When you’re in need of a hearty meal that comes together in no time, 8 Can Taco Soup is your answer. This delightful dish, as its name implies, incorporates just eight convenient cans’ worth of ingredients, resulting in a flavorful soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Infused with the vibrant tastes of taco seasonings and various beans, this soup will warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare while still delivering that comforting, home-cooked flavor everyone enjoys.
Why We Love This 8 Can Taco Soup Recipe
You might wonder why this simple recipe has gained such popularity. First, its convenience stands out—no long ingredient lists or complex cooking techniques here. Each ingredient comes from a can, making preparation as simple as opening, pouring, and mixing. This recipe is also incredibly versatile; you can tweak it to suit your personal preferences, from adding extra spices to throwing in whatever toppings you have handy. Most importantly, the flavor is spot-on. Each spoonful brings together the heartiness of beans, the sweetness of corn, and the zestiness of taco seasonings, creating a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet requires minimal effort. It’s truly a win-win!
Ingredients for 8 Can Taco Soup
To whip up your own batch of 8 Can Taco Soup, gather the following ingredients:
List of Ingredients with Measurements
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed
- 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (12 ounce) can chicken breast, drained
- 1 (10 ounce) can green enchilada sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons (or 1 packet) taco seasoning
- Optional toppings: sliced olives, diced avocado, sour cream, tortilla strips, lime wedges
How to Make 8 Can Taco Soup Directions
Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to dive into the cooking process. Don’t worry; it’s as easy as can be!
- Start by gathering all your ingredients along with a large pot to accommodate the mix.
- Open the can of diced tomatoes, and pour them into the pot. Get that lovely tomato aroma filling the air!
- Next, open the can of corn and drain it well. Add the drained corn to the pot, followed by the rinsed black beans. The beans add a great texture and protein.
- Once those are in, take the can of pinto beans and rinse them. Add them to the pot, allowing all those beautiful colors to mix.
- Now it’s time to add the creamy aspect. Grab the cream of chicken soup and pour it into the pot. Add the drained chicken breast next, and take a fork or spoon to break the chicken into smaller pieces. This ensures every bowl has some hearty chicken bites.
- To amp up the flavor, pour in the green enchilada sauce and then the chicken broth. The liquids will help marry all the flavors together.
- It’s time to season! Sprinkle in the taco seasoning—this provides that classic taco flavor you crave.
- Stir all the ingredients together until fully combined, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. It should start bubbling gently in no time.
- Once it reaches a gentle simmer, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- When you’re ready to serve, ladle the hot soup into bowls. This soup is best enjoyed warm, just as the flavors reach their peak.
How to Serve 8 Can Taco Soup
Servicing 8 Can Taco Soup is all about the toppings. It’s a great idea to set up a topping station where everyone can customize their bowls. Consider using sliced olives for some tang, fresh diced avocado for creaminess, and a dollop of sour cream to balance the spices. Crunchy tortilla strips offer a delightful texture contrast, and don’t forget a squeeze of lime for that zesty finish! You can also serve it alongside cornbread or tortilla chips for a heartier meal.
If you’re feeling festive or want to make it a family affair, get everyone involved by allowing each person to build their own bowl at the table. This way, everyone can enjoy a unique version tailored to their preferences, making each serving feel special.
Expert Tips: 8 Can Taco Soup
Creating the perfect 8 Can Taco Soup can be a breeze with a few expert tips:
- Customizable Bean Options: If you’re not a fan of black or pinto beans, feel free to swap them out for your favorite beans. Kidney beans or white beans can make excellent substitutes.
- Vegetarian Version: To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken and cream of chicken soup with vegetable broth and a plant-based creamy soup alternative.
- Adjust the Spiciness: Depending on your heat tolerance, you can add more or less taco seasoning. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with half the seasoning and gradually add more until it’s to your liking.
- Make Ahead: This soup stores beautifully. You can make it a day or two in advance, allowing the flavors to develop even further. Just remember to store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Freezing: If you’re looking to prep meals for later, this soup freezes well. Just ensure it’s cooled before transferring it into freezer-safe containers.
How to Store 8 Can Taco Soup
Storing your 8 Can Taco Soup is a straightforward process that allows you to enjoy it later. Once the soup has cooled down, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it; it can last in the freezer for up to three months. Just make sure to label your containers with the date for easy tracking. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave until heated through.
Variations of 8 Can Taco Soup
Though the classic version of 8 Can Taco Soup is absolutely delightful, you can easily switch things up with these variations:
- Spicy Taco Soup: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat. Sauté them with the other ingredients for an extra depth of flavor.
- Cheesy Version: Stir in a handful of shredded cheese like Cheddar or Monterey Jack just before serving for a cheesy twist.
- Veggie-Loaded: Add your favorite diced vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots, to increase the veggie content. Sauté them first for a softer texture.
- Cilantro Infusion: Toss in some chopped fresh cilantro for a fresh, herbaceous note. It pairs wonderfully with the flavors of taco seasoning.
- Southwestern Fusion: To give it a Southwestern flair, include diced green chilies or use black-eyed peas for an interesting twist on the bean variety.
FAQ
What is 8 Can Taco Soup?
8 Can Taco Soup is a quick and easy recipe that involves using eight canned ingredients to create a hearty and flavorful soup with a taco-inspired flavor profile.
Can I customize the ingredients in 8 Can Taco Soup?
Absolutely! This soup is highly customizable. You can switch out beans, add extra vegetables, or adjust the level of spice according to your preferences.
How long does it take to make 8 Can Taco Soup?
From start to finish, you can have this delicious soup ready in about 20-25 minutes, with most of that time spent letting it simmer.
Can I freeze 8 Can Taco Soup?
Yes, you can freeze 8 Can Taco Soup. Ensure it is cooled down before storing it in airtight containers. It can last up to three months in the freezer.
What toppings can I use for 8 Can Taco Soup?
Some popular toppings include sliced olives, diced avocado, sour cream, crunchy tortilla strips, and fresh lime wedges. You can mix and match according to your taste!
8 Can Taco Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 can 15 ounce can corn, drained
- 1 can 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed
- 1 can 15 ounce can pinto beans, rinsed
- 1 can 10 3/4 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can 12 ounce can chicken breast, drained
- 1 can 10 ounce can green enchilada sauce
- 1 can 15 ounce can chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or 1 packet)
Optional Toppings
- sliced olives for tang
- diced avocado for creaminess
- sour cream to balance the spices
- tortilla strips for crunch
- lime wedges for a zesty finish
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients along with a large pot.
- Open the can of diced tomatoes and pour them into the pot.
- Drain the corn and add it to the pot, followed by the rinsed black beans.
- Rinse the pinto beans and add them to the pot.
- Pour in the cream of chicken soup.
- Add the drained chicken breast and break it into smaller pieces.
- Pour in the green enchilada sauce and chicken broth.
- Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir all the ingredients together.
Cooking
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Once it reaches a gentle simmer, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Serving
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve warm with your choice of toppings.
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