5 Hearty Soup Recipes
5 HEARTY SOUP RECIPES is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Julia Pacheco on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $9.02 total, $2.26 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra virgin)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (softened)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (diced)
- 1 tablespoon Garlic (minced (about 3 cloves))
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 1 can (15 oz) Corn (drained)
- 1 can (15 oz) Black Beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (drained)
- 5 cups Chicken Broth
- 2 pieces (about 1 lb total) Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Taco Seasoning
- 4 tablespoons Cream Cheese (cubed, about 2 oz)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
Instructions
Sauté Aromatics
Heat the olive oil and butter in the Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Time: PT4M
Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 15 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
Time: PT0M15S
Build the Soup Base
Add the tomato paste, drained corn, drained black beans, and drained Rotel. Pour in the chicken broth, then nestle the two raw chicken breasts into the liquid. Sprinkle with pepper, salt, and taco seasoning. Stir to combine.
Time: PT2M
Simmer the Soup
Cover the pot and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken breasts are fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
Time: PT20M
Cube the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken breasts with a slotted spoon and place on a cutting board. Cube into bite‑size pieces (or shred if preferred).
Time: PT5M
Finish with Cheese
Return the cubed chicken to the pot. Stir in the cubed cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring over low heat until the cheeses melt completely, about 4–5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with optional shredded cheese, diced tomato, a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, and crushed tortilla chips.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 5g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Nut-Free
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, Avocado oil
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Olive oil
- Instead of Yellow Onion: White onion, Sweet onion
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Tomato sauce (reduced)
- Instead of Corn: Frozen corn, Fresh corn kernels
- Instead of Black Beans: Pinto beans, Kidney beans
- Instead of Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Diced canned tomatoes + jalapeño, Salsa
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth, Water + bouillon
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Rotisserie chicken, Turkey breast
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
- Instead of Taco Seasoning: Homemade taco spice blend
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Neufchatel cheese, Greek yogurt (for less richness)
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Mexican blend cheese
Equipment Needed
- Dutch Oven or Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cup
- Slotted Spoon (optional)
- Cheese Grater (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Simmer until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
- Melt the cream cheese and cheddar over low heat to prevent curdling.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a handful of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime just before serving for extra brightness.
- For a smoky twist, use chipotle‑in‑adobo sauce instead of regular taco seasoning.
- Crumble a few tortilla chips into the soup for added texture.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick.
Stir in additional chicken broth, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Cheese separates or looks grainy.
Reduce heat to low, whisk continuously, and add a splash of milk to smooth the texture.
Chicken is dry.
Do not over‑cook; remove the chicken as soon as it reaches 165°F and let it rest before cubing.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; cool to safe temperature within 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The soup can be fully prepared a day ahead; reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens.
- Cooked chicken can be shredded ahead of time and stored separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Creamy Tortilla Soup in Mexican cuisine?
Tortilla soup (sopa de tortilla) is a traditional Mexican comfort dish that dates back to the colonial era, originally made with simple broth, fried tortilla strips, and chilies. The creamy version adds dairy for richness, reflecting modern adaptations while still honoring the classic flavors.
What are the traditional regional variations of tortilla soup in Mexican cuisine?
In central Mexico, tortilla soup is often pureed with roasted tomatoes and chilies, while coastal versions may include seafood. Some regions add avocado, cheese, or a splash of crema, similar to the creamy style shown by Julia Pacheco.
How is Creamy Tortilla Soup traditionally served in Mexico?
It is typically served hot, garnished with crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, a drizzle of crema, and fresh cilantro. A wedge of lime is offered on the side for a bright finish.
During what occasions or celebrations is tortilla soup commonly enjoyed in Mexican culture?
Tortilla soup is a popular everyday comfort food but also appears at family gatherings, holiday meals, and street‑food festivals, especially during cooler months when a warm, hearty soup is welcomed.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional tortilla soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include corn tortillas, chicken broth, tomatoes, chilies, and queso fresco. Substitutes like cream cheese and cheddar, as used by Julia Pacheco, create a richer texture while still delivering the core flavors.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with Creamy Tortilla Soup?
Serve it alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, fresh guacamole, or a simple side of warm corn tortillas. A crisp margarita or agua fresca makes a refreshing beverage pairing.
How does Creamy Tortilla Soup fit into the broader Mexican cuisine tradition?
It exemplifies Mexican cuisine’s balance of bold spices, fresh vegetables, and comforting starches, while the creamy twist showcases the influence of contemporary home cooking trends within traditional frameworks.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Creamy Tortilla Soup?
Common errors include over‑cooking the garlic (it burns quickly), simmering the soup too vigorously (causing cheese to separate), and not cooking the chicken fully, which can lead to food safety issues.
Why does this Creamy Tortilla Soup recipe use cream cheese instead of traditional crema?
Cream cheese melts smoothly and adds a thicker, richer body to the broth, making the soup extra velvety. Traditional crema provides a lighter tang, but cream cheese is more readily available for home cooks seeking a thick texture.
Can I make Creamy Tortilla Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup can be prepared a day ahead. Cool it quickly, refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days, and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens. Freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage.
What does the YouTube channel Julia Pacheco specialize in?
The YouTube channel Julia Pacheco specializes in family‑friendly, comfort‑food recipes with a focus on soups, stews, and easy weeknight meals that blend classic flavors with modern twists.
How does the YouTube channel Julia Pacheco's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?
Julia Pacheco emphasizes quick, one‑pot meals using pantry staples and accessible ingredients, whereas many Mexican cooking channels focus on more elaborate, traditional techniques and specialty items.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
