Save Warm up your kitchen with this Hearty Taco Soup, a vibrant Tex-Mex classic that brings the bold flavors of your favorite tacos into a comforting, steam-filled bowl. This soup is a nutritional powerhouse, combining lean ground beef with fiber-rich beans and sweet corn, all simmered in a savory, spiced broth. It is an ideal choice for busy weeknights or serving a hungry crowd during a game day gathering.
Save The secret to this soup lies in the layers of flavor built during the cooking process. By browning the beef and sautéing fresh aromatics like garlic and red bell pepper, you create a rich foundation that supports the variety of canned goods and dry spices, resulting in a complex and satisfying taste.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz/425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz/425 g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz/425 g) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz/410 g) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (10 oz/285 g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
- 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, crushed tortilla chips, lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Step 2
- Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Step 3
- Stir in taco seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Step 4
- Add black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
- Step 5
- Bring the soup to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 7
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best texture, ensure you drain the excess fat after browning the beef to prevent the soup from becoming oily. Allowing the spices to cook for a minute before adding the broth helps release their essential oils, deepening the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the beef and add an extra can of beans for protein. You can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative. Adjust the spice level by selecting mild or hot tomatoes with green chilies depending on your preference.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this hearty soup in deep bowls with a generous spread of toppings. A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheddar, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice add brightness and creaminess. For extra texture, serve with a side of crunchy tortilla chips or strips.
Save Whether you are enjoying this on a cold winter night or sharing it with friends during a big game, this Taco Soup is guaranteed to satisfy. Enjoy every spoonful of this Tex-Mex delight!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the ground beef and add an extra can of black or kidney beans for added protein and heartiness.
- → What meat substitutions work well?
Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent lean alternatives to ground beef, maintaining the same hearty texture.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Use mild diced tomatoes with green chilies for less heat, or add extra jalapeños and use hot varieties for more kick.
- → Can I freeze leftover taco soup?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely, store in airtight containers, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- → What are the best toppings for this soup?
Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, green onions, and lime wedges all complement the flavors perfectly.
- → Do leftovers taste good the next day?
Absolutely! The flavors meld and intensify overnight, making leftovers even more delicious when reheated.