What Is Santa Fe Soup?
Santa Fe soup is a hearty Southwestern favorite that combines savory ground meat, beans, corn, and bold spices in one delicious bowl. This crowd-pleasing Santa Fe soup recipe has become one of the most searched comfort foods in the Southwest—and for good reason! With minimal prep and maximum flavor, Santa Fe soup in the crockpot is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep.
Our easy Santa Fe soup recipe lets you “set it and forget it,” allowing the rich flavors to develop while you go about your day. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this Santa Fe soup will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Santa Fe Soup Recipe
- Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry
- Versatile preparation – make Santa Fe soup in a crockpot or on the stovetop
- Meal prep friendly – freezes beautifully for future meals
- Customizable heat level – make your Santa Fe soup as mild or spicy as you prefer
- Family-approved – even picky eaters love this hearty Santa Fe soup
Santa Fe Soup Ingredients
For this classic Santa Fe soup crockpot recipe, gather:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey (for a leaner Santa Fe soup option)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Santa Fe Soup Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Diced avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips
Pro Tip: For an authentic spicy Santa Fe soup, add a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper!
How to Make Santa Fe Soup in a Crockpot
Time Required
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (crockpot) or 30 minutes (stovetop)
- Total Time: 4.5-6.5 hours (mostly hands-off cooking!)
Unlike traditional stews that require constant attention, this Santa Fe soup recipe saves you time while delivering incredible flavor.
Step-by-Step Santa Fe Soup Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Base
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or turkey) with diced onions and bell pepper until no longer pink. Drain excess fat, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Santa Fe Soup Tip: For enhanced flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of broth before transferring to your crockpot.
Step 2: Combine All Santa Fe Soup Ingredients
Transfer the meat mixture to your slow cooker and add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with chilies, tomato sauce, broth, and seasonings. Stir thoroughly to combine all Santa Fe soup ingredients.
Step 3: Cook Your Santa Fe Soup
Cover and cook your Santa Fe soup on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. The longer your Santa Fe soup simmers, the richer the flavors become!
Stovetop Santa Fe Soup Alternative: Combine all ingredients in a Dutch oven and simmer for 25-30 minutes on low heat for a quicker version of this Santa Fe soup recipe.
Step 4: Final Touches for Perfect Santa Fe Soup
Before serving, taste your Santa Fe soup and adjust seasonings if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like cheese, avocado, or sour cream.
Santa Fe Soup Nutrition Information
Per serving (approximately 1.5 cups):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbs | 25g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Fat | 12g |
Santa Fe Soup Dietary Notes:
- High in protein and fiber—keeps you full longer
- Gluten-free Santa Fe soup (if using GF taco seasoning)
- Dairy-free Santa Fe soup option (skip cheese/sour cream toppings)
Healthier Santa Fe Soup Variations
- Leaner Santa Fe Soup: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
- Low-Sodium Santa Fe Soup: Choose no-salt-added beans and broth
- Vegetarian Santa Fe Soup: Replace meat with extra beans or lentils
- Veggie-Packed Santa Fe Soup: Add zucchini or spinach for extra nutrients
How to Serve Santa Fe Soup
- With warm cornbread or tortillas for dipping
- Over rice or quinoa for a heartier meal
- As a topping for loaded nachos—the possibilities are endless!
Santa Fe Soup Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the meat before adding to the crockpot (keeps your Santa Fe soup meat tender)
- Forgetting to taste and adjust seasonings before serving your Santa Fe soup
- Using watery tomatoes—opt for fire-roasted for deeper Santa Fe soup flavor
Storing Your Santa Fe Soup
- Refrigerator: Santa Fe soup keeps for 3-4 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Store Santa Fe soup for up to 3 months—thaw and reheat on the stove
- Meal Prep: Double your Santa Fe soup batch and freeze in individual portions!
Why This Santa Fe Soup Recipe Works
This Santa Fe soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines convenience with incredible flavor. Its simple preparation and flexible cooking methods make it perfect for any occasion. The blend of savory meat, beans, and Southwestern spices creates a Santa Fe soup that’s both satisfying and crowd-pleasing.
Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this Santa Fe soup recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time. Try it today and discover why Santa Fe soup has become a beloved staple in kitchens across America!
Santa Fe Soup FAQs
Can I make vegetarian Santa Fe soup?
Absolutely! For vegetarian Santa Fe soup, simply replace the meat with an extra can of beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles.
How can I thicken my Santa Fe soup?
To thicken Santa Fe soup, simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
Can I use frozen vegetables in Santa Fe soup?
Yes! Frozen corn or peppers work perfectly in Santa Fe soup—no need to thaw before adding.
What’s the best cheese for topping Santa Fe soup?
Pepper Jack, cheddar, or cotija cheese add great flavor and melt beautifully on hot Santa Fe soup.
Can I make Santa Fe soup in an Instant Pot?
Yes! For Instant Pot Santa Fe soup, sauté the meat first, then pressure cook on HIGH for 10 minutes with a quick release.
