Taco Soup Recipe With Ground Beef And Cheesy Corn

Name: Taco Soup
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey; – 4 cloves minced garlic or 1 teaspoon garlic powder; – 2 teaspoons chili powder; – 1 teaspoon cumin; – 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; – 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; – 1/2 teaspoon salt; – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; – 1/2 teaspoon oregano; – 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes (undrained); – 4-ounce can diced green chilies; – 15-ounce can kidney beans, rinsed and drained; – 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained; – 17-ounce can corn, drained; – 2 cups chicken or beef broth

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Why You’ll Love This Taco Soup

This taco soup is a game-changer for anyone craving a hearty, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients like lean proteins and fiber-rich beans that keep you full and energized. Plus, its vibrant spices create a taste that’s both comforting and exciting, making it a favorite for family dinners.

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and adaptability. You can whip it up in about 25 minutes, ideal for busy parents or working professionals looking for quick yet nutritious options. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly weeknight or at a casual gathering, this soup brings everyone together with its bold flavors and easy customizations.

From health-conscious folks to adventurous food enthusiasts, this dish appeals to a wide crowd. It’s loaded with nutrients, including approximately 516 calories per serving, 62g of carbohydrates, 36g of protein, 16g of fat, and 18g of fiber, which supports a balanced diet. Dive into this recipe and discover why it’s more than just soup it’s a versatile staple that adds joy to your table.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Taco Soup
2. Essential Ingredients for Taco Soup
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Taco Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Taco Soup
5. Mastering Taco Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Taco Soup: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Taco Soup
8. Taco Soup

Essential Ingredients for Taco Soup

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making a delicious taco soup that everyone will enjoy. This recipe uses fresh, real ingredients to create a hearty and flavorful dish. Below is a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need, based on the classic preparation method.

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
4 cloves minced garlic or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon oregano
28-ounce can crushed tomatoes (undrained)
4-ounce can diced green chilies
15-ounce can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
17-ounce can corn, drained
2 cups chicken or beef broth

This structured list ensures you have exact measurements for a perfect batch every time. Remember, you can swap one packet of taco seasoning for the individual spices if you prefer, adjusting to your taste for the best flavor balance.

Special Dietary Options

For those with specific dietary needs, this recipe is highly adaptable. Here are a few ways to customize it while keeping the essence intact.

For vegan versions, replace the ground meat with plant-based crumbles or lentils
Opt for gluten-free broth and seasonings to make it suitable for gluten-free diets
Use ground turkey or extra vegetables to create a lower-calorie option that still packs a punch

To learn more about the benefits of beans in recipes like this, check out this resource on why beans are nature’s perfect food. It’s a great way to understand how these ingredients contribute to a healthy meal.

How to Prepare the Perfect Taco Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with taco soup is straightforward and fun, especially if you’re new to cooking. Begin by pulling together all your ingredients to make the process smooth and efficient. This recipe takes about 25 minutes total, perfect for busy schedules.

First Step: Prep and Brown the Meat

Gather all ingredients and prepare them as needed, like mincing garlic and draining cans. In a large soup pot over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef or turkey until it’s fully cooked, then drain any excess grease if necessary.

Second Step: Add Spices and Other Ingredients

Once the meat is browned, stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic or 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, along with 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon each of cumin and smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon each of onion powder, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Next, add the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes (undrained), 4-ounce can of diced green chilies, 15-ounce cans of kidney beans and black beans (rinsed and drained), 17-ounce can of corn (drained), and 2 cups of chicken or beef broth.

Third Step: Cook and Serve

Stir everything together in the pot and bring it to a low boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld. For more detailed cooking methods, such as using a slow cooker or Instant Pot, refer to the FAQs section below.

Serve your soup hot with optional toppings like tortilla chips, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, avocado, hot sauce, and fresh cilantro. If you’re looking for similar hearty dishes, try our taco casserole recipe for another family favorite that builds on these flavors.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Taco Soup

Making taco soup your own is easy with a few simple swaps. This recipe is flexible, allowing you to adjust for different preferences or restrictions. Whether you’re aiming for a lighter meal or a vegan option, these changes keep the soup delicious and satisfying.

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Swap ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner choice
Use plant-based meat substitutes or lentils to make it vegetarian or vegan
Incorporate shredded chicken for a protein boost while keeping things light

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Add zucchini or bell peppers to increase veggies and add color
Replace canned tomatoes with fresh ones if you want a fresher twist
Use homemade taco seasoning to control sodium and spice levels

As noted by experts, lean proteins like beef can fit into a healthy diet. Read more in this article on lean beef and healthy eating to see how it all fits together.

Mastering Taco Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your taco soup to the next level involves some clever techniques and creative twists. Start by sautéing the spices with the onions and garlic at the beginning to enhance their flavors. This simple step makes the soup more aromatic and rich.

Flavor and Presentation Ideas

Experiment with additions like smoky chipotle peppers or a splash of lime juice for extra brightness. For serving, garnish with avocado slices, sour cream, shredded cheese, and tortilla strips to add texture and visual appeal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Prepare the base ahead and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months
To thicken, simmer uncovered or mash some beans directly in the pot

These tips turn a basic recipe into something special, inspiring you to get creative in the kitchen.

How to Store Taco Soup: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your taco soup fresh and tasty for later. After cooking, let it cool completely before storing to maintain its quality.

Storage Method	Duration	Tips
Refrigeration	4-5 days	Use airtight containers and stir before reheating
Freezing	Up to 3 months	Portion into freezer-safe bags and thaw overnight in the fridge
Reheating	N/A	Heat on the stove over medium, stirring to keep texture intact

This makes meal prep simple for students or seniors. For more ideas on quick meals, our chicken taco casserole is a great companion recipe.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Taco Soup

What ingredients do I need to make classic Taco Soup?

Classic Taco Soup typically includes ground beef or turkey, garlic, taco seasoning or a blend of chili powder and cumin, crushed tomatoes, diced green chilies, kidney beans, black beans, corn, and chicken broth. These ingredients combine to deliver a flavorful and hearty soup that’s easy to prepare.

How do I cook Taco Soup on the stove step-by-step?

Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain excess grease. Add minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, diced green chilies, kidney beans, black beans, corn, chicken broth, and your preferred taco spices. Stir all ingredients together, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly.

Can Taco Soup be prepared in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes. For a slow cooker, brown the meat first, then add all ingredients to the cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. For an Instant Pot, brown the beef using the sauté function, remove any grease, add all other ingredients plus a bit more broth, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes before opening.

How do I thicken Taco Soup if it’s too watery?

To thicken watery Taco Soup without altering its flavor, simmer it uncovered on low heat for 15-20 minutes to reduce excess liquid. Alternatively, mash some beans directly in the pot to naturally thicken the soup. Another option is to add boiled and blended potatoes which add body without affecting the taste.

What are some popular toppings to serve with Taco Soup?

Common toppings that complement Taco Soup include crushed tortilla chips or Fritos for crunch, shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack, sliced green onions, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a few dashes of hot sauce. These toppings add texture and bursts of fresh flavor to each serving.

Taco Soup Recipe with Ground Beef and Cheesy Corn