Mexican soups offer a delicious way to warm up and enjoy bold flavors. From hearty stews to light broths, these recipes bring the taste of Mexico to your table.

You’ll find options for every preference, whether you want meat-based or vegetarian soups.

These 21+ Mexican soup recipes give you plenty of choices to spice up your meals. You can try classic tortilla soup, pozole with tender pork, or vegetable-packed caldos.

Many use common ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. With a mix of traditional and modern takes, you’re sure to find new favorites to add to your recipe collection.

1. Caldo de Pollo

Caldo de Pollo is a comforting Mexican chicken soup. You’ll love its rich flavor and wholesome ingredients.

This soup features whole chicken pieces cooked in a flavorful broth. Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and corn add nutrition and texture.

Garlic and fresh cilantro give Caldo de Pollo its distinctive taste. Some versions include rice for extra heartiness.

You can easily make this soup at home. Start by simmering chicken with aromatics. Then add your favorite vegetables and seasonings.

Serve Caldo de Pollo hot, garnished with lime wedges and more cilantro. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a nourishing meal.

2. Pozole Rojo

Pozole rojo is a hearty Mexican soup that will warm you up. It features tender pork, hominy, and a rich red broth made with chiles.

To make pozole rojo, you’ll simmer pork with garlic and salt until cooked. Then blend tomatoes and chiles for the vibrant red broth. Add spices like oregano and cumin for extra flavor.

The key to great pozole is in the toppings. Serve it with fresh garnishes like shredded cabbage, radishes, and lime wedges. These crisp additions provide a nice contrast to the hot soup.

This traditional dish is perfect for gatherings. The recipe serves 6-8 people, making it ideal for family dinners or celebrations with friends.

3. Sopa de Lima

Sopa de Lima is a tasty Mexican soup from the Yucatán region. It features a zesty lime-flavored broth with chicken and crispy tortilla strips.

The key ingredient is the lima, a citrus fruit similar to lime but with a sweeter, floral aroma. It gives the soup its unique flavor.

To make Sopa de Lima, you’ll simmer chicken in broth with onions, garlic, and herbs. Then add lime juice and garnish with fried tortilla strips.

This light and refreshing soup is perfect for cool evenings. You’ll love its comforting texture and bright citrus taste.

4. Albondigas Soup

Albondigas soup is a classic Mexican dish that will warm you up on chilly days. This hearty soup features flavorful meatballs simmered in a tasty broth with vegetables.

The meatballs are made with a mix of ground beef, rice, herbs, and spices. Common additions include mint, cilantro, and oregano for extra flavor.

The broth typically contains carrots, potatoes, and green beans. Some recipes also add zucchini or celery. Tomatoes give the soup a rich color and taste.

You can make albondigas soup on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot for quicker cooking. Serve it hot with lime wedges and fresh cilantro on top. This filling soup makes a great main dish for lunch or dinner.

5. Menudo

Menudo is a hearty Mexican soup known for its rich flavors and unique ingredients. The main component is beef tripe, which comes from a cow’s stomach.

The tripe is cooked with cow feet and marrow bones to create a flavorful broth.

Garlic, onion, and oregano add depth to the soup. Red chile peppers give menudo its distinctive color and spicy kick.

Preparing menudo takes time, often 4-8 hours, to ensure the tripe becomes tender. The result is a comforting, warming soup that many consider a hangover cure.

Serve menudo with lime wedges, chopped onions, and warm tortillas for a traditional Mexican experience.

6. Tortilla Soup

Tortilla soup is a beloved Mexican dish that combines rich flavors and textures. This comforting soup features a savory broth made with tomatoes, garlic, and chicken stock.

Shredded chicken, crispy tortilla strips, and various toppings make it hearty and satisfying. You can customize your soup with avocado, cheese, sour cream, or lime juice.

To make tortilla soup, start by sautéing onions and garlic. Add broth, tomatoes, and spices. Simmer the soup, then add cooked chicken. Serve with crispy tortilla strips and your favorite toppings.

This soup is perfect for cold days or when you want a taste of Mexican cuisine. It’s easy to make and can be ready in about 30 minutes.

7. Caldo Tlalpeño

Caldo Tlalpeño is a hearty Mexican soup that originated in Tlalpan, a borough of Mexico City. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather.

The soup typically features chicken, vegetables, and chickpeas in a flavorful broth. Common ingredients include onions, garlic, carrots, and zucchini.

You’ll often find chipotle peppers added for a smoky kick. Some versions include avocado and cheese as toppings.

Caldo Tlalpeño is popular in both small eateries and chain restaurants across Mexico. You can easily make it at home for a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine.

8. Birria Soup

Birria soup is a flavorful Mexican dish that’s perfect for cold days. You can make it with beef, goat, or lamb. The meat gets slow-cooked until it’s tender and falls apart easily.

The broth is rich and spicy, made with dried chiles, garlic, and spices like cumin and oregano. You can serve birria as a stew or use the meat for tacos.

To make birria, you’ll need to toast and blend dried chiles for the sauce. Then cook the meat with the sauce and broth until it’s very soft. You can use a slow cooker or pressure cooker to save time.

Serve your birria soup hot with chopped onions, cilantro, and lime wedges on top. Add some warm tortillas on the side for dipping.

9. Sopa de Fideo

Sopa de Fideo is a comforting Mexican noodle soup you’ll love. It’s made with thin pasta noodles called fideo in a flavorful tomato broth.

To make it, you toast the noodles first to bring out their nutty flavor. Then you simmer them in a broth made from tomatoes, chicken stock, and spices.

You can enjoy this soup on its own or add shredded chicken for extra protein. It’s quick to make, usually ready in under 30 minutes.

Sopa de Fideo is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Serve it with a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that warms you up on cold days.

10. Creamy Poblano Soup

This Mexican soup stars roasted poblano peppers for a smoky, slightly spicy flavor. You’ll start by charring the peppers in the oven until their skin bubbles up.

While the peppers roast, sauté onions, garlic, and spices in a pot. Blend the roasted peppers with broth to make a smooth puree.

Add the pepper puree to the pot with more broth and cream. Simmer until the flavors meld. Serve your creamy poblano soup hot, topped with crispy tortilla strips or crumbled queso fresco.

This comforting soup brings warmth to chilly days. The creamy texture and mild heat make it a crowd-pleaser for any Mexican-inspired meal.

11. Black Bean Soup

Black bean soup is a tasty Mexican dish you’ll love. It’s easy to make and full of flavor. You can use canned or dried black beans as the base.

To make it, cook onions, garlic, and spices in a pot. Add the beans and broth, then simmer until thick. Blend some or all of the soup for a creamy texture.

Top your soup with crispy tortilla strips, cheese, or sour cream. For extra flavor, add cooked chorizo or bacon. This hearty soup makes a great meal on its own or as a starter.

12. Chicken Enchilada Soup

Chicken enchilada soup brings Mexican flavors to your bowl. This warm, comforting dish blends tender chicken with enchilada sauce and spices.

You can make it in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. Add peppers, onions, and garlic for extra flavor. Many recipes include corn and black beans too.

Top your soup with shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions. Some people like to add tortilla strips for crunch.

This soup is easy to customize. You can adjust the spice level or add more veggies. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken.

Try chicken enchilada soup for a tasty twist on traditional Mexican cuisine.

13. Pork and Hominy Soup

Pork and hominy soup, also known as pozole, is a hearty Mexican dish you’ll love. It combines tender pork with chewy hominy in a flavorful broth.

The soup starts with a base of pork simmered until soft. Hominy, which is corn treated with lime, adds a unique texture and taste.

Red chiles like guajillo give the broth a deep, smoky flavor. Onions and garlic provide aromatic notes.

You can top your soup with fresh cabbage, radishes, and cilantro for crunch. A squeeze of lime brightens the flavors.

Serve this warming soup with tortillas on the side. It’s perfect for cold days or large family gatherings.

14. Fish Soup with Tomato and Cilantro

This tasty Mexican soup combines tender fish with a flavorful tomato broth. The recipe uses firm white fish like cod or snapper, cut into medium-sized pieces.

To make the soup, start by cooking onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Blend these ingredients with chipotle pepper for a smooth, strained sauce.

Add the sauce to a pot with water and bring to a boil. Toss in your fish chunks and let them cook for about 5 minutes. The soup gets its fresh taste from cilantro added near the end.

Serve your fish soup in bowls with extra cilantro on top. For more zest, squeeze a lime wedge over each serving. You’ll love this comforting and nourishing Mexican dish.

15. Shrimp and Corn Chowder

This tasty soup brings together the flavors of shrimp and corn in a creamy base. It’s quick to make, ready in about 30 minutes.

The chowder uses simple ingredients like shrimp, corn, potatoes, and cream. You can add poblano peppers for a touch of heat.

To make it, cook the veggies first. Then add flour to thicken the broth. Pour in stock and milk, and let it simmer.

Add the shrimp near the end so they don’t overcook. Cilantro gives a fresh flavor. You can use frozen corn if fresh isn’t available.

This hearty soup works great for a filling lunch or dinner. It’s especially good on chilly days when you want something warm and comforting.

16. Vegetarian Chili

Vegetarian chili is a hearty and flavorful Mexican-inspired soup that’s perfect for cold days. You can make it in just 30 minutes using a single pot.

This chili is packed with beans, vegetables, and spices. Red and black beans provide protein and fiber. Sweet potatoes add a nice texture and natural sweetness.

The key spices are cumin, chili powder, and garlic. These give the chili its signature Mexican taste. Top your bowl with cilantro and a squeeze of lime for extra freshness.

Serve your vegetarian chili over roasted potatoes or with crispy tortilla strips on top. It’s a filling meal that even meat-eaters will enjoy.

17. Chicken and Rice Soup

Chicken and rice soup is a comforting Mexican dish that warms you up on chilly days. This hearty soup combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and flavorful broth.

To make it, cook shredded chicken with rice in a pot of seasoned broth. Add tomatoes, black beans, and corn for extra taste and texture.

Spice it up with taco seasoning or diced green chiles. For a zesty kick, squeeze in some fresh lime juice before serving.

Top your bowl with avocado slices, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve with warm tortillas on the side for a complete meal.

18. Spicy Butternut Squash Soup

This zesty twist on butternut squash soup brings Mexican flavors to your bowl.

Roasted butternut squash forms the creamy base, while spices like chili powder and cumin add warmth.

For extra heat, toss in a diced serrano or chipotle pepper. You can also mix in some corn and beans for texture and protein.

Top your soup with a dollop of Mexican crema or sour cream to balance the spice. Sprinkle on some pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for crunch.

This soup works great as a starter or main dish. Pair it with warm tortillas or cornbread for a filling meal.

You can make a big batch and freeze portions for quick lunches later.

19. Mexican Gazpacho

Mexican gazpacho puts a unique spin on the classic chilled Spanish soup. This refreshing dish is perfect for hot summer days.

The Mexican version often includes ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. It may also feature avocado for added creaminess.

Cilantro, lime juice, and cumin give it a distinctly Mexican flavor profile. Some recipes add a kick with jalapeños or hot sauce.

You can make it extra special by topping it with grilled shrimp. For a twist, try using mangoes and jicama instead of traditional vegetables.

This no-cook soup is easy to prepare. Just blend the ingredients and chill before serving.

It’s a tasty way to eat more vegetables and stay cool.

20. Cheesy Jalapeño Soup

This spicy and creamy soup will warm you up on cold days. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor.

You’ll need Velveeta cheese, chicken broth, celery, onions, and jalapeños.

Start by cooking the celery and onions in broth until soft. Add cubed Velveeta and stir until melted. Toss in diced jalapeños for heat.

For extra richness, mix in some heavy cream. Top your bowl with crispy bacon bits and extra cheese. Serve with warm tortillas on the side for dipping.

This hearty soup makes a great meal on its own. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños to suit your taste.

21. Mexican Lentil Soup

Mexican Lentil Soup, also known as Sopa de Lentejas, is a hearty and flavorful dish. It’s packed with nutritious ingredients and simple to make.

You’ll need lentils, carrots, onions, and potatoes as the base. Add cilantro and spices for a boost of flavor.

The soup comes together quickly and can be ready in under an hour.

This vegetarian-friendly recipe is filling and budget-friendly. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When reheating, you might need to add extra water or stock. The lentils tend to absorb liquid as they sit. Serve with a squeeze of lime for a fresh twist.

Understanding Mexican Soups

Mexican soups blend rich flavors and cultural traditions. They use local ingredients and cooking methods passed down through generations.

Historical Significance

Mexican soups have deep roots in ancient cultures. The Aztecs and Mayans made soups with corn, beans, and chili peppers. These ingredients are still key in many recipes today.

Spanish colonizers brought new foods to Mexico. They added meats, dairy, and spices to local dishes. This mix created unique soup styles.

Soups played a big role in Mexican daily life. Families gathered to share meals centered on warm, filling broths. Many soups were also used as folk remedies for illnesses.

Regional Variations

Each area of Mexico has its own soup specialties. Coastal regions use seafood in their recipes. Inland areas focus more on meat-based broths.

Northern Mexico likes hearty soups with beef and beans. The south prefers lighter soups with tropical fruits and veggies.

Some popular regional soups include:

• Pozole: A hominy-based soup from central Mexico
• Menudo: A spicy tripe soup common in the north
• Sopa de Lima: A Yucatan soup with lime and turkey

Climate and local crops shape each region’s soup choices. This leads to a wide range of flavors across the country.

Common Ingredients in Mexican Soups

Mexican soups use a mix of spices, herbs, meats, and proteins to create their rich flavors. These ingredients give each soup its unique taste and texture.

Spices and Herbs

Mexican soups often rely on spices and herbs for their bold flavors. Cumin adds an earthy taste, while chili powder brings heat.

Oregano gives a hint of mint, and cilantro adds a fresh, citrusy note.

Garlic and onions form the base of many soups. Bay leaves and thyme are used for depth. Some recipes call for smoked paprika or chipotle peppers for a smoky flavor.

Fresh lime juice is a common addition. It brightens the soup and balances other flavors. Epazote, a herb with a strong taste, is used in bean soups.

Meats and Proteins

Chicken is a popular protein in Mexican soups. It’s used in tortilla soup and chicken and lime soup.

Beef is another common choice, often used in hearty stews.

Pork appears in many traditional soups like pozole.

Seafood is key in coastal areas, with shrimp and fish being common.

Beans are a staple protein. Black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans are all used. They add texture and nutrition to soups.

Eggs are sometimes added to soups just before serving. They’re poached right in the broth.

Cheese, like queso fresco, is often sprinkled on top as a garnish.