Easy Taco Soup

Dive Into the Flavor: A Taco Soup Adventure

Whenever I’m in need of a comforting meal, my go-to has become this Easy Taco Soup recipe. It’s the perfect balance of hearty and zesty, featuring warm, seasoned ground beef and colorful beans, all swimming in a rich tomato broth. Imagine cozy evenings wrapped in a blanket, a steaming bowl of this savory soup in hand—immediate warmth and comfort. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this soup is sure to elicit smiles and satisfied bellies.

Reasons to Give This Taco Soup a Try

What sets this Easy Taco Soup apart? It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser, going beyond just being a meal. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:

• Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, yet satisfying enough for family brunches or gatherings.
• Budget-Friendly: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef and canned beans helps keep your grocery bill in check while still delivering hearty flavors.
• Customizable: Everyone has their own taco toppings they adore! From avocado to cheese or jalapeños, you can make each bowl uniquely yours.

"This taco soup has quickly become my family’s favorite! Quick to whip up, and even better the next day!"

Preparing Easy Taco Soup: Step-by-Step Overview

Ready to dive in? This Easy Taco Soup is straightforward. Here’s how it comes together:

1. Cook the Beef: Start by browning the ground beef in a pot.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic, releasing their delicious fragrances.
3. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the broth and canned goods, letting them meld.
4. Simmer: Allow the flavors to deepen as the soup simmers away—waiting is the hardest part!
5. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top it off with your favorite garnishes.

Now, let’s gather those ingredients!

What You’ll Need

To whip up this taco goodness, make sure you have:

• 1 pound (500g) lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups (946ml) beef or chicken broth
• 1 can (15 oz/432g) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 oz/425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz/425g) chili beans in chili sauce
• 1 can (28 oz/793g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (4 oz/113g) chopped green chiles
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon each dried oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder
• Salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste

And remember: feel free to swap lean ground beef with turkey or a plant-based alternative to cater to your dietary needs!

Cooking Instructions: Step-by-Step

Let’s combine these ingredients into a flavor-packed soup. Here’s how:

Stove Top Version

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain off excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour in the broth and add the corn, black beans, chili beans, crushed tomatoes, and green chiles.
4. Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste. Stir well.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20-30 minutes, letting the flavors develop.

Slow Cooker Version

1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef and drain any excess fat.
2. Transfer beef to the slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients.
3. Stir to combine, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Adjust seasoning before serving.

Best Ways to Enjoy Taco Soup

Serving taco soup is half the fun! Here are some delicious pairings to elevate your experience:

• Garnishes: Top your soup with shredded cheese, diced avocado, or crispy tortilla strips for added texture and flavor.
• Sides: Pair with warm corn muffins, a simple side salad, or tortilla chips for crunch.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Wondering how to store your leftover taco soup? Here are some tips:

• Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: To freeze, let it cool, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It should last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers on the stove or microwave until heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Helpful Cooking Tips

While this recipe is straightforward, here are some chef secrets to elevate your taco soup:

• Season to Taste: Always taste before serving! Adjust the spices according to your preferences.
• Extra Flavor: A splash of lime juice or some chopped cilantro can brighten the dish just before serving.

Creative Twists You Can Try

Want to switch things up? Here are some variations:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with lentils or textured vegetable protein for a meat-free option.
• Spicy Upgrade: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce if you like an extra kick.
• Cornbread Topping: Bake cornbread batter on top of the soup and bake it in the oven for a unique casserole experience.

Your Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious taco soup:

How long does this taco soup take to prepare?

From start to finish, expect about 30-40 minutes for the stove-top method, or about 6-8 hours for the slow cooker version.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Absolutely! Using canned beans simplifies the process and cuts down on prep time.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Feel free to add more chili powder, cayenne, or fresh peppers if you’re looking for more heat!

This Easy Taco Soup is not just a recipe; it’s an invitation to gather around the table. Enjoy the blend of flavors, the simplicity of preparation, and the joy of sharing with loved ones. Grab your ingredients and get ready for a warm, hearty dish that you’ll return to time and again!

Easy Taco Soup

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A comforting and hearty taco soup featuring ground beef and colorful beans in a rich tomato broth, perfect for any gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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For the Soup

• 1 pound lean ground beef Can substitute with turkey or plant-based alternative.
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) chili beans in chili sauce
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (4 oz) chopped green chiles

Spices

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• to taste salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper

Method

 

Stove Top Version

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it's no longer pink. Drain off excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour in the broth and add the corn, black beans, chili beans, crushed tomatoes, and green chiles.
4. Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste. Stir well.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20-30 minutes, letting the flavors develop.

Slow Cooker Version

1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef and drain any excess fat.
2. Transfer beef to the slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients.
3. Stir to combine, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Adjust seasoning before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 800mgFiber: 8gSugar: 4g

Notes

Keep leftovers fresh by refrigerating for 3-4 days or freezing for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

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