Taco soup is a warm and hearty dish that combines all your favorite taco flavors in a bowl! It’s filled with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and spices that make it so tasty.
What I love about taco soup is that it’s super easy to make. Just toss everything in a pot, let it simmer, and enjoy. Perfect for cozy nights in! 🌮✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using lean ground beef for a lighter option. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a healthier choice. Plant-based crumbles also work great if you’re going vegetarian!
Beans: Black beans add protein and fiber. You could swap them with pinto beans or kidney beans if you prefer. Just rinse them to remove extra sodium and get a fresher taste.
Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes bring juiciness. If fresh tomatoes are in season, chop some ripe ones instead! It enhances the freshness of the soup.
Taco Seasoning: A packet saves time, but homemade spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika offer a personal touch. You can adjust spice levels to fit your taste!
How Do I Make Sure My Taco Soup is Full of Flavor?
To really make the flavors pop in your taco soup, start with sautéing your onions and ground beef together. Cooking them until the onion is translucent releases its natural sweetness, enhancing the overall taste.
- Cook on medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft—about 5-7 minutes.
- Add beans, corn, tomatoes, and green chilies, mixing well to spread the flavors evenly.
- Use beef broth to add depth of flavor, or use water if you’re watching sodium intake. Just make sure to adjust seasoning accordingly!
Letting the soup simmer helps meld all the flavors together, so don’t rush that step—it’s worth the wait! Enjoy!
Delicious Taco Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 3 cups beef broth or water
- 1 tsp ground cumin (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garnishes:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Diced fresh tomatoes
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty taco soup takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, followed by 30 minutes to simmer on the stove. So, in about 45-50 minutes, you’ll have a warm, delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef and Onion:
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onion. Stir it all together until the beef is browned and the onion becomes soft and translucent. This should take about 5-7 minutes. When done, drain any excess fat to keep the soup lighter.
2. Add Your Main Ingredients:
Next, it’s time to throw in the fun stuff! Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (along with their juice), tomato sauce, and green chilies to the pot. Stir everything together to make sure it’s evenly mixed.
3. Season the Soup:
Now, sprinkle in the taco seasoning mix and ground cumin (if you’re using it). Pour in your beef broth or water, and give it a good mix to combine all the flavors nicely.
4. Simmer Away:
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This will help all the flavors meld beautifully together.
5. Taste and Adjust:
After simmering, taste the soup and add salt and pepper according to your preference. If you find the soup too thick, feel free to add some more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve! Pour the hot soup into bowls and top each with shredded cheddar cheese, a scoop of sour cream, fresh chopped tomatoes, cilantro, and a lime wedge. Squeeze the lime over the top for a zesty burst of flavor.
Enjoy your comforting and delicious taco soup! It’s sure to be a hit at the table! 🌮🍲
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Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef and will still provide a delicious flavor. Just make sure to cook it until fully browned, similar to the beef.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make taco soup vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with more beans, like kidney or pinto beans, or use plant-based crumbles. Vegetable broth can be used in place of beef broth for added flavor.
Can I Freeze Leftover Taco Soup?
Yes, taco soup freezes very well! Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag and keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove for a quick meal.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
You can get creative with your toppings! Avocado slices, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips add great texture. For a dairy-free option, use cashew cream or omit the cheese and sour cream. Enjoy mixing it up!
