Southwest Wild Rice Beef Fiesta Soup

Absolutely! Let’s dive into the delightful creation that is the “Wild Rice Beef Enchilada Soup,” a delightful twist on a southwestern favorite, straight from the MN Wild Rice Council at the MN State Fair. 🌾🥩🍲

Wild Rice Beef Enchilada Soup Recipe

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6

Description

A Minnesota-inspired twist to a beloved southwestern classic, this soup is a hearty, flavorful blend that captures the essence of comfort food. Packed with lean ground beef, aromatic wild rice, and a medley of spices, it’s a bowl of warmth perfect for chilly evenings. You’ll love the rich flavors and the ease of preparation – a true crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large saucepan, brown the lean ground beef with chopped onions and minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.

2. Add Flavorful Elements: Stir in the diced green chilies, beef broth, enchilada sauce, and ground cumin. Let the mixture simmer uncovered over medium heat for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

3. Incorporate Wild Rice: Add the cooked wild rice and chopped fresh cilantro to the simmering soup. Let it all simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the flavors of the broth.

4. Season to Perfection: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Adjust the seasoning as needed, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.

5. Serve and Garnish: Ladle this aromatic soup into bowls, and top each serving generously with shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese. The cheese will melt into the soup, adding a creamy, indulgent finish.

6. Enjoy Your Creation: Serve this Wild Rice Beef Enchilada Soup piping hot, perhaps with a side of warm tortillas or crispy tortilla chips. It’s a meal in itself, comforting, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 703.9
• Total Fat: 26.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 11.9g
• Cholesterol: 108.6mg
• Sodium: 2098.9mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 69.8g
  • Dietary Fiber: 6.4g
  • Sugars: 4.9g
• Protein: 48.3g

Recipe Notes

• Wild Rice Magic: Wild rice not only adds a nutty flavor to this soup but also brings a delightful chewy texture. Make sure to cook it beforehand according to package instructions for the perfect consistency.

• Cheese Choices: While Monterey Jack with peppers adds a spicy kick, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like sharp cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend.

• Garnish Galore: Enhance the presentation and flavor with additional garnishes such as a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, or a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro.

• Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld. Simply store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Wild Rice Beef Enchilada Soup with warm, buttered cornbread for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

• For a lighter option, serve the soup alongside a crisp, refreshing side salad dressed with a zesty lime vinaigrette.

Kitchen Tips

• Get Ahead with Prep: To make mealtime a breeze, prep the ingredients in advance. Chop the onions, mince the garlic, and cook the wild rice ahead of time.

• Freeze for Later: This soup freezes beautifully! Store individual portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for quick, convenient meals on busy days.

• Customize to Taste: Adjust the heat level by using mild or hot green chilies, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

• Double the Batch: This recipe easily doubles to feed a larger crowd or to have extra portions for freezing.

With its robust flavors and heartwarming appeal, this Wild Rice Beef Enchilada Soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Perfect for cozy dinners, potlucks, or simply satisfying your craving for a comforting bowl of goodness. Enjoy! 🌶🍲✨