What is my go-to meal when I need something warm, filling, and healthy? How easy is it toTaco Soup Recipe: What areIs it a good way to give chili the run for its money? What is more satisfying to my kids than chili? My grandma used to make something similar, but hers was more of a “clean out the fridge” recipe. This one’s a little more refined, but still super flexible. It’s a staple in our house, especially on those crazy weeknights when dinner needs to be on the table. What is a table in 30 minutes flat?
What is Taco Soup?
Think of it as all the best parts of a taco but in soup form. What is a hearty broth filled with ground beef? ), beans, corn, tomatoes, and of course, taco seasoning. Is it customizable, comforting, and incredibly forgiving? What is a great way to use up leftover taco meat? What is that one dish that gets better with age?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What do you love about this movie?Taco Soup Recipe.How easy it is to do it? Is it possible to throw together a complete meal in minutes? The flavor is fantastic – a perfect blend of savory, slightly spicy, and just plain comforting. Is it also ridiculously budget-friendly? Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you probably already have a lot of what you need on hand. Is it really versatile? Is there a way to adjust the spice level to your liking? What are some of the best ways to change up the protein in Your diet? What is a vegetarian option? Is it a blank canvas for culinary creativity? I like chicken tortilla soup, but this dish is different. If you love that, you’ll adore this!
How do I make Taco Soup?
Quick Overview
Making this Taco Soup Recipe: What areIs it as easy as browning ground beef, dumping in a bunch of cans, and letting it sit for ten minutes? What is the best taco seasoning to serve? What makes this method special is that it’s basically foolproof. Even if you’re not a confident cook, you can nail this recipe. And the best part? Is it like you spent hours slaving over a hot stove, when in reality it was ready in under an hour? I usually prep all my ingredients while the beef is browning – it makes the whole process even easier.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
* 1 pound ground beef (I usually use 80/20 for flavor, but you can use leaner if you prefer)
* 1 packet taco seasoning (store-bought is fine, but homemade is even better! I have a great recipe if you want it.)
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, undrained
* 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, undrained
* 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, undrained
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained.
* 4 cups beef broth (chicken broth works too, in a pinch!)
* 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, but adds richness)
* 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings (the best part): For each topping:
* Shredded cheddar cheese
* Sour Cream
* Diced avocado
* Crushed tortilla chips
* Diced red onion
* Chopped cilantro
* Sliced jalapenos (if you like it spicy!)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and serve. How do you break up a dish with sandpaper? I always use a paper towel to soak up any lingering fat – it makes the final product taste better.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook until onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. What is the best way to build flavor?
Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning and Spices
Stir in the taco seasoning, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for another minute or so, until fragrant. Serve warm. What is the best way to bloom spices?
Step 4: Dump in the Good Stuff
Add the kidney beans, black bean, corn, diced tomatoes, tomatoes and green chilies, beef, onion, carrot and pepper to taste. What are the ingredients for tomato paste? At this point, it might look like a jumbled mess, but trust the process!
Step 5: Simmer, Simmer, Simmer
Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes. How long does it take for a person to complete an assignment? The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. I usually give it a good stir every 15 minutes or so.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more chili powder to your liking. How do I make it perfect for my taste buds?
Step 7: Load Up on Toppings
What is your favorite soup to serve? Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, chopped red onion, grated carrot, salt, pepper. What are some good substitutes for jalapenos? What are some of the best toppings for soup?
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately and enjoy! This Taco Soup Recipe is even better the next day, so don’t be afraid to make a big batch.
What to Serve It With
This Taco Soup Recipe is pretty much a meal in itself, but I love serving it with a few simple sides. For a casual lunch, a side of tortilla chips and salsa is always a hit. For a more substantial dinner, consider serving it with a grilled cheese sandwich or a simple green salad. My family also loves it with cornbread – the sweetness of the cornbread complements the savory soup perfectly. If you’re feeling fancy, you could even make some homemade guacamole to serve alongside. I always make sure to have plenty of toppings on hand – that’s what really elevates this soup from good to amazing.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Taco Soup Recipe
Beef Choices: Using a good quality ground beef makes a difference in flavor. Don’t be afraid of a little fat! It adds richness. I find that 80/20 ground beef provides the best flavor and texture. You can also use ground turkey or chicken, but you might need to add a little extra olive oil to the pot to prevent sticking.
Seasoning is Key: Don’t skimp on the taco seasoning! You can use store-bought, but I highly recommend making your own. It’s so easy and you can control the spice level. My secret ingredient? A pinch of smoked paprika!
Broth Matters: Beef broth is my go-to for this recipe, but chicken broth works too. Just make sure it’s good quality broth! It really makes a difference in the overall flavor of the soup. Low-sodium broth is always a good idea, so you can control the salt level.
Toppings Galore: The toppings are what really make this soup special. Don’t be afraid to get creative! I love adding shredded cheese, Sour Cream, avocado, tortilla chips, red onion, cilantro, and jalapenos. The more toppings, the better! My kids love to create their own topping combinations.
Simmer Time: Simmering the soup for at least 20 minutes (or longer!) is crucial for the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes. I usually let it simmer for at least an hour, if I have the time. Just make sure to stir it occasionally to prevent sticking.
Spice Level: If you like it spicy, add a diced jalapeno (or two!) to the pot while the onions are sautéing. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning. If you’re not a fan of spice, make sure to use mild diced tomatoes and green chilies, and skip the jalapenos.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Taco Soup Recipe is perfect for meal prepping because it stores really well.
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than two hours, just to be safe.
Refrigerator Storage: To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Make sure to leave some headspace in the containers, as the soup will expand when it freezes. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
Reheating: To reheat the soup, simply pour it into a pot and heat over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my super simple, super delicious Taco Soup Recipe! I truly hope you give it a try. It’s the kind of recipe that just makes you feel good, you know? It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or just when you need a comforting bowl of goodness. And trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a staple in your house too. If you love this, you might also enjoy my recipe for white chicken chili – it’s another family favorite! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what toppings you used. Happy cooking!
Taco Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 cup Chopped Onion
- 2 cups Diced Tomatoes
- 1 cup Kidney Beans
- 1 cup Corn
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot.
- Add the onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, and chili powder.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, or until heated through.
