Mole de Olla (Mexican Beef and Vegetable Chilli Soup)
A hearty beef and vegetable soup with corn, carrots and green beans in a smoky chilli broth.
Made with Tortilla soup base. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time2 hr 30
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £5.88 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Put the beef shin and water in a large pot and bring to a simmer, skimming off the foam. Cover and cook gently for 1 hour.
60 min - 2
Pour in your ready made tortilla soup base (see the base recipe) and add the corn and carrots. Simmer for 40 minutes, until the beef is tender.
40 min - 3
Add the courgettes and green beans and simmer for 10 minutes.
10 min - 4
Season with salt. Skim off any excess fat.
- 5
Serve in deep bowls with chopped onion, lime wedges and warm tortillas.
Tips
- Beef shin gives a rich broth and tender meat after a long simmer.
- Add the more delicate vegetables at the end so they keep their colour.
- Add a sprig of epazote if you can find it, as it is traditional in this soup.
Storing and freezing
Keeps in the fridge for 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months and reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Is mole de olla actually a mole?
It is a chilli based soup, not a thick sauce. The word mole here refers to the chilli flavoured broth.
Can I use stewing beef?
Yes. Use chuck steak or stewing beef, cut into large pieces.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes. Cook on low for 8 hours, adding the soft vegetables for the last 30 minutes.
More made with tortilla soup base
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.