Taco Soup Recipe

If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, this Taco Soup Recipe is perfect for you. It’s a comforting dish that combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with the heartiness of beans, ground beef, and fresh vegetables. Easy to make and great for leftovers, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep option.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef.
2. Cook until browned: Break it up with a spatula and cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add diced onion and garlic: Sauté with the beef for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Vegetables

1. Stir in taco seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned beef and mix well.
2. Add canned ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes, black beans, pinto beans, corn, tomato sauce, and green chilies.
3. Pour in the broth: Add beef broth (or chicken broth) and stir everything together.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

1. Bring to a boil: Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring the soup to a rolling boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine all the flavors.
3. Season to taste: Add salt, pepper, and cumin if using. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
2. Top with your favorite garnishes such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, tortilla chips, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra zest.

Tips for Making the Best Taco Soup

• Ground turkey option: For a lighter version, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
• Adjust the spice level: If you like your taco soup spicy, add a little cayenne pepper or jalapeño slices.
• Make it vegetarian: Simply omit the meat and add extra beans or vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian taco soup.

Serving Suggestions

Taco soup is a versatile dish that pairs well with several sides:

• Cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping
• A simple green salad to balance the rich flavors
• Mexican rice or Spanish rice for a fuller meal

Variations

• Creamy Taco Soup: Stir in 4 oz of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier soup.
• Chicken Taco Soup: Substitute ground beef with shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well) for a lighter but equally flavorful dish.
• Vegetarian Taco Soup: Omit the meat and add an extra can of beans and a handful of diced zucchini or bell peppers.

FAQs

1. Can I make taco soup in a slow cooker?

• Absolutely! Brown the meat and onions first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

2. How long can I store taco soup leftovers?

• Taco soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

3. What toppings go well with taco soup?

• Some great options include shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, cilantro, tortilla chips, diced jalapeños, and lime wedges.

4. Can I substitute taco seasoning with my own blend?

• Yes! You can make a homemade taco seasoning with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt.

5. How do I make taco soup spicier?

• You can add more heat by including diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or increasing the amount of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper in the soup.

Conclusion

This Taco Soup Recipe is a perfect combination of hearty ingredients and bold taco flavors, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this taco soup is sure to hit the spot. Enjoy customizing it with your favorite toppings and serving it with cornbread or tortilla chips for the ultimate meal!

Yield: 6-8

Taco Soup Recipe

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If you're craving something warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, this Taco Soup Recipe is perfect for you. It's a comforting dish that combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with the heartiness of beans, ground beef, and fresh vegetables. Easy to make and great for leftovers, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep option.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth or water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional Toppings:
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños
• Chopped cilantro
• Crushed tortilla chips or Fritos
• Diced avocado

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   In a large pot, heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add Seasoning:
   Stir in the taco seasoning and mix until the beef is evenly coated.
3. Add the Remaining Ingredients:
   Pour in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, Rotel, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
4. Simmer the Soup:
   Let the soup simmer on medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
5. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, or any of your favorite toppings.

Notes

• Make It Spicy: For an extra kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the soup.
• Protein Variations: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Slow Cooker Option: To make this in a slow cooker, brown the beef and onions first, then transfer to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.