why make this recipe
Taco Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that brings the flavors of tacos in a comforting soup form. It’s perfect for any season and can easily feed a crowd or be enjoyed as leftovers. This recipe is simple, quick to prepare, and uses everyday ingredients, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
how to make Taco Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro
Directions:
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef or turkey with the diced onion over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and broth to the pot.
- Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro if desired.
how to serve Taco Soup
Taco Soup is best served hot. You can ladle it into bowls and let everyone choose their own toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro. It goes well with tortilla chips or crusty bread for dipping.
how to store Taco Soup
For storage, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and it will be good for up to 3 months.
tips to make Taco Soup
- For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning.
- You can substitute the ground beef or turkey with plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.
- Feel free to throw in additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
variation
You can make Taco Soup with different proteins like shredded chicken or even make it vegetarian by omitting the meat entirely. You can also add rice or quinoa for a heartier dish.
FAQs
CAN I MAKE TACO SOUP IN A SLOW COOKER?
YES! BROWN THE MEAT AND ONION FIRST, THEN TRANSFER EVERYTHING TO A SLOW COOKER AND LET IT COOK ON LOW FOR 6–8 HOURS OR ON HIGH FOR ABOUT 3–4 HOURS. BROWNING THE MEAT ADDS EXTRA FLAVOR AND HELPS RENDER OFF EXCESS FAT, BUT IF YOU’RE IN A BIG RUSH YOU CAN SKIP IT AND JUST CRUMBLE THE MEAT DIRECTLY INTO THE SLOW COOKER (THE TEXTURE WILL BE A LITTLE DIFFERENT). IF THE SOUP IS TOO THICK AT THE END, YOU CAN STIR IN A SPLASH OF BROTH OR WATER UNTIL IT REACHES YOUR DESIRED CONSISTENCY.
IS TACO SOUP GLUTEN-FREE?
YES, TACO SOUP CAN EASILY BE MADE GLUTEN-FREE AS LONG AS YOU USE A GLUTEN-FREE TACO SEASONING AND DOUBLE-CHECK THAT YOUR CANNED INGREDIENTS (BROTH, TOMATOES, BEANS, AND CORN) ARE LABELED GLUTEN-FREE. SOME STORE-BOUGHT TACO SEASONINGS CONTAIN WHEAT OR ADDITIVES, SO ALWAYS READ THE LABEL OR MAKE YOUR OWN SEASONING BLEND AT HOME. ALSO, IF YOU’RE VERY SENSITIVE TO GLUTEN, BE SURE TO WATCH FOR CROSS-CONTAMINATION FROM SHARED KITCHEN UTENSILS OR COOKWARE.
CAN I FREEZE TACO SOUP?
ABSOLUTELY! LET THE SOUP COOL COMPLETELY BEFORE PLACING IT IN CONTAINERS OR FREEZER BAGS, LEAVING A LITTLE SPACE AT THE TOP FOR EXPANSION. YOU CAN FREEZE IT IN INDIVIDUAL PORTIONS FOR EASY LUNCHES OR IN LARGER CONTAINERS FOR FAMILY MEALS, AND IT WILL KEEP WELL FOR UP TO 3 MONTHS. WHEN YOU’RE READY TO ENJOY IT, THAW THE SOUP IN THE REFRIGERATOR OVERNIGHT, THEN REHEAT GENTLY ON THE STOVETOP OR IN THE MICROWAVE, ADDING A SPLASH OF BROTH OR WATER IF IT’S TOO THICK. TOP WITH CHEESE, SOUR CREAM, AND CILANTRO JUST BEFORE SERVING.
Taco Soup
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey Choose your preferred meat
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- to taste Salt and pepper
Optional toppings
- shredded cheese
- sour cream
- chopped cilantro
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef or turkey with the diced onion over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and broth to the pot.
- Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro if desired.