Spiced Beef Mince and Tomato Soup is a dish designed to bring warmth and comfort straight to your table. Rooted in the flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine, this recipe beautifully balances hearty beef mince with the tangy richness of tomatoes, while warm, earthy spices elevate the soup into something truly special. When you sip this soup, you aren’t just enjoying a meal—you’re taking a culinary journey to a region known for its ability to create deep, layered flavors with a handful of simple ingredients.
The recipe’s inspiration stems from the Middle East’s approach to cooking, where aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, and paprika reign supreme. These spices aren’t just about adding heat or intensity; they’re about creating a melody of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds. In Middle Eastern culture, food is more than sustenance; it’s a celebration—an art form that connects family and friends through the joy of sharing a delicious meal. This soup was crafted with those values in mind, transforming humble ingredients into something soulfully satisfying.
One of the most beautiful qualities of this dish is its versatility. While it works wonderfully as a stand-alone entrée, it can be paired effortlessly with warm flatbread, crusty baguette, or even a dollop of creamy yogurt for a more rounded meal. Moreover, the heartiness of the beef mince can be lightened with the addition of legumes like chickpeas or lentils, a practice often seen in the kitchens of Middle Eastern households. These legumes not only extend the soup to feed more mouths but also pay homage to the resourceful cooking that defines the region’s cuisine.
The tomato element of the soup provides the perfect foil to the bold spices. Its natural acidity cuts through the richness of the beef while adding a fresh, summery quality that balances the dish, even in the colder months. The canned tomatoes and tomato paste ensure consistency and depth of flavor, making this soup a reliable option no matter the season or occasion.
What sets Spiced Beef Mince and Tomato Soup apart is its simplicity. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up with pantry staples, but it delivers the kind of dining experience that feels far more sophisticated. While the preparation is straightforward—requiring only basic sautéing, seasoning, and simmering—the end result is a richly textured soup that feels like it’s been tended to for hours. It’s a prime example of how slow simmering not only melds flavors but also fosters a sense of care and nourishment in every spoonful.
This dish was designed to be as comforting as your favorite cozy sweater, yet as lively and bold as the spices that define its flavor. The garnishing touch of fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and herbal brightness to bring it all together. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, treating visiting guests, or simply warming up on a cold evening, Spiced Beef Mince and Tomato Soup is the perfect answer. It’s not just food—it’s warmth, community, and heritage all wrapped up in a bowl.
Spiced Beef Mince and Tomato Soup
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil - Extra virgin for best flavor- 1 large onion - finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic - minced
- 500 g ground beef (minced beef) - preferably organic
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika - preferably smoked
- 400 g tomatoes - canned, crushed or diced
- 3 cups beef stock - low-sodium, or homemade
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp salt - to taste
- ½ tsp ground black pepper - freshly ground, to taste
- 1 handful cilantro (coriander) - fresh, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and stir for another minute, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the beef mince, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, and paprika, and continue to cook for 2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and enhance the beef’s flavor.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes, beef stock, and tomato paste. Mix well and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the soup to cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove the pot from heat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving hot.
Notes
- For a richer flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the spice mix.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, add a tablespoon of flour to the beef before adding liquids to help thicken the soup as it cooks.
- This dish can easily be made more substantial with the addition of chickpeas or lentils.
