Tamale Soup Recipe with Tamale Dumplings for a Comforting Bowl

Bubbling with comfort, this hearty tamale soup captures the soul of Mexican cuisine.

Warm spices dance through a rich broth filled with tender meat and vegetables.

Chefs know tamale dumplings add an unexpected twist to traditional soup recipes.

Corn masa brings a delightful texture that transforms each spoonful into a celebration.

Fragrant ingredients mingle, creating layers of deep, satisfying flavors.

Regional techniques inspire this culinary adventure that connects you to generations of home cooking.

Grab a ladle and savor each memorable bite of this soulful dish.

Tamale Soup with Dumplings Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the soup.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and creates a smooth base for cooking.

• Beef Broth: Creates a deep, savory foundation for the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and bright acidic notes to the soup.
• Tomato Sauce: Enhances the overall tomato flavor and thickens the soup.
• Enchilada Sauce: Introduces classic Mexican-inspired flavor profile.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that provides depth and traditional flavor.
• Pinto Beans: Adds protein, texture, and classic southwestern character.
• Corn: Brings sweetness and additional texture to the soup.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced flavor.
• Cumin, Chili Powder, Paprika, Oregano: Create warm, complex southwestern spice profile.

• Masa Harina: Traditional corn flour that provides authentic tamale texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps dumplings rise and become light.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind dumpling ingredients.
• Warm Broth: Provides moisture and helps form dumpling dough.

• Lime Juice: Adds bright, fresh acidity to finish the soup.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings vibrant flavor and color.
• Sour Cream: Creamy topping that balances spice.
• Avocado

Cooking Steps for Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef Base

• Heat olive oil in a large pot
• Add ground beef and cook until fully browned
• Drain excess fat if needed
• Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic
• Sauté for 2 minutes until vegetables soften

Step 2: Spice Up the Flavor Profile

• Sprinkle in salt
• Add black pepper
• Mix in cumin
• Dust with chili powder
• Shake paprika
• Sprinkle dried oregano

Step 3: Build the Soup Foundation

• Pour diced tomatoes
• Add tomato sauce
• Stream beef broth
• Tumble pinto beans
• Scatter corn kernels
• Drizzle enchilada sauce
• Stir ingredients thoroughly

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Flavors

• Bring mixture to gentle simmer
• Cook for 15-20 minutes

Step 5: Prepare Dumpling Dough

• Whisk masa harina
• Mix in baking powder
• Add salt
• Incorporate melted butter
• Pour warm broth
• Blend until soft dough forms
• Optional: Fold in shredded cheese

Step 6: Create Dumplings

• Reduce soup to gentle simmer
• Use spoon to drop masa dough into soup
• Ensure dumplings are tablespoon-sized

Step 7: Cook Dumplings

• Cover pot
• Let dumplings cook 15-20 minutes
• Check for firmness

Step 8: Final Touches

• Squeeze fresh lime juice
• Ladle into serving bowls

• Chopped cilantro
• Dollop sour cream
• Sliced avocado
• Sprinkle cheese
• Add lime wedges

Pro Tips for Tamale Soup Dumpling Fans

• Customize Meat Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary preferences and protein choices.
• Control Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder and paprika quantities to create mild, medium, or spicy versions of the soup based on personal heat tolerance.
• Perfect Dumpling Consistency: Ensure masa dough is slightly sticky but able to hold shape; add extra masa harina if too wet or warm broth if too dry for ideal texture.
• Boost Vegetable Nutrition: Incorporate additional vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to enhance nutritional value and add extra layers of flavor.
• Enhance Soup Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, understanding dumplings might absorb more liquid and soften during storage.

Save and Reheat Tamale Soup and Dumplings

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping soup fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then warm gently over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and maintain dumpling texture.
• Reheat soup in short intervals, stirring between each, to prevent dumplings from becoming tough or rubbery.

Foods That Pair with Tamale Soup Dumplings

• Choose a robust Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon with spicy notes that perfectly complement the soup's rich, hearty flavors and balance its Mexican-inspired seasonings.
• Mix a classic margarita with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a salt rim to echo the soup's bright citrus undertones and enhance its complex spice profile.
• Select a cold Corona or Modelo Especial to cut through the soup's richness, providing a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between spoonfuls.
• Prepare a quick corn and cilantro salsa with diced red onions and lime juice to add a zesty, fresh layer of texture and brightness that elevates the entire dish.

Change It Up: Tamale Soup Dumplings

• Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty meat-free soup. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to maintain the rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular masa harina with certified gluten-free masa harina. Ensure all other ingredients like enchilada sauce and broth are gluten-free certified.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add diced jalapeños or green chiles to the soup base. Increase chili powder and cumin for an extra heat boost. Top with hot sauce for additional spiciness.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use no-salt-added tomatoes and broth. Reduce salt in the recipe and enhance flavor with fresh herbs like cilantro and lime juice. Choose low-sodium beans and rinse canned beans before adding.

Questions About Tamale Soup Dumplings

• What is masa harina and can I substitute it?

Masa harina is a special corn flour used in Mexican cooking. You can substitute with cornmeal, but the texture and authentic flavor will be different.

• How spicy is this Tamale Soup?

The recipe has mild spice levels from chili powder and cumin. You can adjust heat by adding more chili powder or including diced jalapeños for extra kick.

• Is this soup good for meal prep?

Yes, this soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The dumplings might soften slightly when reheated, but the flavor remains delicious.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it completely vegetarian.

Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings Summary

• Quick Comfort Meal
• This recipe brilliantly combines Mexican tamale techniques with hearty soup, creating a unique cross-cultural comfort dish that surprises and delights taste buds.
• Beginner cooks can easily master this recipe with straightforward steps, minimal chopping, and simple ingredient mixing, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
• Streamline your cooking process with a single pot that delivers maximum flavor and minimal cleanup, saving time and reducing dishwashing stress while providing a complete meal in one delicious preparation.
• Flexible recipe allows easy protein swaps, spice level adjustments, and optional cheese additions, ensuring every family member can enjoy their personalized version of this cozy soup.

Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican tamale soup elevates comfort food with irresistible tamale dumplings floating in a rich, spicy broth. Warm and satisfying flavors invite you to savor each spoonful of this soul-warming culinary experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Meat:

• 1 pound ground beef (or shredded cooked chicken)
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth if using chicken)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, drained
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon oregano

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup enchilada sauce (red or green)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 cup masa harina
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon melted butter or lard
• ½ cup warm chicken broth (add more if needed)
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Garnishes:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sour cream
• Diced avocado
• Shredded cheese
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a capacious pot, creating a flavorful base for the hearty soup.
2. Brown ground beef thoroughly, ensuring no pink remains, and eliminate any excess rendering.
3. Incorporate aromatic onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant.
4. Infuse the mixture with a robust blend of spices: salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano.
5. Pour in a medley of tomatoes, tomato sauce, rich beef broth, creamy pinto beans, sweet corn, and zesty enchilada sauce.
6. Allow the concoction to gently simmer, melding flavors for approximately 15-20 minutes.
7. Prepare the tamale dumpling base by whisking masa harina with baking powder and salt in a separate mixing vessel.
8. Create a cohesive dumpling dough by introducing melted butter and warm broth, achieving a slightly tacky consistency.
9. Optional: Fold in shredded cheese for additional richness.
10. Reduce soup to a delicate simmer, creating the perfect poaching environment for dumplings.
11. Carefully drop spoonfuls of masa dough into the simmering liquid, creating rustic dumplings.
12. Cover the pot, allowing dumplings to steam and firm up for 15-20 minutes.
13. Brighten the soup’s depth with a splash of fresh lime juice.
14. Serve in generous bowls, garnishing with vibrant cilantro, creamy sour cream, buttery avocado, additional cheese, and tangy lime wedges.

Notes

• Consider using lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce fat content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Swap pinto beans with black beans or kidney beans for varied nutritional profiles and taste preferences.
• Gluten-free adaptation requires using gluten-free masa harina and checking broth ingredients for hidden gluten.
• Vegetarian version works by replacing beef with plant-based crumbles or additional beans, ensuring protein balance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg