Warm Up with a Delicious and Easy Taco Soup Recipe

Taco soup is a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or a cozy weekend gathering. This recipe is customizable to your liking, allowing you to add or subtract ingredients based on your preferences. Get ready to enjoy a comforting bowl of taco goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Taco Soup Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** This soup comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy schedules.

* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs.

* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses readily available and inexpensive ingredients.

* **Family-Friendly:** A crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will enjoy.

* **One-Pot Wonder:** Minimal cleanup required!

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Ground Beef (or Turkey):** 1 pound. Provides the meaty base of the soup. Can substitute with ground turkey or even shredded chicken for a leaner option.

* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Adds savory flavor and aroma.

* **Bell Pepper:** 1, chopped (any color). Adds sweetness and crunch. Red, green, yellow, or orange peppers all work well.

* **Canned Diced Tomatoes:** 2 (14.5-ounce) cans, undrained. Provides the tomato base of the soup. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky flavor.

* **Canned Tomato Sauce:** 1 (8-ounce) can. Enhances the tomato flavor and adds thickness.

* **Canned Corn:** 1 (15-ounce) can, drained. Adds sweetness and texture.

* **Canned Black Beans:** 1 (15-ounce) can, drained and rinsed. Adds protein and fiber.

* **Canned Kidney Beans:** 1 (15-ounce) can, drained and rinsed. Adds protein, fiber and a slightly different texture and flavor than black beans. Can substitute with pinto beans if preferred.

* **Taco Seasoning:** 1 packet (or 2-3 tablespoons homemade). Provides the signature taco flavor. You can adjust the amount to your preference.

* **Beef Broth (or Chicken Broth):** 4 cups. Adds liquid and flavor to the soup. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.

* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon. For sautéing the vegetables.

* **Optional Toppings:** Shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, green onions, tortilla chips, salsa, hot sauce.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large Pot or Dutch Oven

* Cutting Board

* Knife

* Can Opener

* Measuring Cups and Spoons

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious taco soup, step-by-step:

**Step 1: Brown the Meat**

* Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

* Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot with the browned meat.

* Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

**Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients**

* Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, corn (drained), black beans (drained and rinsed), kidney beans (drained and rinsed), and taco seasoning.

* Pour in the beef broth.

**Step 4: Simmer the Soup**

* Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

* Cover the pot and simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Ladle the soup into bowls.

* Top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, green onions, and tortilla chips.

## Tips and Variations

* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the soup for extra heat.

* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the ground beef and add extra beans or vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, or celery. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

* **Slow Cooker Taco Soup:** Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables as directed. Then, transfer all the ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

* **Instant Pot Taco Soup:** Use the sauté function to brown the meat and sauté the vegetables. Then, add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.

* **Creamy Taco Soup:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a creamier texture.

* **Add Rice or Quinoa:** Cook rice or quinoa separately and add it to the soup for a heartier meal.

* **Homemade Taco Seasoning:** If you don’t have a packet of taco seasoning, you can easily make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

* **Thicken the Soup:** If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans with a fork or use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it during the last few minutes of simmering.

* **Use Different Beans:** Pinto beans, great northern beans, or cannellini beans can be substituted for black or kidney beans.

* **Add More Vegetables:** Consider adding diced zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, celery, or even spinach for extra nutrients.

* **Leftovers:** Taco soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

## Serving Suggestions

Taco soup is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:

* **With Tortilla Chips:** Serve with a side of tortilla chips for dipping and scooping.

* **With a Salad:** Pair it with a simple green salad or a southwest-style salad with corn, black beans, and avocado.

* **In a Bread Bowl:** For a fun and hearty presentation, serve the soup in a bread bowl.

* **As a Topping for Nachos:** Use taco soup as a topping for nachos instead of ground beef.

* **With Cornbread:** Serve with a slice of warm cornbread for a comforting combination.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving (depending on ingredients and toppings)

* Protein: 20-30 grams per serving

* Fat: 15-25 grams per serving

* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams per serving

* Fiber: 10-15 grams per serving

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?**

A: Yes, taco soup is a great make-ahead meal. In fact, the flavors often meld together and improve overnight. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

**Q: Can I freeze taco soup?**

A: Absolutely! Taco soup freezes well. Let it 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 it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

**Q: How can I make this soup spicier?**

A: You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a chopped jalapeño, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup. You can also use a spicier taco seasoning mix.

**Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?**

A: Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef. It’s a leaner option that still provides plenty of protein.

**Q: Do I need to drain the diced tomatoes?**

A: No, you don’t need to drain the diced tomatoes. The liquid adds flavor and helps to create the soup base.

**Q: Can I use fresh corn instead of canned corn?**

A: Yes, you can use fresh corn. Cut the kernels off the cob and add them to the soup. You may need to cook them for a few extra minutes to soften.

**Q: What if I don’t have kidney beans?**

A: You can substitute pinto beans, great northern beans, or cannellini beans for kidney beans.

**Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?**

A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use a gluten-free taco seasoning mix. Be sure to check the label to ensure it doesn’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients.

**Q: Can I double or triple this recipe?**

A: Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure you have a large enough pot to accommodate all the ingredients.

**Q: Can I add other toppings?**

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add any toppings you like. Some other popular options include shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, pickled onions, and guacamole.

## Get Creative with Your Taco Soup!

This taco soup recipe is a fantastic starting point, but don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Add your favorite vegetables, spices, and toppings to create a soup that perfectly suits your taste. Enjoy!

Enjoy this warm and comforting recipe!