Tortilla soup is a warm, comforting, and flavorful dish that has become a staple of Mexican cuisine, adored by many for its layers of bold tastes and heartwarming simplicity. If you’re looking to dive into a recipe that’s hearty, customizable, and packed with flavor, tortilla soup is a perfect choice. Imagine a base of rich, aromatic broth loaded with crispy tortilla strips, tender chicken, and a medley of vegetables, all topped with fresh garnishes like avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. It’s a bowl of comfort, no matter the time of year, but especially delightful on chilly days or when you’re craving something both satisfying and vibrant.
Tortilla soup has a rich history, with its roots in traditional Mexican cooking, where it evolved from humble ingredients, often made to stretch meals across many mouths. What started as a simple and hearty dish for the people has become a beloved favorite in homes and restaurants worldwide. Now, we’re going to take you step-by-step through an incredible, homemade tortilla soup recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
8 Can Tortilla Soup Recipe
This version of tortilla soup takes a shortcut by using canned ingredients, yet it still delivers on rich, authentic flavor. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a pot of creamy, spicy, and tangy soup that feels like it’s been simmering all day. It’s the kind of meal you can throw together quickly without sacrificing taste, and the best part is that it’s almost entirely hands-off once everything is combined. Here’s the breakdown:
Ingredients Needed
To make your 8-can tortilla soup, you’ll need a few simple ingredients, most of which you can find in your pantry or grocery store aisle. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s super versatile, so if you can’t find one specific ingredient, you can easily swap it out for something else.
Essential Ingredients
-
Canned Chicken (1 can, 12.5 oz)
You’ll be using canned chicken to keep things simple. It’s already cooked and just needs to be heated through. If you’d prefer, you can use rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand.
-
Canned Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz)
These bring tangy acidity to balance out the rich broth and the other ingredients.
-
Canned Corn (1 can, 15 oz)
Adds a touch of sweetness and texture to the soup, helping to create a well-rounded flavor profile.
-
Canned Black Beans (1 can, 15 oz)
Rich in protein, these beans add depth and heartiness to your soup, making it a satisfying meal on its own.
-
Canned Green Chiles (1 can, 4 oz)
A key ingredient for adding some mild heat and a fresh, peppery flavor without being overwhelming.
-
Canned Tomato Sauce (1 can, 8 oz)
Forms the base of your soup, contributing richness and a smooth texture.
-
Canned Chicken Broth (1 can, 15 oz)
The base liquid for your soup. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use vegetable broth instead.
-
Canned Jalapeños (1 can, 4 oz)
For some extra kick! If you like your soup spicier, this is a great way to dial up the heat.
Cooking Instructions
This recipe is as easy as 1-2-3, and it doesn’t take long to pull together. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to get you to a bowl of tortilla soup in no time:
-
Prepare The Base
- In a large pot, combine all of your canned ingredients-canned chicken, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, green chiles, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and jalapeños.
- Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well-mixed.
-
Simmer The Soup
- Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld together.
-
Prepare The Tortilla Strips
- While your soup is simmering, cut a few tortillas into strips or use pre-made tortilla chips if you prefer. You can fry them in a little oil for a crispy texture or simply bake them at 375°F for 10 minutes until they crisp up.
-
Serve
- Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls. Top each serving with the crispy tortilla strips, a squeeze of lime, and your choice of garnishes like chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, diced avocado, or sour cream.
Ingredient Insights
Every ingredient in this tortilla soup recipe plays a specific role in building a balanced and satisfying dish. Here’s a little more detail about why they’re included:
- Canned Chicken: Quick, convenient, and packed with protein. You can use fresh chicken if you prefer, but the canned version simplifies the process without compromising flavor.
- Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: Both the diced tomatoes and the tomato sauce create a beautiful balance of acidity and sweetness that forms the backbone of the soup’s flavor.
- Corn: Sweet corn adds a natural pop of flavor and texture that lightens up the heaviness of the broth. It also provides a nice contrast to the earthiness of the black beans.
- Green Chiles and Jalapeños: These canned peppers are responsible for the smoky, slightly spicy undertones. You can adjust the amount depending on your heat tolerance, making this dish as mild or spicy as you like.
- Tortilla Strips: These provide the signature crunch that tortilla soup is known for. Plus, they soak up some of the flavorful broth, adding another layer of texture and taste with every bite.
Expert Tips
To elevate your tortilla soup and make it even more delicious, here are a few expert tips:
- Simmer Longer for Richer Flavor: Although the recipe calls for just 10 minutes of simmering, if you have time, let the soup cook a little longer. This will allow the flavors to deepen and become more complex.
- Use Fresh Tortillas: If you want the freshest, crispiest tortillas, opt for frying or baking your own tortilla strips. Homemade tortilla chips can be made from just a few simple ingredients, and they add a homemade touch to your soup.
- Experiment with Toppings: Tortilla soup is all about personal taste. While cilantro, lime, and avocado are classic garnishes, feel free to add a dollop of sour cream, a handful of shredded cheese, or even some sliced radishes for a refreshing crunch.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you like a milder soup, reduce the amount of jalapeños, or leave them out altogether. On the flip side, for a spicier dish, consider adding extra chili powder or a dash of hot sauce.
Recipe Variations
While this recipe is a fantastic base, there are countless ways to personalize your tortilla soup. Here are some variations you can try:
- Vegetarian Tortilla Soup: Skip the canned chicken and opt for extra beans or vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Creamy Tortilla Soup: For a creamier soup, stir in some heavy cream or a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese after simmering the soup. This will give it a velvety texture and a rich flavor.
- Spicy Tortilla Soup: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a chopped serrano pepper to give your soup an extra kick. If you’re a fan of spicy food, you could even add chipotle peppers for a smoky heat.
- Tex-Mex Tortilla Soup: Add some taco seasoning or cumin to give the soup a deeper, more complex Tex-Mex flavor. You can also top it with a mix of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Slow Cooker Version: If you want to make this soup even easier, toss all the ingredients into a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Then, top with fresh tortilla strips and your favorite garnishes.
Final Words
Tortilla soup is one of those dishes that brings joy with every spoonful. It’s an all-in-one meal-hearty, flavorful, and just a little bit indulgent. By using canned ingredients, this recipe keeps things simple and fast without sacrificing the bold, rich flavors that make tortilla soup a standout comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, a weeknight meal, or a crowd, it’s sure to impress.