Tex-Mex flavors & ingredients are thrown together for this easy beef soup recipe. Make this Mexican inspired soup in your slow cooker or Instant Pot.

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Updated 2020 with Instant Pot instructions
Since I’m here updating this recipe with electric pressure cooker instructions (Instant Pot), I’m also updating the name. It was previously titles Carne Asada Soup but in retrospect, I have no idea why I named it that. It doesn’t use carne asada meat or flavors at all. I’m changing the name to Tex-Mex Beef Soup. That’s really all it is – beef soup using my favorite Tex-Mex flavors.

before (slow cooker)
What is Tex-Mex?
Tex-Mex is a cuisine is also known as Mexican American cuisine, made famous from Tejanos from Texas. It’s popular in American/Mexico border states, particularly Texas. While I wanted this recipe to be very simple, I still wanted it to use ingredients that are associated with Tex-Mex cuisine. I strayed from my usual low-carb, paleo recipe structure for this soup because I wanted it to include these two ingredients: corn & black beans. Corn (maíz) is one of the most commonly used ingredients in Tex-Mex cooking. It’s used in everything from tortillas, tamales, to drinks. Black beans (frijoles negros), you’ll find as an accompaniments to most main dishes. I used canned black beans and canned corn that I drained and rinsed first. Yes, you can use frozen corn, no need to change the recipe if you do. If you use dry black beans, you will need to pre-soak them first but otherwise no change to the recipe.

after (electric pressure cooker)
What Type Of Beef To Use
I like to use sirloin. Other suggestions are flank, top round, chuck, or even brisket. If you’re using a tougher cut like brisket, cut it into 1/2-inch size pieces to help it cook-to-tender faster.
Other TexMex recipes you might enjoy:
Slow Cooker/Instant Pot TexMex Ground Meat
Slow Cooker TexMex Turkey Soup
Slow Cooker/Instant Pot Santa Fe Chicken
Slow Cooker/Instant Pot TexMex Beef Roast
Garnish this Tex-Mex beef soup with your favorite toppings such as fresh lime juice, fresh cilantro, cheese, jalapeño, sour cream…the sky is the limit.
Instant Pot Tex-Mex Beef Soup VIDEO:

{VIDEO} Cooker/Instant Pot Tex-Mex Beef Soup
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes
- 15 ounces corn, drained & rinsed
- 15 ounces black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more if you want)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon oil (for pressure cooker)
Instructions
Slow Cooker
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
- Cook HIGH 3-4 hours or LOW 6-8.
Electric Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot)
- Turn on the pressure cooker and select sauté. Once hot add oil to the pot. Add the beef and sear until lightly browned, 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove the beef from the pressure cooker and set aside.
- Add bell pepper and onion and cook 3-5 minutes or until vegetables are soft. Add garlic and cook an additional minute.
- Add broth and diced tomates. If needed, de-glaze the bottom of the pressure cooker by scraping all the bits off with a wooden spoon.
- Add the beef back into the pressure cooker along with all remaining ingredients.
- Close lid and seal valve. Set SOUP or high pressure for 20 minutes. Natural release pressure for 5 minutes then quick release remaining.
I used a 6-quart slow cooker or Instant Pot.

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Hands down my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE soup recipe! A definite go-to in the winter months. I freeze the extras so I always have it on hand. Love all your recipes but this is a super-keeper.
★★★★★
I have some left over carne asada that I grilled still medium rare. Will it break down the meat so it’s tender at 30min in an instantpot?
While I’m no expert, I believe so. I would perhaps wait until it’s done cooking & drop the meat in and let it cook in sauté until it’s warmed through or cooked to your liking.
I think I’ll try this, but think I’ll grill or cook the meat in some way first to perhaps add some flavor to it or tenderize it or texturize it a bit. Just a thought.
I love slow cooker meals so will definitely add this on my to-do list. Hubby is a big fan of Mexican so this sounds perfect for him.
Oh wow, this looks amazing! My husband loves carne asada and slow cooker recipes are my favorite – so easy! 🙂
Anything slow cooker is calling my name. This one is going on my must make soon list!
danielle
momwifefoodie.com
This looks delicious! I love slow cooker recipes, especially during this time of year! I have to try this!