Hearty Barbacoa Soup Recipe – Smoky, Comforting & Easy to Make
When I first decided to try making barbacoa soup, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But as I stood there tasting the rich, smoky broth, loaded with tender beef and hearty vegetables, I knew it was a winner.
Simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, this soup quickly became a crowd favorite in my home. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or hosting a dinner party, this recipe delivers comfort with every spoonful!
Want a crowd-pleasing dish? Make our Barbacoa Tacos Recipe.
Ingredients for Barbacoa Soup Recipe
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef stock
- 2 (15-ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, cubed
- 1.5 pounds beef (such as sirloin or chuck), cut into chunks
- 2 dried pasilla or guajillo chiles (or 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional toppings: diced avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or crumbled tortilla chips
Note: Serves 6.
Variations to Try
This soup is versatile, so feel free to experiment based on personal preferences:
- Swap beef with chicken or pork for a lighter or slightly different flavor.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of Yukon potatoes for added sweetness and a splash of color.
- To make it spicier, increase the amount of chipotle peppers or add a pinch of cayenne.
- For a dairy-free topping, skip cheese and go heavy on cilantro, avocado, or lime.
- Add vegetables like zucchini, corn, or bell peppers for additional texture and flavor.
Don’t miss our full list of hearty dinner recipes perfect for families.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes (varies slightly depending on the method)
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Large Stockpot or Slow Cooker: Ideal for simmering the soup to perfection.
- Cutting Board and Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables and meat.
- Tongs or Ladle: To handle the beef and serve the soup neatly.
- Blender (Optional): For blending the chilies, if you want a smoother texture in the broth.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy when adding spices and liquids.
How to Make Barbacoa Soup?
This easy barbacoa soup promises bold flavors with minimal effort. Here’s how you can craft this hearty, flavorful dish step-by-step.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until it softens and becomes fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the aromatics to infuse the oil with their flavor.
Step 2: Build the Base
Add beef stock, fire-roasted tomatoes, chopped red peppers, and dried chilies (or chipotle peppers) to the pot. Stir in ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. This mixture lays the foundation for the soup’s deep, smoky flavor profile.
Step 3: Incorporate the Vegetables and Meat
Add chopped potatoes, carrots, and beef chunks to the pot. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow the soup to simmer for about 40 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked. Stir occasionally to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once done, remove and discard the dried chilies if they’ve been left whole. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or cumin as needed. For a deeper flavor, simmer uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like diced avocado, fresh cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips. Squeeze a lime wedge over for a burst of brightness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This soup is filled with reasons to make it a staple in your kitchen:
- Bold, smoky flavors that are both comforting and unique.
- Packed with nutritious veggies and protein.
- Easily adjustable for different tastes and dietary needs.
- Perfect for meal prep because it reheats like a dream.
- A simple yet impressive dish for entertaining or weeknight dinners.
How to Serve Barbacoa Soup?
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the soup in wide bowls and garnish with vibrant toppings like fresh cilantro, creamy avocado cubes, and crunchy tortilla strips.
Pair it with warm cornbread or a simple side salad to create a complete and satisfying meal. Don’t forget extra lime wedges on the side for those who love an extra zesty kick. Discover the secret to tender meat with our Barbacoa Beef Recipe.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides a great balance of macros and energy. Approximate values per serving include:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 15g
Make Ahead and Storage
Barbacoa soup is fantastic for leftovers and busy schedules. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. It reheats wonderfully on the stovetop or in the microwave, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
To freeze, portion the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat and enjoy. For best results, wait to add toppings like avocado or cilantro until just before serving.
Tips for Making the Recipe
After making this recipe a few times, here are my favorite tips to get the best results:
- If using dried chilies, briefly toast them in a dry pan before adding to the soup for extra depth in flavor.
- For a richer, heartier soup, sear the beef chunks in the pot before adding the other ingredients.
- If the soup turns out too spicy, balance it out with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
- Blend half the soup for a thicker consistency while keeping the rest chunky.
- Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end to ensure a perfect balance.
Barbacoa soup not only warms the soul but also impresses with its comforting flavors and hearty ingredients. Give it a try the next time you’re craving something cozy and delicious!
Barbacoa Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until it softens and becomes fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the aromatics to infuse the oil with their flavor.
- Add beef stock, fire-roasted tomatoes, chopped red peppers, and dried chilies (or chipotle peppers) to the pot. Stir in ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. This mixture lays the foundation for the soup’s deep, smoky flavor profile.
- Add chopped potatoes, carrots, and beef chunks to the pot. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow the soup to simmer for about 40 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked. Stir occasionally to ensure everything cooks evenly.
- Once done, remove and discard the dried chilies if they’ve been left whole. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or cumin as needed. For a deeper flavor, simmer uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like diced avocado, fresh cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips. Squeeze a lime wedge over for a burst of brightness.