Generally when I think of soup, I think of cold, dark winter nights. However, soup made with homemade beef stock is so nutritious and healing, it should not be relegated to just one season of the year. This Beef Enchilada Soup, topped with summer herbs and onions, will be a welcome addition to your family’s summer weeknight menu.
At my house, summer goes hand in hand with gardening. For months on end, our countertops abound with fresh tomatoes, peppers, okra, and squash. We make a huge batch of garden fresh salsa weekly. Beef Enchilada Soup makes a perfect pairing. Also, if you do have fresh tomatoes and peppers, use them in the soup in place of canned diced tomatoes. Simply dice fresh tomatoes yourself and add them to the ground beef once it’s mostly browned.
I love soup in the summer when it’s full of fresh herbs and garden vegetables.
Store bought enchilada sauce is traditionally thickened with wheat flour. When I switched to a gluten free diet, I needed to learn to make my own from scratch. Luckily, enchilada sauce is easy to make at home.There are quite a few enchilada sauce recipes online. Over time, I created my own based on the flavors and thickness my family prefers. If you’re feeling adventurous, I encourage you to take liberties with the recipe listed here. Make it your own.
For the enchilada sauce, begin by mixing the arrowroot into the melted ghee or oil. This should form a smooth roux.
Stir in the spices until well combined.
Mash the tomato paste into the spices until well combined.
Whisk the beef stock into the tomato paste mash. Whisk until the sauce is completely smooth. Simmer for five-ten minutes before use.
After making the enchilada sauce, this recipe becomes a quick dump and simmer meal. When you pour in the homemade enchilada sauce, you’ll end up with a thick, creamy, bowl of fiery summer flavors. Cheese optional. Enjoy!
Without garnish, this beef enchilada soup looks a bit like chili. Because of the arrowroot in the enchilada sauce, it is a bit thicker than a standard chili, though.
Gluten Free Enchilada Sauce
Ingredients
– saucepan
– 3 tbsp ghee ( or oil of choice)
– 3 tbsp arrowroot powder
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp chipotle powder
– 1 tsp oregano
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp sea salt
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 7 oz can tomato paste
– 3 c beef stock
Directions
1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the ghee or heat the oil. Add the arrowroot and stir to form a roux.
2. Once combined, add the spices (chili powder, chipotle powder, oregano, cumin, sea salt, onion powder, and garlic powder). Stir the spices into the roux, mixing until the spices begin to brown and become fragrant. If the sauce begins to boil, reduce the heat to a simmer.
3. Add in the tomato paste. Mush it into the spiced roux mixture using the back of a spoon.
4. Once combined, add the stock and whisk until all clumps are gone and the sauce is smooth. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for five to ten minutes.
Beef Enchilada Soup
Ingredients
– stock pot or Dutch oven
– 1 large red onion, diced
– 1 tbsp chili powder
– 2 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp sea salt
– 1 tsp oregano
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– enchilada sauce (See above)
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 3 c beef stock
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– chopped cilantro, jalapenos, onions, and or/spring onions to garnish
– shredded cheese to garnish
Directions
1. In a Dutch oven or larger soup pot, brown the ground beef with the diced onion.
2. When the beef is cooked through, add the spices (chili powder, cumin, sea salt, oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder).
3. When the spices are heated and fragrant, add the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, black beans, and beef stock. Stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Serve with chopped cilantro, jalapenos, onions, and shredded cheese to garnish.
Here on SpringForestFarm.com, Jennifer Taylor Schmidt writes beef recipes for the busy, natural homemaker. It is possible to seek optimal health with limited time and money. Join Jennifer in future posts as she explores the possibilities found in a 1/4 and a 1/2 beeve. You can also find her thoughts and personal health journey on RealFoodRealHealing.com.
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