cooks, and doesn’t require hours of preparation. Let’s walk through it step-by-step:

Heat a Large Pot: Start by heating about 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. This will be the base for sautéing any additional fresh ingredients (like onions, garlic, or bell peppers) if you want to add some extra depth to your soup.
Add the Canned Ingredients: Add your cans of chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, corn, black beans, green chiles, and chicken broth directly into the pot. If you’re using the canned jalapeños, add them here too.
Stir and Simmer: Give everything a good stir, making sure all the ingredients are well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes so that the flavors meld together. You want the soup to be heated through and fragrant, but not overcooked.
Taste and Adjust: This is the fun part! Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning. You might want to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh, zesty kick. You can also throw in a little bit of chili powder or cumin if you like.
Crisp Up Some Tortillas: While your soup is simmering, grab some corn tortillas (about 6-8), cut them into strips, and lightly fry them in a pan with some oil until they’re golden and crispy. These will go right on top of your soup when it’s ready, giving it that signature crunch.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with the crispy tortilla strips, and garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a few slices of avocado.

Enjoy the wonderful textures and flavors you’ve just created!

Ingredient Insights

Each of these canned ingredients brings its own unique quality to the soup. Here’s a closer look at why each one is essential to the success of the dish:

Canned Chicken: Using canned chicken gives you convenience without sacrificing flavor. It’s pre-cooked and perfectly shredded, which means it’s easy to add into soups, salads, or even tacos. It’s also a great protein-packed option when you don’t have time to cook chicken from scratch.
Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: The smoky taste of fire-roasted tomatoes really elevates the overall flavor of the soup. Unlike regular tomatoes, these have been charred before being canned, which brings a complex richness to the broth. It adds a deep, savory layer that you just can’t get from fresh tomatoes alone.
Black Beans: Not only do black beans provide heartiness, but they also add an earthy, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other savory ingredients. They’re packed with fiber and protein, making this soup filling and nourishing.
Corn: Sweet corn is the perfect balance to the spicy elements in the soup. The slight crunch and sweetness offer a lovely contrast to the savory broth and add a delightful texture.
Green Chiles: These mild peppers bring a tangy kick without being overwhelming. They add a level of heat, but in a subtle way, balancing out the richness of the beans and chicken.
Chicken Broth: This is the essential liquid base of your soup. It helps all the ingredients meld together and creates a savory foundation. If you want a more robust flavor, consider using low-sodium broth to keep the soup light yet full of flavor.
Jalapeños: These fiery little peppers are optional, but they add a whole new level of heat to the soup. If you’re someone who loves spice, the jalapeños are a must! They not only spice up the soup but also give it a bright, sharp flavor.

Expert Tips

Customizing Your Heat Level: If you want to make the soup spicier, you can always add a few extra jalapeños, or even some hot sauce or cayenne pepper. Start with a little, though, and keep tasting until you reach the right level for your taste buds.
Add Freshness with Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving can completely transform the flavor of the soup. It brightens everything up and balances out the richness.
Cheese and Avocado Toppings: Don’t skip on the toppings! Fresh avocado slices, crumbled queso fresco, and a sprinkle of cilantro bring extra texture and freshness. You could also add some shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy finish.
Use Fresh Tortillas: If you’re looking to take it up a notch, make your own tortilla strips using fresh tortillas, instead of using store-bought. The homemade touch adds more flavor and texture.

Recipe Variations

This tortilla soup is highly versatile! Here are some variations to make it your own:

Vegetarian Tortilla Soup: Skip the canned chicken, and add more beans (pinto, kidney, or chickpeas would be great). You could also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely plant-based version.
Beef Tortilla Soup: For a heartier soup, try swapping the chicken for ground beef or shredded beef. Just brown the beef in the pot before adding the canned ingredients, and you’ve got a more robust, meaty version of the soup.
Spicy Tortilla Soup: Add more heat by incorporating chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or extra jalapeños. For an extra smoky flavor, you could even throw in some smoked paprika.
Creamy Tortilla Soup: For a rich, creamy texture, stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk after the soup has simmered. This adds a velvety smoothness that makes the soup indulgent and luxurious.

Final Words

This 7-can tortilla soup is a game-changer when it comes to simplicity, flavor, and convenience. It’s an easy, budget-friendly recipe that doesn’t sacrifice taste. Plus, the variety of textures-tender chicken, crunchy tortilla strips, soft beans, and sweet corn-creates a delightful symphony of flavors that makes each spoonful a pleasure.

7 Can Tortilla Soup Recipe