Spicy Baked Ground Beef Soup

Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s both comforting and packs a punch? Look no further than Spicy Baked Ground Beef Soup. This recipe combines the ease of a ground beef soup with the added depth of flavor that baking imparts. It’s perfect for a chilly evening, a potluck gathering, or anytime you need a satisfying and relatively hands-off dinner.

Why Bake Your Ground Beef Soup?

You might be wondering, “Why bake soup?” The baking process transforms the flavors, melding them together in a way that simmering on the stovetop simply can’t replicate. The dry heat allows the top to slightly caramelize, adding a richness and complexity that elevates the entire dish. This method also prevents scorching on the bottom and allows for a more even distribution of heat, ensuring that all the ingredients cook perfectly.

Building Flavor: Ingredients and Preparation

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to adjust the spice level and vegetable additions to your liking. The foundation, however, remains the same: quality ground beef, a robust tomato base, and a blend of spices that will awaken your taste buds.

Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Soup

• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef (85/15) to minimize excess grease. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste form the base of the soup. Diced tomatoes with green chilies add an extra layer of heat.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are essential for building a savory foundation.
• Bell Peppers: Add color and a touch of sweetness. Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers are all excellent choices.
• Chili Powder: A blend of spices that provides warmth and depth. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
• Cumin: Adds an earthy, smoky note that complements the chili powder.
• Cayenne Pepper: For an extra kick of heat. Use sparingly, as a little goes a long way.
• Beef Broth: Provides a rich, savory liquid base.
• Beans (Optional): Kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans add texture and heartiness.
• Corn (Optional): Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
• Rice or Pasta (Optional): For a heartier, more substantial soup. Add cooked rice or pasta during the last 30 minutes of baking.
• Toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, cilantro, avocado, and tortilla chips are all fantastic toppings.

Preparing the Soup

The preparation is simple and straightforward:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Combine the Ingredients: In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, combine the browned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), beef broth, beans (if using), and corn (if using). Stir well to combine.

4. Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to taste. Remember that you can always add more seasoning later, but it’s difficult to remove it.

Baking the Spicy Ground Beef Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now comes the magic – the baking process that will transform this simple soup into a flavor explosion.

Oven Temperature and Baking Time

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature allows the soup to bake evenly without scorching.

Cover the pot tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. This will help to trap the moisture and prevent the soup from drying out.

Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir the soup occasionally during baking to ensure even cooking.

Checking for Doneness

The soup is done when the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. You can test the vegetables by piercing them with a fork. If they are easily pierced, they are done.

If you are adding rice or pasta, add it during the last 30 minutes of baking. Make sure the rice or pasta is cooked through before serving.

Adding Cheese

If you desire a cheesy soup, stir in shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or a Mexican cheese blend during the last 15 minutes of baking. This will allow the cheese to melt and create a creamy, cheesy topping.

Serving and Customizing Your Baked Ground Beef Soup

Once the soup is baked, it’s time to serve and enjoy! But the fun doesn’t stop there. This soup is incredibly versatile and can be customized to your liking with a variety of toppings and accompaniments.

Topping Suggestions

• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds a creamy tanginess that complements the spicy flavors.
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are all excellent choices.
• Green Onions: Add a fresh, mild onion flavor.
• Cilantro: Adds a bright, herbaceous note.
• Avocado: Adds a creamy, healthy fat.
• Tortilla Chips: Add a crunchy texture and a hint of salt.
• Hot Sauce: For an extra kick of heat.

Serving Suggestions

• With Bread or Rolls: Crusty bread or soft rolls are perfect for dipping into the soup.
• With a Salad: A simple green salad or a cornbread salad complements the richness of the soup.
• As a Main Course: This soup is hearty enough to be a complete meal.

Variations and Adaptations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Spicier Version: Add more cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.
• Smokier Version: Add smoked paprika or a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
• Creamier Version: Stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup during the last 30 minutes of baking.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Spicy Baked Ground Beef Soup is perfect for making ahead of time or for leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Instructions

For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Be sure to leave some headspace in the containers, as the soup will expand when frozen.

The soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Instructions

• From the Refrigerator: Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
• From the Freezer: Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can also thaw it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it frequently to prevent uneven heating.

FAQ: Spicy Baked Ground Beef Soup

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Can I use different types of beans?

Absolutely! Kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, and cannellini beans all work well in this soup.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, zucchini, or potatoes. Add them along with the bell peppers and onion.

How do I adjust the spice level?

To make the soup spicier, add more cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños. To make it milder, reduce the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper, or omit them altogether.

Can I make this soup without beans?

Yes, you can easily omit the beans if you prefer.