Hearty Taco Soup Recipe

Enjoy a comforting and flavorful bowl of taco soup with this easy-to-make recipe. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 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 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth or water
• 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot, depending on preference)

Optional Toppings

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced avocado
• Tortilla chips

Directions

Brown the Meat

1. In a large pot, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add Seasoning and Vegetables

1. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
2. Add the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, beef broth, and salsa. Stir well to combine.

Simmer the Soup

1. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serve

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your choice of shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and tortilla chips.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

1. Meat-Free Option: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute or extra beans for a vegetarian version.
2. Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for added heat.
3. Creamy Texture: Stir in a splash of cream or milk for a richer texture.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a bit of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?
   Yes, ground chicken works well in this recipe.
2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
   Yes, brown the meat first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. What if I don’t have taco seasoning mix?
   You can make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
   Yes, use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes.
5. Can I add extra vegetables?
   Absolutely! Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for added flavor and nutrition.
6. How can I make this soup less spicy?
   Use mild salsa and omit any additional spicy ingredients.
7. Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?
   Yes, vegetable broth is a great alternative if you prefer a lighter flavor.
8. How can I thicken the soup?
   You can thicken the soup by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water or by blending a portion of the soup.
9. Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
   Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep and freezes well.
10. Can I serve this with something else?
    Serve with a side of cornbread, quesadillas, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Hearty Taco Soup is a versatile and comforting dish that brings together the flavors of a taco in a warm, satisfying bowl of soup. Perfect for any day of the week, it’s easy to customize and great for leftovers. Enjoy this flavorful soup with your favorite taco toppings for an extra touch of deliciousness!