Have you ever craved the amazing flavor of tacos but wanted something a little cozier? Something you can eat from a bowl with a spoon? Well, you have come to the right place.
This Taco Soup Recipe is the best of both worlds. It has all the savory, seasoned goodness of your favorite taco, but it’s served up as a warm, comforting soup. It’s a total crowd pleaser and ridiculously easy to make.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this is a one pot meal. Yes, you read that right. Everything comes together in a single pot, which means cleanup is an absolute breeze. That alone makes it a winner for busy weeknights.
It is also incredibly quick. You can have a steaming bowl of this delicious soup ready in about 30 minutes. It is faster than ordering takeout, and honestly, so much more satisfying to make yourself.
The best part is how you can make it your own. The toppings are where the fun really begins. You can set up a little topping bar and let everyone customize their own bowl. It is a fantastic way to get the whole family involved.
Plus, this Taco Soup Recipe is packed with protein and fiber from the beef and beans, keeping you full and happy. It is a wholesome meal that feels like a real treat.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this soup are simple and easy to find at any grocery store. Many of them are pantry staples you might already have on hand. It’s all about combining simple items for big flavor.
For the Soup
- 1 pound ground chuck (80/20)
- 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans fire roasted diced tomatoes, not drained
- 3 cups beef stock
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15.25 ounce) can corn, drained
- 4 ounces shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Crumbled cotija cheese
- Diced red onions
- Avocado
- Jalapeño slices
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Tortilla strips
- Lime wedges
Step By Step Instructions
Making this soup is very straightforward. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect bowl of Taco Soup Stove Top style. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Cook The Meat And Aromatics
Grab a large pot or Dutch oven and add the ground chuck. Turn the heat to medium. Use a large spoon to break up the meat as it starts to cook.
Sprinkle the taco seasoning all over the beef. Continue to brown the meat for about 5 minutes, until most of the pink is gone. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing.
Next, add the diced onions and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté everything together for another 4 minutes. You want the veggies to get glossy and just a little bit brown. This builds a great flavor base.
Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Carefully spoon out any excess fat. You do not want a greasy soup, so this step is important for a clean taste.
Step 2: Add The Tomatoes, Stock, And Chiles
Now it is time to add the liquids and more flavor. Pour in the fire roasted tomatoes, beef stock, and green chiles. Make sure you do not drain the tomatoes.
Stir everything together well. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once it is boiling, reduce the heat to medium low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Stir it every so often to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Add The Black Beans And Corn
After 15 minutes of simmering, it is time for the beans and corn. Stir them into the soup. The colors really start to pop at this stage.
Put the cover back on the pot and let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes. This gives all the flavors a chance to meld together beautifully. Give it one more stir during this time.
Now is a good time to taste it. See if it needs a little salt or maybe a bit more taco seasoning. Adjust it to your liking.
Step 4: Add The Cheese And Cilantro
Turn off the heat. The final touches are here. Stir in the shredded cheese until it is all melted and creamy. Then, add the chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Your delicious Taco Soup Recipe is now ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and get ready to add your favorite toppings. Enjoy every spoonful!
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any soup left over, you are in luck. It tastes even better the next day. The flavors really have a chance to deepen and develop overnight.
Simply let the soup cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave for a quick meal.
You can also freeze this soup. Store it in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. It is great for meal prep.
Tips
Want to make your Taco Soup Recipe even better? Here are a few simple tips and tricks you can try next time you make it.
To create a Healthy Taco Soup, swap the ground chuck for lean ground turkey or ground chicken. You can also use low sodium beef stock and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
For a creamy texture, add a few spoonfuls of sour cream or cream cheese directly into the pot at the end. Stir until it is fully incorporated for a richer, smoother soup.
Do not be afraid to adjust the spice level. If you like it hot, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. For a milder version, make sure you use mild green chiles.
Hosting a get together? Set up a topping bar. Put out small bowls of cheese, sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, and crunchy tortilla strips. It makes the meal interactive and fun for everyone.
Conclusion
This Taco Soup Recipe is a fantastic dish to have in your collection. It is warm, comforting, and full of flavor. It is a meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd pleasing meal for a party, this soup delivers every time. It is simple, satisfying, and so easy to love. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Meat?
Absolutely. This recipe is very versatile. You can easily make a Turkey Taco Soup by using ground turkey instead of ground beef. Ground chicken or even shredded rotisserie chicken works well too.
How Can I Make This Soup Spicy?
There are several ways to add some heat. You can use a can of hot diced green chiles instead of mild ones. Adding a sliced jalapeño with the onions is another great option. A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes will also do the trick.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
Most of the ingredients are naturally gluten free. The main thing to check is your taco seasoning packet. Some brands contain gluten as a thickener. To be safe, look for a certified gluten free brand or make your own seasoning at home.
Can I Make This In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this Taco Soup Recipe for a slow cooker. First, brown the meat with the onions and garlic on the stove. Drain the fat. Then, transfer the meat mixture to your slow cooker. Add all the other ingredients except the cheese and cilantro. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Stir in the cheese and cilantro just before serving.
Hearty Taco Soup Recipe
All the savory, seasoned goodness of your favorite taco, served up as a warm, comforting one-pot soup. Ridiculously easy to make and ready in about 45 minutes, it’s a total crowd-pleaser.
Requirements
Ingredients
For the Soup
Optional Toppings
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground chuck. Break up the meat and sprinkle with taco seasoning. Brown for about 5 minutes until most of the pink is gone.
- Add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for another 4 minutes until the veggies are glossy. Carefully drain any excess fat.
- Pour in the fire roasted tomatoes (undrained), beef stock, and green chiles. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the drained black beans and corn. Cover and simmer for another 10 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted, then add the chopped fresh cilantro.
- Ladle into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For a healthier version, swap the ground chuck for lean ground turkey or chicken. You can also use low-sodium beef stock.
To make it creamier, stir in a few spoonfuls of sour cream or cream cheese at the end until fully incorporated.
Adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or using hot green chiles if you like more heat.
Set up a topping bar with cheese, sour cream, avocado, and tortilla strips for a fun, interactive meal.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
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