Taco Soup

Let’s talk about comfort food. Taco Soup is everything you love about tacos—savory, zesty, and packed with flavor—served in a warm, cozy bowl. This recipe is your perfect balance of easy-to-make and absolutely delicious, and the best part? It’s a one-pot wonder. Picture a rich broth, seasoned ground beef, tender beans, corn, and tomatoes, all swimming together in the most flavorful, slightly spicy soup. Oh, and don’t forget the toppings—melted cheese, sour cream, and crispy tortilla chips. Trust me, it’s a hug in a bowl.

Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner, hosting a taco night, or simply craving a bowl of cozy comfort, Taco Soup has got you covered. It’s versatile, packed with flavor, and easy to make. What’s not to love?

Why You’ll Love Taco Soup

Hearty and Flavorful

With seasoned ground beef, beans, and sweet corn, this soup is incredibly filling without being too heavy. The combination of ingredients creates the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and comforting flavors. You’ll find yourself savoring every bite.

Quick and Easy

This soup is perfect for those busy days when you need a delicious dinner but don’t have a lot of time. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a go-to for when you want something satisfying without all the effort.

One-Pot Meal

No need to fuss with multiple pots and pans. You’ll use one pot to bring this entire meal together, making both cooking and cleanup a breeze.

Customizable

Love your soup spicy? Add extra jalapeños. Want it milder? No problem! Adjust the seasoning and toppings to fit your family’s tastes. It’s a great way to get creative and cater to different preferences.

Family-Friendly

Taco Soup is a huge hit with kids and adults alike. Everyone can customize their toppings—cheese, sour cream, avocado, or even crushed tortilla chips. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for any meal!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty, flavorful Taco Soup:

Ground Beef

The base of this soup is ground beef, which brings a savory, hearty flavor to the dish. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Onion

Onions add a delicious sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup. They cook down perfectly in the broth and contribute to the overall savory base.

Taco Seasoning

Taco seasoning is the key to giving this soup that bold, zesty taco flavor. You can use store-bought seasoning or make your own using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika.

Black Beans and Kidney Beans

Beans add texture and heartiness to the soup while also boosting the protein and fiber content. A great way to make the soup more filling without adding too many extra calories.

Corn

Sweet corn provides a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors in the soup. It adds a nice contrast to the heat of the seasonings.

Diced Tomatoes

Diced tomatoes form the rich, flavorful broth of the soup. They provide that juicy, tangy component that helps create the soup’s base.

Beef Broth

Beef broth helps create a rich and savory broth for the soup. You can also use chicken broth for a lighter base or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

Garlic

A few cloves of garlic add a savory depth to the soup, enhancing all the other flavors.

Jalapeños (Optional)

If you like your soup spicy, diced jalapeños are the perfect addition. They bring heat and a little extra kick to the dish.

Olive Oil

You’ll need a little olive oil to sauté the onions and garlic before adding the rest of the ingredients.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make Taco Soup? Here’s how it comes together:

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Season and Add the Liquids

Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to toast and become fragrant. Then, add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, kidney beans, corn, and beef broth to the pot. Stir to combine everything.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding salt, pepper, or extra taco seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Optional: Add Jalapeños

If you like your Taco Soup spicy, add the diced jalapeños during the last few minutes of cooking. Stir them in and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, depending on how spicy you like it.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings—cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips. Serve hot and enjoy every spoonful!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 375
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 24g
Sodium: 750mg
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 6g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes

How to Serve Taco Soup

Taco Soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are a few great ideas to round out the meal:

Cornbread

A slice of warm, buttery cornbread is the perfect pairing to sop up any extra soup and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spicy flavors.

Tortilla Chips

Crunchy tortilla chips are the perfect side dish to scoop up that savory soup. Plus, they add a satisfying crunch to every bite!

Fresh Salad

A simple side salad with fresh greens and a tangy dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, comforting soup.

Mexican Rice

Serve Taco Soup alongside a side of seasoned Mexican rice for a full-on taco-inspired feast.

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead

Taco Soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze It

You can freeze Taco Soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Spice It Up

For more heat, use spicy taco seasoning, add more jalapeños, or sprinkle in some chili flakes.

Vegetarian Version

To make this soup vegetarian, simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein like lentils, tofu, or tempeh. You could also add extra beans or vegetables for more texture.

Toppings Galore

Feel free to get creative with the toppings! Try shredded cheese, green onions, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make Taco Soup in the slow cooker?
A1: Absolutely! Brown the ground beef and sauté the onion and garlic first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Q2: Can I make Taco Soup ahead of time?
A2: Yes, Taco Soup is a great make-ahead dish. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat it before serving.

Q3: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A3: Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute for beef and works perfectly in Taco Soup. Just make sure to season it well to enhance the flavor.

Q4: What other beans can I use?
A4: You can swap the black beans and kidney beans with pinto beans, white beans, or chickpeas, depending on what you have on hand.

Q5: How can I thicken Taco Soup?
A5: If you want a thicker soup, you can use a slotted spoon to remove some of the liquid and let it simmer longer, or you can mash a portion of the beans to help thicken the broth.

Q6: Can I add vegetables to Taco Soup?
A6: Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach are great additions that will add more flavor and nutrients to your soup.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftover Taco Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave.

Q8: Can I freeze Taco Soup?
A8: Yes, Taco Soup freezes really well! Let it cool, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q9: Can I add cheese to the soup?
A9: Yes! Stir in shredded cheese at the end of cooking for a creamy, cheesy version of Taco Soup, or top each bowl with melted cheese.

Q10: Can I make Taco Soup spicier?
A10: Yes! Add extra jalapeños, chili powder, or cayenne pepper to make the soup spicier. You can also top it with hot sauce for an extra kick.

Conclusion

Taco Soup is a game-changer when it comes to easy, flavorful, and comforting meals. It’s quick to make, customizable to your tastes, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. With its delicious mix of ground beef, beans, corn, and zesty seasoning, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So grab a bowl, add your favorite toppings, and get ready to fall in love with this cozy, hearty soup!

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