Spicy Mexican-Inspired Tortilla Soup with Avocado

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, spicy tortilla soup with smoky chiles and creamy avocado, perfect for a flavorful meal. This mexican-inspired soups (vegetarian option) ready in about 35 minutes pairs vegetable oil, yellow onion, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 chopped seeded jalapeño. Sauté for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cumin and 1 tablespoon chili powder, cooking for 1 minute until spices release aroma.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 can (14.5 oz) diced fire-roasted tomatoes with juices and 4 cups chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans and 1 cup corn kernels, simmer for 5 minutes to heat through.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and toast 4 corn tortillas cut into strips for 3-4 minutes until crisp and golden.
  6. Step 6: Season the soup with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice.
  7. Step 7: Serve the soup topped with the crispy tortilla strips, 1 diced ripe avocado, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Mexican-Inspired Tortilla Soup with Avocado take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spicy Mexican-Inspired Tortilla Soup with Avocado?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Mexican-Inspired Tortilla Soup with Avocado?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spicy Mexican-Inspired Tortilla Soup with Avocado for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Spicy Mexican-Inspired Tortilla Soup with Avocado vegetarian option?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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