1-First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools to make things smooth. Measure out 1 pound of ground beef or turkey and mince 4 cloves of garlic if you’re using fresh. This mise en place helps everything go faster and reduces stress during cooking. For dietary needs, you can swap the meat for plant-based options here to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

2-Second Step: Brown the Meat Heat a large soup pot over medium heat and add the 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s browned, stirring to break it up. Drain any excess grease to keep the soup from getting too oily. If you’re making a chicken version, add cooked shredded chicken at this point instead.

3-Third Step: Add the Seasonings and Base Once the meat is browned, stir in the 4 cloves of minced garlic or 1 teaspoon garlic powder, along with 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon oregano. Let them cook for a minute to release their flavors. Then, add one 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, one 4-ounce can of diced green chilies, one 15-ounce can of kidney beans, one 15-ounce can of black beans, one 17-ounce can of corn, and 2 cups of chicken broth. For a low-sodium version, use reduced-salt broth to adjust flavors.

4-Fourth Step: Simmer the Soup Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors. This step melds everything together, making the taco soup even tastier. If you prefer a thicker taco soup, simmer it uncovered for an extra 10 minutes or mash some beans against the pot’s side.

5-Final Step: Serve and Enjoy After simmering, taste the soup and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve it hot with toppings like tortilla chips, sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, chopped avocado, hot sauce, or fresh cilantro. This is where you can get creative one bowl might have more spice for adults, while another is milder for kids. Remember to check out my taco casserole recipe for another fun twist on similar flavors, as it pairs well with this soup for meal prep.

One more thing: For an Instant Pot version, use the sauté function for the first two steps, then pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. In a slow cooker, combine everything and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Explore more ideas by visiting taco soup variations online to inspire your next batch.