
Looking for a quick, hearty, and flavorful meal? Easy Taco Soup is the perfect solution! Packed with seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and taco spices, this soup delivers all the delicious flavors of tacos in a warm and comforting bowl. It’s a one-pot recipe, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a milder taste)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: 1 tsp each of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, adds umami flavor)
Toppings (Optional, But Highly Recommended!):
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips or corn chips
- Diced avocado
- Lime wedges
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
3. Add the Ingredients:
- Stir in the drained beans, corn, diced tomatoes, Rotel, tomato sauce, beef broth, taco seasoning, and smoked paprika.
4. Simmer to Perfection:
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you prefer a thinner soup, add a little more broth.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and add your favorite toppings! Serve with tortilla chips, cornbread, or a warm flour tortilla.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
Tips for the Best Taco Soup
✔ Slow Cooker Method: Brown the beef and onion first, then add all ingredients to a crockpot and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
✔ Instant Pot Version: Brown the beef using the sauté function, then add all ingredients and cook on HIGH pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release.
✔ Make it Spicy: Add extra chili powder, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce.
✔ Meal Prep & Storage: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
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