Mexican Vegetable Soup
Julia
This Mexican Vegetable Soup is a hearty, one-pot meal packed with colorful vegetables, beans, corn, and warm Mexican-inspired spices. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, this easy Mexican vegetable soup recipe delivers bold flavor without meat and is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or freezer-friendly lunches.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots sliced into thin rounds
- 2 medium potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 5 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can 15 oz black beans or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn frozen or canned
- 1 medium zucchini chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lime juice for serving (optional)
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper. Stir to coat with spices.
Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
Add zucchini, beans, and corn. Simmer for 8–10 minutes more.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Rest for 5 minutes, then serve with lime juice if desired.
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Add zucchini near the end to keep it tender, not mushy.
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Lime juice brightens the soup and balances the spices.
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For a thicker soup, mash a few potatoes directly in the pot.