Go Back
A bowl of flavorful Mexican Beef & Rice Soup is shown as the featured image for the recipe article.

Mexican Beef & Rice Soup Ultimate

This ultimate Mexican Beef & Rice Soup is a flavorful and satisfying bowl that warms you from the inside out. The secret lies in building layers of flavor by searing the beef, sautéing aromatics, and using high-quality broth and spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 2025
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs Beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 Large onion, chopped
  • 2 Cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Bell pepper red or green
  • 1 Jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced optional
  • 6 cups Beef broth low sodium preferred
  • 1 cup Tomato sauce
  • 1 cup Long-grain rice, uncooked
  • 1 tbsp Chili powder
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Stirring spoon

Method
 

  1. Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Remove beef from the pot and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeño (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Build the Base: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and oregano. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the spices to bloom.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Return the beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
  5. Add Rice: Stir in the rice. Cover and continue to simmer for another 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the soup has thickened slightly.
  6. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth. To prevent the rice from becoming mushy, add it towards the end of the cooking process. A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens the flavors. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.