Vegetarian Tortilla Soup

I make this Vegetarian Tortilla Soup when I want something warm, comforting, and full of bold flavor. It’s a hearty tomato-based soup filled with beans, vegetables, and warm spices, then topped with crunchy tortilla strips for the perfect contrast in texture. Every bowl feels satisfying and nourishing without being too heavy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how layered and vibrant the flavors are in this soup. The combination of tomatoes, spices, and tender vegetables creates a rich base, while the toppings add freshness and crunch.

I also appreciate how easy it is to customize. I can adjust the spice level, add extra vegetables, or change the toppings depending on what I have on hand. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 zucchini, diced
1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 15-ounce can corn, drained
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
3 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
juice of 1 lime

for topping: tortilla strips, avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro

Directions

1. I heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. I add the onion and bell pepper and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.

2. I stir in the garlic and zucchini and cook for another 2–3 minutes.

3. I add the black beans, corn, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth, stirring well to combine.

4. I mix in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

5. I bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes so the flavors develop.

6. I stir in the fresh lime juice at the end and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.

7. I ladle the soup into bowls and top with crunchy tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 servings

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add diced sweet potatoes for extra heartiness or a chopped jalapeño for more heat. If I want extra protein, I stir in cooked quinoa or additional beans.

I also enjoy blending a small portion of the soup and stirring it back in to create a slightly thicker texture. For a lighter option, I skip the cheese and sour cream and load up on fresh toppings instead.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen overnight, which I really enjoy.

When reheating, I warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much. I can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through for even heating.

For longer storage, I freeze the soup (without toppings) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. I thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

I sauté the vegetables first for better flavor, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.

Is this soup spicy?

I find it mildly spiced as written. I increase the chili powder or add jalapeño if I want more heat.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

I can use fresh chopped tomatoes, but I make sure to simmer the soup long enough for them to break down and develop flavor.

How do I make homemade tortilla strips?

I slice corn tortillas into thin strips, toss them lightly with oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until crisp.

What can I serve with tortilla soup?

I like serving it with a simple green salad or warm cornbread for a complete meal.

Conclusion

I find this Vegetarian Tortilla Soup to be comforting, flavorful, and incredibly adaptable. The rich broth, tender vegetables, and crunchy toppings create a balanced and satisfying dish every time. Whenever I want a cozy meal with bold flavor, I turn to this recipe.

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