Qdoba Tortilla Soup Recipe

Qdoba Tortilla Soup is a popular dish from the well-known Mexican fast-food chain Qdoba.

This soup is bursting with flavor from ingredients such as poblano peppers, cumin, chili powder, and garlic but also has a delightful smoky and spicy taste from the combination of dried pasilla ancho chile and jalapenos.

If you’re a fan of soups with a kick, this Qdoba copycat recipe should definitely make your list.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to impress your friends and family with a homemade Qdoba Tortilla Soup that will rival the original.

Some of us have to cater to different dietary preferences, so I’ve also included variations of the recipe to accommodate both meat-eaters and vegans alike.

How to Make Qdoba Tortilla Soup

This section will teach us how to make Qdoba Tortilla Soup, a delicious and flavorful Mexican dish.

Remember to follow the instructions closely for the best result.

Ingredients List

To make Qdoba Tortilla Soup, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ½ cup onion, minced
• ½ cup poblano pepper, diced
• 3 cups soup broth (chicken or vegetable)
• 4 corn tortillas, cut into strips
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons diced jalapenos, seeded
• ½ tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 cups canned tomatoes
• ½ cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 ½ cups shredded chicken breast
• ½ cup Monterey Jack Cheese
• Crushed tortilla chips for garnish

Step-by-step Process

Step 1: 

Prepare the soup pot: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.

Make sure the pot is large enough to accommodate all ingredients and allow for even cooking.

Step 2:

Sauté the onion and peppers: Add ½ cup minced onion and ½ cup diced poblano pepper to the pot.

Cook for 3-4 minutes until they are softened, ensuring you stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 3:

Add the soup broth: Pour 3 cups of soup broth (chicken or vegetable) into the pot.

You can choose between chicken stock or vegetable broth, depending on your preference.

Allow the broth to heat up for about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4:

Add the remaining ingredients: Gently stir in 4 corn tortilla strips, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 2 tablespoons diced jalapenos, ½ tablespoon cumin, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 2 cups canned tomatoes and ½ cup crushed tomatoes.

Step 5:

Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes.

This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a rich, tangy flavor.

Step 6:

Add the chicken: Carefully mix in 1 ½ cups shredded chicken breast into the pot.

This adds both protein and substance to the dish, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

Give it another 3-4 minutes to heat through.

Step 7:

Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with ½ cup of Monterey Jack Cheese and some crushed tortilla chips for garnish.

Your delicious and authentic Qdoba Tortilla Soup is now ready to be enjoyed.

Side Dishes for Qdoba Tortilla Soup

Tortilla Chips:

A classic side dish for any tortilla soup, tortilla chips add a delightful crunch to the meal.

Choose between plain or flavored varieties to complement the savory flavors of the soup.

You can serve them on the side or crumble them on top as a garnish.

Cheese for Garnish:

Enhance your soup with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.

Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Colby Jack are all popular options that pair well with Qdoba Tortilla Soup.

These cheeses melt easily and add a creamy texture to the dish.

Fresh Cilantro:

Adding a touch of fresh cilantro to your soup can elevate its flavor profile while also providing a pop of color.

This fresh herb is a staple in Mexican cuisine and works well with the variety of spices and flavors in Qdoba Tortilla Soup.

Tortilla Roll:

For a more filling accompaniment, serve your soup with a warm tortilla roll.

Similar to flour tortillas, these rolls can be used to scoop up the soup or simply enjoyed on the side.

Ingredients Substitutes

Black Beans

If you’re looking to swap out the type of beans in your Qdoba tortilla soup, black beans are an excellent choice.

They provide a hearty texture and a hint of earthy flavor that complements the Mexican flavors in the soup.

Moreover, black beans are packed with nutrients and protein.

Fire-Roasted Tomatoes

Instead of using regular canned tomatoes, you can opt for diced fire-roasted tomatoes.

Fire-roasting adds a pleasant smoky dimension to the tomatoes, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.

Cheese Alternatives

For those who are lactose intolerant or seeking vegan-friendly ingredients, substituting cheddar cheese with vegan cheese is a viable option.

Various types of vegan cheese available in the market can impart the desired creaminess and taste to the soup.

Garlic Powder

If you don’t have fresh garlic on hand, garlic powder can be used as an alternative.

This seasoning adds aroma and flavor without the need for complicated preparation or additional ingredients.

How to Store Qdoba Tortilla Soup

Qdoba Tortilla Soup is a delicious and comforting dish, perfect to enjoy during the winter season.

To ensure that you can savor its flavors for as long as possible, it’s important to store it properly.

This section will discuss the best storage methods for Qdoba Tortilla Soup, including airtight containers and reheating tips.

Airtight Containers

One of the most effective ways to store your Qdoba Tortilla Soup is to use airtight containers.

This will help preserve its freshness and flavors for a longer period.

Make sure to let the soup cool down to room temperature before placing it in the container.

Once it has reached a safe temperature, pour the soup into the container, seal it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator.

Reheating Your Stored Soup

When you’re ready to enjoy your stored Qdoba Tortilla Soup, reheat it in a pot on the stovetop or in a microwave-safe container.

Warm the soup over medium heat for stovetop reheating, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

In the microwave, reheat the soup for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Always taste the soup to ensure it’s heated to your desired temperature before serving.

Storage Duration

Qdoba Tortilla Soup can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

If you’d like to keep it for an extended period, consider freezing it in airtight containers or resealable freezer bags.

This method allows the soup to stay fresh for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen soup, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the stovetop or microwave reheating instructions mentioned earlier.

By following these storage practices, you can enjoy delicious Qdoba Tortilla Soup whenever you want while also preserving its taste and quality.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Qdoba Tortilla Soup.

Not Getting the Perfect Blend of Ingredients

One common mistake to avoid while preparing Qdoba tortilla soup is not achieving the perfect blend of ingredients.

Be sure to measure all the spices and seasonings correctly and use the suggested ingredients in the correct proportions.

This will help you achieve Qdoba tortilla soup’s authentic taste and texture.

Overcooking the Ingredients

Avoid overcooking the ingredients, especially when browning onions and roasting peppers.

Be careful to ensure that your onions don’t turn too dark or your peppers don’t become overly charred.

These should be golden brown and achieve a balance of flavors that suit the soup.

Ignoring Proper Temperature Settings

Using medium-low heat while simmering your soup is crucial, as using too high of a temperature may cause it to boil over or burn.

Take your time and let the flavors meld together for the best result.

Not Considering a Slow Cooker

Using a slow cooker might be a great option for preparing Qdoba tortilla soup.

It allows the ingredients to cook slowly, allowing the flavors to fully develop.

If you’re one who enjoys using a slow cooker, don’t hesitate to try it with this recipe.

Neglecting Toppings and Garnishes

Don’t forget about the importance of toppings and garnishes in Qdoba tortilla soup, such as 3-Cheese Queso, pasilla negra, or even additional tortilla strips.

These toppings add extra layers of flavor and texture, completing the dish and making it even more enjoyable.

Not Following the Recipe Closely

If you’re attempting to recreate Qdoba’s Loaded Tortilla Soup or Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe, it’s vital to closely follow the recipe and not make any unnecessary substitutions.

This will allow you to achieve the desired result and maintain the authenticity of the dish.