Cozy Tamale Soup Recipe: Rich Broth & Fluffy Tamale Dumplings

Comfort flows through every spoonful of this hearty tamale soup, where traditional Mexican tamale dumplings create a stunning culinary experience.

Warm, rich broth cradles tender meat and vibrant vegetables with deep, complex flavors.

Spices dance across the palate, awakening memories of grandmother’s kitchen and festive gatherings.

Each carefully crafted dumpling brings authentic texture and depth to the bowl.

Corn, chiles, and slow-simmered ingredients merge into a soul-warming meal that transcends ordinary soup.

Bold yet inviting, this recipe promises a delicious journey through Mexican comfort food.

Prepare to savor every remarkable bite of this soul-satisfying soup.

How to Simmer Tamale Soup With Dumplings

• Sizzle the Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot and brown ground beef until it’s rich and caramelized. Drain any extra fat and toss in chopped onions and garlic, letting them soften and release their aromatic goodness.

• Build Flavor Layers

Sprinkle in a robust blend of spices – salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, pinto beans, corn, and enchilada sauce. Let everything bubble and meld together for 15-20 minutes.

• Craft Tamale Dumplings

Whisk masa harina with baking powder and salt. Fold in melted butter and warm broth until you create a soft, slightly sticky dough. Optional: mix in some cheese for extra richness.

• Create Dumpling Magic

Lower the soup to a gentle simmer. Scoop tablespoon-sized masa dumplings directly into the bubbling soup. Cover the pot and let them cook for 15-20 minutes until they’re perfectly firm.

• Final Flourish

Splash in fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors. Serve steaming hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, creamy avocado slices, extra cheese, and lime wedges.

Flavor Tips for Better Tamale Soup and Dumplings

• Add a splash of tequila or mezcal while cooking the beef for an extra depth of authentic Mexican flavor that will make your soup sing with richness.
• Prepare the soup base and masa dumplings separately, then combine just before serving to maintain perfect dumpling texture and prevent sogginess.
• Replace regular masa harina with certified gluten-free masa harina to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities without sacrificing traditional taste.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth to create a hearty meatless version.
• Adjust heat by selecting mild or hot enchilada sauce, or add diced jalapeños for extra kick – perfect for customizing the soup to match individual spice preferences.

Serving Tamale Soup With a Hearty Touch

• Cozy Family Feast: Serve this hearty tamale soup as a complete meal with warm flour tortillas on the side for dipping and soaking up those delicious flavors.
• Fiesta Garnish Extravaganza: Create a vibrant topping bar with fresh diced jalapeños, crispy tortilla strips, extra shredded cheese, and chopped green onions so everyone can customize their bowl.
• Protein Power Boost: Transform this soup into a more substantial dinner by adding grilled chicken strips or shredded rotisserie chicken directly into the soup before serving for extra protein and texture.
• Tex-Mex Movie Night Companion: Pair this soup with a cold Mexican beer, fresh salsa, and corn chips for a perfect casual dinner that feels like a comforting weekend treat.

Tamale Soup and Dumpling Storage Suggestions

• Cool soup completely before transferring to airtight containers. Separate dumplings from liquid to maintain texture and prevent soggy results. Store in refrigerator for maximum 3-4 days.
• Make double the recipe and freeze soup base without dumplings. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and quickly add fresh masa dumplings for optimal taste and consistency.
• Keep garnishes like cilantro, sour cream, and avocado in separate sealed containers. Add fresh toppings just before serving to maintain crispness and prevent wilting.
• Warm soup gently on stovetop over medium-low heat. Add splash of beef broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally and introduce fresh dumplings during last 5-7 minutes of reheating to revive their perfect texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 6

What’s In Tamale Soup With Tamale Dumplings

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein and rich meaty flavor; choose lean cuts for healthier option.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté and develop deep, robust base flavors; extra virgin offers best taste.

• Onion, Garlic: Creates foundational savory depth; select firm, fragrant produce without soft spots.
• Salt, Pepper, Cumin, Chili Powder, Paprika, Oregano: Builds complex southwestern spice profile; use fresh ground spices for maximum intensity.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Adds tangy base and moisture; look for no-salt-added varieties.
• Beef Broth: Provides rich, meaty liquid foundation; low-sodium options recommended.
• Pinto Beans, Corn: Introduces protein, texture, and sweet-earthy notes; choose organic if possible.
• Enchilada Sauce: Delivers authentic mexican flavor kick; select mild or medium based on heat preference.

• Masa Harina: Essential cornmeal creating authentic tamale texture; stone-ground versions offer best quality.
• Baking Powder: Helps dumplings rise and become light; check expiration date for maximum effectiveness.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind ingredients; unsalted preferred for better control.
• Warm Broth: Moistens and softens dumpling dough; use same beef broth for consistent flavor.

• Cheese: Optional creamy element; sharp cheddar or mexican blend recommended.

Tools for Making Tamale Soup and Fluffy Dumplings

• Large Pot/Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking the soup and steaming tamale dumplings.
• Medium Bowl: Perfect for mixing masa dough ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry masa harina mixture without lumps.
• Wooden Spoon: Helps stir soup and scrape pot bottom while cooking.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Small Cookie Scoop/Spoon: Creates uniform tamale dumplings easily.
• Ladle: Helps serve soup into individual bowls neatly.
• Cutting Board: For chopping cilantro and preparing garnishes.
• Sharp Knife: Chops herbs and prepares toppings precisely.

Hearty Tamale Soup with Spectacular Tamale Dumplings

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican comfort reigns supreme in this Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings, blending hearty spices and rich flavors. Comfort meets creativity as steaming bowls invite you to savor each spoonful of this soul-warming culinary journey.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef (or shredded cooked chicken)
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth if using chicken)
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, drained
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup enchilada sauce (red or green)
• 1 cup masa harina
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp melted butter or lard
• ½ cup warm chicken broth (add more if needed)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sour cream
• Diced avocado
• Shredded cheese
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a large pot with olive oil over medium heat, draining excess fat if necessary. Incorporate onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened.
2. Seasoning Blend: Infuse the meat mixture with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano to develop a rich, complex flavor profile.
3. Liquid Base Creation: Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, pinto beans, corn, and enchilada sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld for 15-20 minutes.
4. Dumpling Mixture: Combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Integrate melted butter and warm broth to form a soft, slightly sticky dough. Fold in cheese if desired.
5. Dumpling Cooking: Reduce soup to a gentle simmer. Carefully drop masa dumplings into the liquid using a spoon or cookie scoop. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until dumplings are firm and fully cooked.
6. Final Touches: Brighten the soup with a splash of lime juice. Serve in individual bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, additional cheese, and lime wedges for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Drain excess fat after browning ground beef to prevent greasy soup and maintain clean flavor profile.
• Toast spices briefly before adding liquids to enhance depth and release maximum flavor compounds.
• Ensure masa dough is slightly sticky but firm enough to hold shape; add warm broth gradually for perfect texture.
• Substitute wheat-based ingredients with certified gluten-free masa harina and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free for celiac-friendly version.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg