There’s something about taco soup that just speaks to the soul—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening, complete with the zing of spices and the heartiness of beans and meat. I remember the first time I made it; I’d just come home from a long day and needed something easy yet comforting. This recipe is a lifesaver—quick, delicious, and somehow a little magical, like catching the sunset on a busy day.
Steps
- Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and browning the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Add beans, diced green chilies, crushed tomatoes, corn, chicken broth, and spices to the pot. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- When the soup is ready, serve it with your choice of toppings such as avocado, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, or tortilla chips.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can of beans (e.g., black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans)
- 1 can of diced green chilies
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 17 ounces frozen corn
- Chicken broth (amount based on cooking method)
- A selection of dry spices or 1 packet of taco seasoning
- Tortilla chips or Fritos
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Chopped avocado
- Hot sauce
- Fresh cilantro
Nutritional Values
Calories: 516kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 1541mg | Potassium: 1727mg | Fiber: 18g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 762IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 149mg | Iron: 9mg
FAQ
- How do I store leftover taco soup?
- You can keep leftover taco soup in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
- Can I freeze taco soup, and how should I reheat it?
- Yes, you can freeze taco soup. Once cooled, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and store it for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.
- What are some variations for making taco soup?
- You can adapt the recipe by using cooked chicken instead of ground beef for a chicken taco soup, or omit the meat altogether and add extra beans for a vegetarian version. For a spicier kick, you might also consider using a packet of taco seasoning in place of the listed dry spices.
- How can I prepare taco soup using an Instant Pot or Crock Pot?
- For the Instant Pot, brown the ground beef on the sauté setting, remove any grease, and then add the other ingredients with an additional cup of broth. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes and let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes before opening. For the Crock Pot, brown the beef on the stove, then transfer it with the other ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- What toppings can I add to my taco soup?
- Popular toppings for taco soup include tortilla chips, sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, avocado, hot sauce, and fresh cilantro.
Tips
- Utilize One-Pot Cooking: To minimize cleanup, make use of the one-pot method for cooking this taco soup, which involves browning the beef in a large pot before adding the rest of the ingredients.
- Instant Pot and Slow Cooker Options: For a hands-off approach, consider using an Instant Pot or Crock Pot. For the Instant Pot, add an extra cup of broth and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, allowing a natural release for 15 minutes. For the Crock Pot, brown the beef first, then let it cook with other ingredients on low for 4-6 hours.
- Freezing and Storage: When making extra soup, allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
- Spice Customization: If you prefer a quicker preparation, substitute the individual spices with a packet of taco seasoning, adjusting the seasoning to taste as needed.
Equipment
- Instant Pot – If you plan to use the Instant Pot method for cooking the soup.
- Slow Cooker/Crock Pot – If you prefer to use the slow cooker method.
- Large Soup Pot – For those who may not have a large pot suitable for making this soup on the stovetop.
