Steak Tortilla Soup with Homemade Tortilla Strips

Why is chicken the only one invited to the "tortilla soup" party?!

About the tortillas... You can certainly buy pre-made tortilla strips, but it's super easy to make your own. Here’s how: Cut corn tortillas into thin strips (about 1/2-inch wide). You’ll need 4 tortillas for 4 servings. Spread the strips out on a baking sheet and spray with cooking spray. Season with coarse or kosher salt. Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes, until golden and crisp.

Now for the soup...

Steak Tortilla Soup 
Note: You can also top the soup with cheese. I recommend Mexican cheese blend, a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, and sometimes Queso Quesadilla, and Asadero.

2 teaspoons olive oil
3/4 pound cubed steak or stew beef, cut into 1-inch pieces (that means cut stew beef into smaller pieces)
1 tablespoon Mexican spice blend (a blend of paprika, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, and sometimes chipotle)
2-3 cups beef broth
15-ounce can chili beans (a blend of kidney or pinto beans, paprika, garlic, onion, and spices)
1/2 cup salsa (a blend of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices)
Tortilla strips (see note above), about 1 cup
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, optional

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, stirring frequently. Add the spice blend and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute, until the spices are fragrant. Add 2 cups of the broth, beans, and salsa and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium, partially cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, adding more broth if you want a thinner soup (I’m more of a “stew” fan, so my soups tend to be thick). Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the tortilla strips and cilantro (if using).


Serves 4

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