Easy Taco Soup Simple and Flavorful Dinner Recipe

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Looking for a quick and tasty dinner idea? I’ve got just the thing: Easy Taco Soup! This soup packs bold flavors into a simple dish, perfect for busy nights. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that feels special. Plus, I’ll share tips, tricks, and variations to make it your own. Let’s dive in and turn your dinner into a flavor fiesta!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

To make this easy taco soup, you will need:

  • 1 lb ground turkey or beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, and avocado

Substitutes for Key Ingredients

You can swap ingredients based on what you have. If you don’t have ground turkey or beef, try ground chicken or a meat substitute. For the beans, use pinto or navy beans instead. If you can’t find red bell pepper, yellow or green will work fine. You can also replace diced tomatoes with tomato sauce for a smoother soup.

Recommended Toppings

Toppings make the soup more fun! I suggest adding:

  • Sour cream for creaminess
  • Shredded cheese for a cheesy bite
  • Fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor
  • Avocado for richness

These toppings not only enhance the taste, but they also make the soup look great. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need:

  • 1 lb ground turkey or beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, and avocado

Chop the onion and red bell pepper into small pieces. Mince the garlic cloves. This prep makes cooking quick and easy.

Cooking Steps

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they soften.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute.

4. Add the ground turkey or beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes.

5. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for one minute until fragrant.

6. Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), black beans, kidney beans, corn, and broth.

7. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.

8. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this taco soup hot. You can add optional toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, and avocado. These toppings boost flavor and add a creamy touch.Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Tricks

How to Enhance Flavor

To boost the taste of your taco soup, add fresh herbs. Cilantro is a great choice. It gives a bright flavor. You can also try squeezing lime juice on top. This adds a zing that wakes up the dish. For a smoky touch, add a bit of smoked paprika or chipotle. These spices bring depth and warmth. You could also sauté some jalapeños with the onion and pepper. This adds heat and flavor. Remember, taste as you go. Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste.

Time-Saving Tips

To save time, use canned beans and corn. They are quick and easy. You can also pre-chop your veggies ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for quick use later. Another time-saver is to use ground turkey or beef. They cook fast and blend nicely in the soup. If you are short on time, try using a store-bought taco seasoning. It cuts down on prep and still tastes great.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One mistake is not cooking the meat fully. Make sure it is browned completely. This adds flavor and keeps your soup safe. Do not skip the sautéing step for the veggies. This builds a solid base for your soup. Another common error is adding too much liquid.If you add too much, your soup may be too watery. Lastly, don’t forget to taste your soup before serving. This way, you can adjust seasonings for the best flavor.

Variations

Vegetarian Taco Soup Options

Want to make a vegetarian taco soup? It’s easy! Just skip the meat and add more beans. Black beans and kidney beans work well. You can also add lentils or quinoa for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Toss in extra veggies like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers. This way, you keep it colorful and tasty.

Spicy Taco Soup Ideas

If you like heat, add jalapeños or chili powder to your soup. You can also use spicy taco seasoning. Another great option is to add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. These give a smoky flavor and heat. For an extra kick, top your soup with hot sauce or diced fresh chilies. Just be careful not to overdo it!

Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly Variations

For a low-carb or keto taco soup, replace beans with cauliflower. Cauliflower rice is a great swap. It keeps the texture but cuts carbs. You can also add more meat, like shredded chicken or beef. Use a low-carb taco seasoning mix. This way, you enjoy all the flavor without the extra carbs.

Try these variations to fit your taste and diet!

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

You can store your easy taco soup in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to let the soup cool down before sealing it. This helps keep the texture and flavor intact.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to keep it longer, freeze the soup. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It will last for about 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Reheating Tips

To reheat your taco soup, you can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, heat it in a pot over medium heat. Stir often to heat evenly. If using the microwave, place it in a bowl and cover it. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Always check the temperature before serving to ensure it’s hot throughout. For a touch of freshness, add a squeeze of lime or some chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy your balanced meal!

FAQs

Can I make Easy Taco Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make Easy Taco Soup in a slow cooker! Simply brown the meat and cook the veggies in a pan first. This step adds flavor. Then, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add all the remaining ingredients, including the diced tomatoes and beans. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. This method gives the soup a nice depth of flavor.

What can I serve with Taco Soup?

Taco Soup pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with crunchy tortilla chips for a great texture. A fresh green salad adds a nice touch. You can also try cornbread for a sweet contrast. For a fun twist, consider serving with quesadillas or grilled cheese sandwiches. Each side adds a new flavor to your meal!

How long can I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers of Easy Taco Soup in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Taco soup freezes well for about 2 to 3 months. When you want to eat it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Enjoy your delicious soup anytime!

This blog post shared key ingredients and cooking steps for easy taco soup. We explored tasty substitutes and suggested great toppings. You learned time-saving tips and how to avoid common mistakes. We also highlighted variations like vegetarian and low-carb options. Lastly, I covered storage and reheating methods.

Taco soup is simple and fun to make. It’s a great dish for meals any day. Enjoy your cooking, and let your flavors shine!

To make this easy taco soup, you will need: - 1 lb ground turkey or beef - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained - 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 small onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Optional toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, and avocado You can swap ingredients based on what you have. If you don’t have ground turkey or beef, try ground chicken or a meat substitute. For the beans, use pinto or navy beans instead. If you can’t find red bell pepper, yellow or green will work fine. You can also replace diced tomatoes with tomato sauce for a smoother soup. Toppings make the soup more fun! I suggest adding: - Sour cream for creaminess - Shredded cheese for a cheesy bite - Fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor - Avocado for richness These toppings not only enhance the taste, but they also make the soup look great. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 1 lb ground turkey or beef - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained - 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 small onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Optional toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, and avocado Chop the onion and red bell pepper into small pieces. Mince the garlic cloves. This prep makes cooking quick and easy. 1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they soften. 3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. 4. Add the ground turkey or beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes. 5. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for one minute until fragrant. 6. Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), black beans, kidney beans, corn, and broth. 7. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. 8. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Serve this taco soup hot. You can add optional toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, and avocado. These toppings boost flavor and add a creamy touch. You can find the full recipe to guide you through each step. Enjoy your meal! To boost the taste of your taco soup, add fresh herbs. Cilantro is a great choice. It gives a bright flavor. You can also try squeezing lime juice on top. This adds a zing that wakes up the dish. For a smoky touch, add a bit of smoked paprika or chipotle. These spices bring depth and warmth. You could also sauté some jalapeños with the onion and pepper. This adds heat and flavor. Remember, taste as you go. Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste. To save time, use canned beans and corn. They are quick and easy. You can also pre-chop your veggies ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for quick use later. Another time-saver is to use ground turkey or beef. They cook fast and blend nicely in the soup. If you are short on time, try using a store-bought taco seasoning. It cuts down on prep and still tastes great. One mistake is not cooking the meat fully. Make sure it is browned completely. This adds flavor and keeps your soup safe. Do not skip the sautéing step for the veggies. This builds a solid base for your soup. Another common error is adding too much liquid. Stick to the broth amount in the Full Recipe. If you add too much, your soup may be too watery. Lastly, don’t forget to taste your soup before serving. This way, you can adjust seasonings for the best flavor. {{image_2}} Want to make a vegetarian taco soup? It's easy! Just skip the meat and add more beans. Black beans and kidney beans work well. You can also add lentils or quinoa for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Toss in extra veggies like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers. This way, you keep it colorful and tasty. If you like heat, add jalapeños or chili powder to your soup. You can also use spicy taco seasoning. Another great option is to add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. These give a smoky flavor and heat. For an extra kick, top your soup with hot sauce or diced fresh chilies. Just be careful not to overdo it! For a low-carb or keto taco soup, replace beans with cauliflower. Cauliflower rice is a great swap. It keeps the texture but cuts carbs. You can also add more meat, like shredded chicken or beef. Use a low-carb taco seasoning mix. This way, you enjoy all the flavor without the extra carbs. Try these variations to fit your taste and diet! For more details, check out the Full Recipe. You can store your easy taco soup in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to let the soup cool down before sealing it. This helps keep the texture and flavor intact. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the soup. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It will last for about 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat your taco soup, you can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, heat it in a pot over medium heat. Stir often to heat evenly. If using the microwave, place it in a bowl and cover it. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Always check the temperature before serving to ensure it’s hot throughout. For a touch of freshness, add a squeeze of lime or some chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy your balanced meal! Yes, you can make Easy Taco Soup in a slow cooker! Simply brown the meat and cook the veggies in a pan first. This step adds flavor. Then, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add all the remaining ingredients, including the diced tomatoes and beans. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. This method gives the soup a nice depth of flavor. Taco Soup pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with crunchy tortilla chips for a great texture. A fresh green salad adds a nice touch. You can also try cornbread for a sweet contrast. For a fun twist, consider serving with quesadillas or grilled cheese sandwiches. Each side adds a new flavor to your meal! You can store leftovers of Easy Taco Soup in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Taco soup freezes well for about 2 to 3 months. When you want to eat it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Enjoy your delicious soup anytime! This blog post shared key ingredients and cooking steps for easy taco soup. We explored tasty substitutes and suggested great toppings. You learned time-saving tips and how to avoid common mistakes. We also highlighted variations like vegetarian and low-carb options. Lastly, I covered storage and reheating methods. Taco soup is simple and fun to make. It's a great dish for meals any day. Enjoy your cooking, and let your flavors shine!

Easy Taco Soup

Get ready for a flavor explosion with this Taco Fiesta Soup! This hearty and delicious recipe features a perfect blend of ground turkey or beef, beans, corn, and vibrant veggies, all seasoned to perfection. Ideal for cozy nights or quick meals, it’s easy to make in just 35 minutes.Dive into pure taco goodness today!

Ingredients
  

1 lb ground turkey or beef

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)

1 packet taco seasoning

1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, and avocado

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

    Add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they soften.

      Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

        Add the ground turkey or beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes.

          Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another minute until fragrant.

            Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), black beans, kidney beans, corn, and chicken or vegetable broth.

              Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.

                Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

                  Serve hot with your choice of optional toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, and avocado for added flavor.

                    Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 35 min | Servings: 6

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