Description of this recipe: Taco Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy-to-make dish that brings all the vibrant tastes of tacos into a comforting soup form. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or a cozy weekend meal, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to suit your family’s preferences. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s packed with protein, fiber, and plenty of deliciousness.
Why you will love this recipe: You’ll fall in love with Taco Soup for its simplicity and versatility. It requires minimal prep time and uses readily available ingredients. This recipe is infinitely adaptable – you can easily adjust the spice level, add or substitute beans and vegetables, and choose your favorite toppings to create a unique and satisfying meal every time. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover cooked ground beef or turkey! The rich, savory broth, combined with the hearty beans, corn, and flavorful spices, makes for a truly irresistible soup that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its combination of simple preparation and bold flavor makes it a winner for any home cook.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado, tortilla chips
Preparation:
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onion: In a large pot or Dutch oven, place the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 6-8 minutes. Ensure that the beef is cooked through and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat from the pot to prevent the soup from becoming greasy. Removing the excess fat also helps to keep the flavors clean and prevents a heavy mouthfeel.
Step 2: Add the Spices: Stir in the taco seasoning mix, ground cumin, and chili powder into the beef and onion mixture. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices. Toasting the spices enhances their aroma and flavor, adding depth to the overall taste of the soup. This step is crucial for developing a rich and complex flavor profile. Ensure the spices are well combined with the beef and onion.
Step 3: Incorporate the Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes: Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans, black beans, and corn kernels to the pot. Next, add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), the can of undrained diced tomatoes, and the can of diced green chilies. Stir all the ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed. The variety of beans and tomatoes adds different textures and flavors, creating a balanced and satisfying soup.
Step 4: Add Beef Broth and Simmer: Pour the beef broth into the pot, ensuring it covers all the ingredients. Stir well to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup cook for 15-20 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a harmonious and delicious soup. The longer the soup simmers, the richer and more developed the flavors will become.
Step 5: Season and Serve: After simmering, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount of salt and pepper, and then adjust according to your preference. Remember that the taco seasoning mix already contains salt, so be mindful not to over-salt the soup. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and crushed tortilla chips.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions: Taco Soup is a versatile dish that can be served in numerous ways. For a complete meal, serve it with a side of cornbread or crusty bread for dipping. You can also offer a variety of toppings for guests to customize their bowls, such as:
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Freshly chopped cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Crushed tortilla chips or strips
- A squeeze of lime juice
- Diced red onion
- Jalapeño slices for extra heat
Tips:
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot while simmering.
- To make this soup vegetarian, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- If you like a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Taco Soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- This soup freezes well, making it a great option for meal prepping. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Consider using pre-cooked ground beef or shredded chicken to reduce prep time on busy weeknights.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated): Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 25-30g Sodium: 800-1000mg (depending on taco seasoning and broth)
Conclusion: Taco Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the warmth of a comforting bowl on a chilly evening, the satisfaction of a quick and easy meal after a long day, and the joy of sharing a delicious dish with family and friends. With its customizable nature and bold flavors, Taco Soup is a versatile staple that will quickly become a go-to in your recipe repertoire. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a flavor fiesta in a bowl!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
- Yes, absolutely! To make Taco Soup in a slow cooker, brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet on the stovetop first. Then, transfer the beef and onion to the slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients, and stir to combine. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- What can I substitute for the taco seasoning mix?
- If you don’t have taco seasoning mix on hand, you can make your own blend using common spices. A good substitute would be a mixture of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust the amounts to your taste preference.
- Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
- Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy. Bell peppers (diced), zucchini (diced), and mushrooms (sliced) are great additions. Add them along with the other canned vegetables for the best results.
- How can I make this soup spicier?
- If you want to add more heat to your Taco Soup, you have several options. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or use a hotter variety of diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as a “hot” version of Rotel). You can also add sliced jalapeños or a minced serrano pepper for a significant kick.
- Is this soup gluten-free?
- Taco Soup can easily be made gluten-free by ensuring that all the ingredients you use are gluten-free. The main concern is the taco seasoning mix, as some brands may contain gluten. Check the label carefully or make your own gluten-free taco seasoning blend. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
