Warm up with this tamale-inspired soup! Packed with black beans, corn, and flavorful spices, this comforting dish is topped with soft masa dumplings for a delicious twist on traditional tamales. It’s the perfect cozy meal for chilly nights and is sure to satisfy your cravings for Mexican flavors in a hearty, one-pot dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Inspired by tamales – All the delicious flavors of tamales in a warm, comforting soup.
- One-pot meal – Easy to make with minimal cleanup.
- Flavor-packed – Loaded with Mexican spices, beans, corn, and tender masa dumplings.
- Great for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day!
- Gluten-free – Naturally made with masa harina.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Soup:
- Ground beef or shredded chicken (or omit for a vegetarian version)
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Diced tomatoes (canned)
- Tomato sauce
- Black beans, drained and rinsed
- Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Oregano
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
For the Masa Dumplings:
- Masa harina (corn flour used for tamales)
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Butter or lard, melted
- Chicken or vegetable broth
Directions
Step 1: Make the Soup
- Sauté the Aromatics – In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or shredded chicken) with onion and garlic until the meat is browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the Spices – Stir in cumin, chili powder, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the Soup – Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, corn, and broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes to develop flavors.
Step 2: Make the Masa Dumplings
- Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the Wet Ingredients – Stir in melted butter (or lard) and broth until a soft dough forms. The dough should be similar to a thick paste.
Step 3: Cook the Dumplings
- Form the Dumplings – Using a spoon or your hands, shape small masa balls (about 1 inch in size).
- Drop into Soup – Gently place the masa dumplings into the simmering soup. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the dumplings are firm and cooked through.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish & Enjoy – Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option – Skip the meat and use extra beans or diced zucchini.
- Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder.
- Cheesy Dumplings – Mix shredded cheese into the masa dough for a richer flavor.
- Slow Cooker Version – Cook the soup on low for 6 hours and add dumplings in the last 30 minutes.
- Extra Protein – Swap beef for shredded pork or chicken.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding extra broth if needed.
FAQs
Can I use instant masa instead of masa harina?
Yes! Just ensure it’s labeled masa harina, as cornmeal won’t work the same way.
Do the dumplings need to be pre-cooked?
No, they cook directly in the soup, absorbing flavor while staying tender.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors develop even more when stored overnight.
How do I make the dumplings fluffier?
Use baking powder and avoid overmixing the dough.
Can I use a different type of beans?
Yes! Pinto beans or kidney beans work well.
What toppings go well with this soup?
Try avocado, shredded cheese, lime wedges, or sour cream.
Can I use store-bought masa dough?
Yes, if you have fresh masa, you can use it instead of making the dough from scratch.
How do I keep the soup from getting too thick?
Add extra broth if needed, especially after refrigeration.
Can I add hominy instead of corn?
Absolutely! Hominy gives it an extra tamale-like flavor.
What’s the best way to serve this?
With warm tortillas, cornbread, or a side of Mexican rice.
Conclusion
Hearty Tamale Soup with Masa Dumplings is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of tamales in a cozy, easy-to-make soup. With rich spices, tender masa dumplings, and a satisfying broth, this dish is guaranteed to be a favorite for family dinners or meal prep. Try it today and experience the warmth of homemade comfort food!
Print
Hearty Tamale Soup with Masa Dumplings
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Warm up with this tamale-inspired soup, packed with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and bold spices. Topped with soft and fluffy masa dumplings, this hearty, comforting dish is the perfect fusion of tamale flavors in a cozy bowl. A must-try for chilly nights!
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup red enchilada sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For the Masa Dumplings:
- 1 cup masa harina (corn flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 cup warm water or broth
For Garnishing:
- Chopped cilantro
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Shredded cheese
- Diced avocado
- Lime wedges
Instructions
1. Cook the Soup
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, stirring to coat the meat.
- Pour in black beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, corn, broth, and enchilada sauce. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Prepare the Masa Dumplings
- In a medium bowl, mix masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
- Add melted butter and warm water, stirring until a soft dough forms. If too dry, add more water 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Roll dough into small balls (about 1-inch in size).
3. Cook the Dumplings in the Soup
- Drop the masa dumplings into the simmering soup, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes until dumplings are soft and cooked through.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Stir in lime juice, then ladle into bowls.
- Garnish with cilantro, sour cream, cheese, avocado, and lime wedges.
Notes
- Make it vegetarian! Swap ground beef for extra beans or lentils.
- Want it spicier? Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Masa too dry? Add more broth, 1 tablespoon at a time, until soft and pliable.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dumplings will absorb liquid, so add extra broth when reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food, Mexican-Inspired
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
