Name: Easy Taco Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup onion (chopped, about 1 medium onion); 1/2 tablespoon garlic (minced, about 4 cloves); 14 oz diced tomatoes with green chiles (1 can); 1 quart beef broth (low or no salt); 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 15 oz black beans (1 can, drained and rinsed); 15 oz pinto beans (1 can, drained and rinsed); 1 cup frozen corn (thawed)

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The smell of simmering spices and savory beef fills the air as you imagine the first spoonful of this comforting, hearty taco soup. Vibrant colors dance in your bowl, each ingredient bringing its own vibrant hue and texture, creating a delightful feast for the senses. Just the thought of it takes me back to cozy family dinners, where laughter and joyous conversations mingled with the tantalizing aroma wafting from the kitchen. This Easy Taco Soup Recipe with 34g Protein is perfect for chilly evenings, game-day gatherings, or a quick weeknight meal that will keep you satisfied and nourished. With just nine ingredients, plus a few spices, you’ll have dinner ready in under an hour!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Taco Soup Recipe with 34g Protein
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy Taco Soup

Imagine filling your bowl with a hearty blend of beans, vegetables, and spices, all simmered together to create a symphony of flavors that warms your soul. It’s the perfect dish to enjoy with your loved ones or even savor alone while binge-watching your favorite show. I can already feel the excitement building—you’re just a few easy steps away from a delicious and nutritious meal. So, grab your ingredients and let’s dive right into this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in under an hour, with minimal prep and cleanup.
Irresistible Flavor: Every bite offers a burst of zesty flavors that mimics your favorite tacos.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors make it as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack, and great for feeding a crowd.
Diet-Friendly Options: Swap ground beef for turkey or keep it vegetarian by omitting meat altogether.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 teaspoon olive oil: Use this for sautéing the beef and onions. It adds a subtle richness. You can substitute with avocado oil if you prefer.
1 lb ground beef: This is the star protein of the soup, providing robust flavor. Ground turkey is a lighter alternative if preferred.
1 cup onion (chopped, about 1 medium onion): Chopped onions add sweetness and depth. Try yellow or red onions for different flavor profiles.
1/2 tablespoon garlic (minced, about 4 cloves): Fresh garlic gives a punch of flavor. Substitute with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if needed.
14 oz diced tomatoes with green chiles (1 can): This adds acidity and spice to the soup. You can use plain diced tomatoes if you prefer less heat.
1 quart beef broth (low or no salt): The broth adds body and flavor. Chicken broth works well, too, for a lighter taste.
1 teaspoon paprika: This brings warmth to the dish. Smoked paprika can replace regular for a different twist.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper enhances the overall flavor.
1 teaspoon chili powder: A classic taco seasoning, this adds the signature heat. Adjust to taste based on your preference.
1/2 teaspoon cumin: Cumin delivers that earthy flavor synonymous with taco seasoning.
15 oz black beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): These beans are protein-packed and add creaminess. You can substitute with kidney beans if desired.
15 oz pinto beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): Pinto beans complement black beans beautifully, enhancing the soup’s texture.
1 cup frozen corn (thawed): Sweet corn adds a pop of sweetness. Canned corn can be used as an alternative.

How to Make Easy Taco Soup Recipe with 34g Protein

Sauté Aromatics: In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onions, and minced garlic. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon and cook for about 10-12 minutes, until the beef is entirely browned and there’s no pink remaining. The fragrant aroma of the garlic and onions will fill your kitchen, making your mouth water.

Add Ingredients: Once the beef is browned, pour in the diced tomatoes with green chiles and the quart of beef broth. Stir in paprika, black pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Mix everything until well combined, letting those warm spices blend together. This is where the magic happens, and your soup starts transforming into something wonderful!

Mix Beans and Corn: Add in the drained black beans, pinto beans, and thawed corn, stirring gently to incorporate all ingredients. The vibrant colors will add to the visual appeal of your soup. You’ll love how the beans create heartiness and richness.

Simmer: Bring your soup to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 30 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Don’t rush—this is where the soup gets its depth and character!

Taste & Adjust: After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as necessary. This is your chance to add a pinch more chili powder or a dash of salt if needed. Serve it hot and enjoy the alchemy of flavors you’ve created!

Crockpot Method: If you prefer to use a crockpot, brown the beef, onions, and garlic in a skillet for 10-12 minutes, then transfer everything to the crockpot with all remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing those flavors to deepen beautifully.

Instant Pot Method: For a quicker option, set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and brown the beef, onions, and garlic for 10-12 minutes, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Add the remaining ingredients, seal the lid, and cook on Manual Pressure for 6 minutes. Quick release the pressure when done. Voila, delicious soup in a hurry!

Storing & Reheating

This taco soup is perfect for meal prep! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours, or in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat until bubbling, usually about 10-15 minutes. The texture may change slightly after freezing, so stir in a splash of broth to refresh it!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the beef to ensure it stays tender.
Always rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and improve the flavor.
If using frozen corn, ensure it’s fully thawed to incorporate it evenly.
For an extra kick, add more chili powder or fresh jalapeños during the cooking process.
Feel free to make this dish ahead of time—flavors deepen as it sits!

Every spoonful of this Easy Taco Soup Recipe with 34g Protein wraps you in warmth and wholesome goodness. The blend of spices and hearty ingredients creates a fulfilling meal that fuels your day while being easy to prepare. Plus, with so much flexibility, you can tweak it to your liking. Don’t hesitate to add your favorite toppings, like creamy avocado or zesty lime, to elevate your experience.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this taco soup vegan?

Yes! You can easily make this soup vegan by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can replace the meat with additional beans or cooked lentils for added protein. Feel free to get creative with more veggies too!

How can I thicken the soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans while cooking or add a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour mixed with a little water. Let it simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh, use about 4 cups of diced tomatoes along with 1-2 fresh chilies. Just remember to adjust the cooking time, as fresh tomatoes can take slightly longer to break down.

What toppings do you recommend?

There are so many great options! Try topping your soup with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips for that authentic taco experience. The toppings add another layer of flavor and texture that really enhance the soup.