Taco soup is an incredible dish that combines the flavors of classic tacos in a warm, comforting broth, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re on the go, hosting friends, or looking for a cozy family dinner, this easy taco soup recipe is uncomplicated and satisfies everyone’s taste buds!
Why We Love This Easy Taco Soup Recipe
This easy taco soup recipe stands out due to its vibrant flavors and versatility. You can throw everything into one pot, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully. It’s not just simple; it’s also packed with protein from the ground beef and beans, making it a hearty option for lunch or dinner. Moreover, the recipe is flexible; you can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and perfect for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy tasty leftovers.
Ingredients about Easy Taco Soup Recipe
Here’s what you need to make this delicious taco soup. Gather these ingredients before you begin cooking!
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tbsp taco seasoning (or more to taste)
- 1 (16 oz) can beans, drained (kidney or pinto)
- 1 cup corn (canned, fresh, or frozen)
- 1 ½ cups fresh diced tomatoes (about 1 lb)*
- 2 cups beef broth
*Note: Canned diced tomatoes may be substituted if fresh aren’t available.
How to Make Easy Taco Soup Recipe Directions
To create your easy taco soup, follow these straightforward directions. Get ready to sauté, simmer, and savor!
- Cook the Beef and Vegetables: Start by heating the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Once heated, add the ground beef, diced onion, and both bell peppers into the pot. As the beef cooks, use a spatula to break the meat apart. Continue cooking until the beef is nicely browned and the vegetables have softened. If there is any excess fat in the pot, spoon it out and discard it.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: After the meat and veggies are cooked, it’s time to add flavor. Stir in the minced garlic alongside the taco seasoning. Cook this mixture for about one minute, letting the flavors develop and fill your kitchen with their delicious aroma.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Next, it’s time to create that hearty soup base. Stir in the drained beans, corn, fresh diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring the entire mixture to a boil—watch the bubbles dance on the surface!
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, you’ll want to reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes. Make sure to stir it occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: After simmering, taste your soup. If you want more flavor, feel free to adjust by adding additional taco seasoning, salt, or pepper according to your preference.
- Serve: Once you’re satisfied with the taste, ladle the hot taco soup into individual bowls. Now comes the fun part—add your favorite toppings and enjoy your homemade meal immediately!
How to Serve Easy Taco Soup Recipe
Serving this taco soup is as enjoyable as making it. You can make it a fun family meal or a casual get-together with friends!
Start by ladling the soup into bowls. You can let everyone customize their own bowls with a variety of toppings. Options can include shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, crunchy tortilla chips, or fresh cilantro. Serving it with some crusty bread or warm tortillas on the side makes it even more delightful. This way, everyone can dip and enjoy the soup at their leisure, making for a relaxed, interactive mealtime.
Expert Tips: Easy Taco Soup Recipe
To make your taco soup even more flavorful and enjoyable, consider these expert tips:
- Customize Your Protein: While lean ground beef is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with different proteins such as turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives if you prefer a vegetarian option.
- Spice Level: If you like a bit of heat in your soup, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust the taco seasoning to meet your spice tolerance!
- Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions at the end can elevate the flavors in your taco soup, giving it a fresh, zesty twist.
- Slow Cooker Option: If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the meat and vegetables on the stove first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and let it cook for 4-6 hours on low for delightful results.
How to Store Easy Taco Soup Recipe
Storing your taco soup is a breeze, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. You can surely keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing the soup. Simply place it in freezer-safe containers, ensuring you leave space for the soup to expand as it freezes. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Variation of Easy Taco Soup Recipe
This easy taco soup recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are some variations to consider that can change it up while still delivering the same great taste:
- Vegetarian Taco Soup: Swap the ground beef for a combination of beans like black beans, kidney beans, or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option packed with protein.
- Spicy Taco Soup: For those who love a kick, add diced green chilies or hot sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Creamy Taco Soup: Stir in a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream at the end of cooking for a rich, creamy version of taco soup that adds a velvety texture.
- Southwestern Twist: Incorporate some diced sweet potatoes or zucchini for added nutrition and a unique twist on the flavor profile.
FAQ
What makes the easy taco soup recipe so special?
This easy taco soup recipe is special due to its rich flavors, quick preparation time, and the ability to customize based on personal preferences. It combines savory ingredients in a single pot for a hearty and delicious meal.
How long does it take to make easy taco soup?
The preparation and cooking time for easy taco soup is approximately 30-40 minutes from start to finish. This makes it a quick option for busy weeknights.
Can I use canned ingredients for easy taco soup?
Absolutely! Canned beans, corn, and tomatoes can be used in this easy taco soup recipe. They are time-savers while still offering great flavor.
Is easy taco soup healthy?
This easy taco soup can be considered healthy, especially if you use lean meat and plenty of vegetables. The beans and corn add fiber and nutrients, making it a wholesome meal.
Can I freeze easy taco soup?
Yes, you can freeze easy taco soup! Store it in airtight containers, and it will hold well for up to three months in the freezer.
Easy Taco Soup
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 lb lean ground beef Can substitute with turkey or chicken.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp taco seasoning Add more to taste.
- 1 16 oz can beans, drained (kidney or pinto)
- 1 cup corn (canned, fresh, or frozen)
- 1 ½ cups fresh diced tomatoes (about 1 lb) Canned tomatoes can be substituted.
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
Cooking the Beef and Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef, diced onion, and both bell peppers into the pot and cook, breaking the meat apart until browned and vegetables are softened.
- Spoon out and discard any excess fat.
Adding Flavor
- Stir in minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for about one minute.
Creating the Soup Base
- Add beans, corn, fresh diced tomatoes, and beef broth to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmering
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Final Touches
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Ladle hot taco soup into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings.
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