Taco Soup Recipe
Taco soup recipe is a delightful, hearty dish that brings the vibrant flavors of your favorite taco right to your bowl! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a warm, comforting soup filled with tender beans, zesty tomatoes, and a medley of spices that dance on your palate. With the addition of ground turkey or chicken, this recipe keeps it light yet satisfying. Top it off with crunchy tortilla chips and a sprinkle of cheese for that perfect finishing touch. Gather your loved ones and enjoy a cozy meal that’s sure to please!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Taco Soup Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot For cooking the soup.
- 1 Spoon For stirring.
- 1 Knife For chopping vegetables.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb Ground turkey A lean alternative to beef that adds protein.
Vegetables
- 1 medium Onion Enhances flavor; sauté for a sweeter taste.
- 2 cloves Garlic Adds depth; fresh or minced works well.
- 1 cup Bell peppers For color and crunch; any variety is great.
Canned Goods
- 1 can Canned diced tomatoes Provides a rich base; choose fire-roasted for extra flavor.
- 1 can Black beans Adds heartiness and fiber; rinse before using.
- 1 can Kidney beans Complements the black beans for texture.
- 1 cup Corn Sweetens the soup; frozen or canned works perfectly.
Seasoning
- 2 tbsp Taco seasoning The key to flavor; homemade or store-bought is fine.
Liquid
- 4 cups Chicken broth Adds moisture and flavor; low-sodium is a healthier choice.
Toppings
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese For topping; use shredded for easy melting.
- 1 cup Sour cream Adds creaminess; a dollop on top is delicious.
- 1 medium Avocado Fresh and creamy; slice or dice for garnish.
- 1/4 cup Cilantro Fresh herb for garnish; adds brightness.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- Collect all the goodies: ground turkey or chicken, canned beans (black and kidney), corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and broth.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
- In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
- Stir in chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Mix in the Goodness
- Add the canned beans (drained), corn, diced tomatoes (with juice), and taco seasoning. Stir everything together like a big happy family!
Step 5: Pour in the Broth
- Pour in the broth of your choice (chicken or vegetable) and give it a good stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 6: Simmer and Savor
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes. This is where the magic happens!
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
- Give your soup a taste. Add salt, pepper, or extra seasoning if needed. Make it your own!
Step 8: Serve with Love
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes: cheese, avocado, sour cream, or tortilla chips. Enjoy every spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Taco Soup Recipe
- It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
- Packed with flavor, it warms your soul with every bite.
- Customizable to your taste—add your favorite toppings!
- Healthy ingredients that keep you feeling great.
- Perfect for meal prep—enjoy it all week long!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Soup |
| Cuisine: | Mexican |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 45 minutes |
| Dietary: | Gluten-free, Vegetarian |
| Serves: | 6 |
| Best Served: | Hot with toppings |
Ingredients for Taco Soup Recipe
- Ground turkey – a lean alternative to beef that adds protein.
- Onion – enhances flavor; sauté for a sweeter taste.
- Garlic – adds depth; fresh or minced works well.
- Bell peppers – for color and crunch; any variety is great.
- Canned diced tomatoes – provides a rich base; choose fire-roasted for extra flavor.
- Black beans – adds heartiness and fiber; rinse before using.
- Kidney beans – complements the black beans for texture.
- Corn – sweetens the soup; frozen or canned works perfectly.
- Taco seasoning – the key to flavor; homemade or store-bought is fine.
- Chicken broth – adds moisture and flavor; low-sodium is a healthier choice.
- Cheddar cheese – for topping; use shredded for easy melting.
- Sour cream – adds creaminess; a dollop on top is delicious.
- Avocado – fresh and creamy; slice or dice for garnish.
- Cilantro – fresh herb for garnish; adds brightness.
How to Make the Taco Soup Recipe
Get ready to whip up a delicious taco soup that will warm your heart and fill your belly!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Collect all the goodies: ground turkey or chicken, canned beans (black and kidney), corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and broth.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Stir in chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Mix in the Goodness
Add the canned beans (drained), corn, diced tomatoes (with juice), and taco seasoning. Stir everything together like a big happy family!
Step 5: Pour in the Broth
Pour in the broth of your choice (chicken or vegetable) and give it a good stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 6: Simmer and Savor
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes. This is where the magic happens!
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Give your soup a taste. Add salt, pepper, or extra seasoning if needed. Make it your own!
Step 8: Serve with Love
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes: cheese, avocado, sour cream, or tortilla chips. Enjoy every spoonful!
Pro Tips for Making the Taco Soup Recipe
- Use canned beans for convenience; they save time and add protein.
- For extra flavor, sauté onions and garlic before adding other ingredients.
- Top with your favorite garnishes like avocado, cheese, or sour cream for a creamy finish.
- Let the soup simmer longer for deeper flavors; it’s worth the wait!
- Freeze leftovers in individual portions for a quick meal later on.
How to Serve Taco Soup Recipe
- Top with shredded cheese for a melty finish.
- Add a dollop of sour cream for creaminess.
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
- Serve with crispy tortilla chips for crunch.
- Pair with a side of cornbread for a hearty meal.
- Offer avocado slices for a creamy texture.
- Drizzle with hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Garnish with lime wedges for a zesty twist.
- Serve in bread bowls for a fun presentation.
- Enjoy with a refreshing salad on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store your taco soup leftovers properly:
- Allow the soup to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Label the container with the date.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
To freeze your taco soup while maintaining quality:
- Cool the soup completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Leave some space at the top for expansion.
- Label with the date and type of soup.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
For the best texture and taste when reheating:
- Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.
- Microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through.
- Ensure it’s heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
For More Recipes, follow me on Facebook and Pinterest
FAQs
Can I make taco soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just combine all your ingredients in the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making your taco soup even more delicious!
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works great as a substitute. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or black beans for protein while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.
Can I freeze taco soup?
Yes, taco soup freezes well! Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
What toppings go well with taco soup?
Taco soup is versatile when it comes to toppings! Consider adding shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro. Tortilla chips or crushed tortilla strips also add a delightful crunch!