Hearty Taco Soup Recipe
Introduction
Taco Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It combines classic taco ingredients into a comforting, easy-to-make soup that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20)
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 16 ounces canned pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
- 10 ounces canned diced tomatoes with chilies (such as Rotel)
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 4 ounces canned mild green chiles (diced, or additional green bell pepper)
- ¾ cup frozen corn kernels
- ½ green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 packet, or 2 tablespoons homemade)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, brown ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until no pink remains, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess fat.
- Step 2: Add beef broth, pinto beans, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, green chiles, corn, green bell pepper, and taco seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until the soup thickens slightly and vegetables are tender.
Tips & Variations
- For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Top bowls with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor.
- Substitute canned black beans for pinto beans for a different taste.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with extra beans, corn, and vegetables, and use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Brown the beef and onions first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
PrintHearty Taco Soup Recipe
This hearty Taco Soup is a flavorful and comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with lean ground beef, beans, corn, and a zesty blend of tomatoes and mild green chiles, this soup brings a delicious Tex-Mex twist that’s easy to prepare and satisfying for the whole family.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- ¾ cup frozen corn kernels
- 4 ounces canned mild green chiles, diced (or additional green bell pepper)
Broth and Beans
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 16 ounces canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Tomato Base
- 10 ounces canned diced tomatoes with chilies (such as Rotel)
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
Seasoning
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 packet, or 2 tablespoons homemade)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Onion: In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat to keep the soup lean.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the beef broth, pinto beans, diced tomatoes with chilies (including the juices), tomato sauce, diced green chiles, frozen corn kernels, diced green bell pepper, and taco seasoning. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the soup slightly thickens and the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat but retain flavor.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
- For extra heat, use diced tomatoes with hot chilies or add cayenne pepper.
- Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro for added texture and taste.
- This soup freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Keywords: taco soup, ground beef soup, Tex-Mex soup, easy dinner, weeknight meal, pinto beans soup, comfort food, spicy soup
