EASY TACO SOUP RECIPE

Forget those complicated, multi-step recipes that leave you with a mountain of dishes! This Taco Soup recipe is about to become your weeknight hero – a symphony of savory flavors, hearty textures, and warm spices, all simmering together in one pot for the ultimate comfort food experience. Get ready to ladle up a bowl of pure deliciousness, because this is the Taco Soup that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra spice)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings (Get Creative!):

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Diced avocado
• Tortilla chips, crushed
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced red onion
• Salsa
• Jalapeños, sliced (if you’re feeling brave!)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Taco Soup Perfection

Getting Started: The Beef Base

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Be sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy soup!
3. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. They should be slightly translucent.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Watch carefully so the garlic doesn’t burn!

Building the Flavor: The Soup Symphony

1. Add the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes and green chiles (Rotel), and crushed tomatoes to the pot.
2. Pour in the beef broth, making sure all the ingredients are nicely submerged.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder (if using). Give it a good stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed.

Simmering to Success: The Patience Game

1. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together, so don’t be afraid to let it go for an hour or even longer!
2. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add salt and pepper to your liking. You might also want to add a little more taco seasoning or cumin if you prefer a stronger flavor.

Serving Suggestions: The Grand Finale

1. Ladle the Taco Soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. Get creative! The more toppings, the merrier, in my opinion.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Taco Soup EVER

Beefing Up the Flavor (Literally)

Want even more flavor in your Taco Soup? Consider using a higher fat percentage ground beef (like 80/20). The extra fat will add richness to the soup. Just remember to drain off the excess grease after browning!

Spice It Up (or Tone It Down)

This recipe is easily customizable to your spice preference. If you like it mild, omit the chili powder or use a mild taco seasoning. For a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a hot taco seasoning. You can also add more diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel) for extra heat.

Make It Vegetarian (or Vegan!)

To make this Taco Soup vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and add an extra can of beans or some chopped vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or celery. To make it vegan, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and skip the dairy toppings like cheese and sour cream. Avocado and salsa make great vegan-friendly toppings!

Slow Cooker Taco Soup: Set It and Forget It

This recipe is also fantastic in the slow cooker! Simply brown the ground beef and then add all the ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the beef with two forks before serving.

Freezing for Future Feasts

Taco Soup freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Be sure to leave some room at the top of the container, as the soup will expand as it freezes. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Common Taco Soup Questions (Answered!)

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in Taco Soup. It’s leaner and still adds a lot of flavor. Just be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Definitely! Taco Soup is very forgiving and you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables. Some good additions include zucchini, carrots, celery, bell peppers (different colors!), and even potatoes. Just add them to the pot along with the other vegetables.

What if I don’t have taco seasoning?

No problem! You can easily make your own taco seasoning using a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt. There are tons of recipes online for homemade taco seasoning, or you can simply experiment with different combinations until you find one you like.

How long does Taco Soup last in the refrigerator?

Taco Soup will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to store it in an airtight container.

Why This Taco Soup Recipe is the Best

I know, I know, everyone claims their recipe is the “best.” But seriously, this Taco Soup recipe is a winner because it’s:

• Easy: It requires minimal prep work and is ready in under an hour.
• Flavorful: The combination of ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and spices creates a truly delicious and satisfying soup.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients and toppings to suit your taste preferences.
• Budget-friendly: It’s made with affordable ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
• Freezer-friendly: It’s perfect for meal prepping and can be stored in the freezer for future meals.

Give It a Try, You’ll Love It!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. This Taco Soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. And don’t forget to share your creations with me – I love seeing your photos and hearing your feedback!