Southwest Chipotle Taco Soup

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Southwest Chipotle Taco Soup is a cozy, spicy delight perfect for any chilly day. Packed with vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup is a sure-fire way to warm you up and satisfy your craving for something both comforting and bold. Plus, it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner!

Ingredients for Southwest Chipotle Taco Soup

The ground turkey serves as a lean protein base, absorbing all those wonderful spices and flavors. Olive oil helps brown the turkey and sauté the veggies, bringing everything together smoothly. Onion and garlic add a savory depth, while red bell pepper contributes sweetness and color.

Black beans and kidney beans are the hearty heart of the soup, adding texture and protein. Corn provides a pop of sweetness and a bit of crunch. Fire-roasted tomatoes bring in a hint of smokiness, complementing the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, which are the star of the show with their smoky, spicy kick.

The chicken broth ties all the flavors together, creating a rich and flavorful base. Seasonings like cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder enhance the southwest flair, while salt and pepper balance and elevate all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you like more heat, add an extra spoonful of chipotle peppers. Adjust to your spice preference!
  • Don't have ground turkey? Ground chicken or beef work just as well.
  • If the soup is too thick for your liking, simply add more chicken broth to thin it out.
  • Use a quality chicken broth for the best flavor — homemade, if possible!

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping. Alternatively, serve it with tortilla chips on the side for a fun, crunchy element. A simple green salad with a citrusy dressing complements the soup’s richness nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the ground turkey for more beans or a meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How long will leftovers keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this soup will last about 4-5 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you might want to roast them first to get that smoky flavor.

Southwest Chipotle Taco Soup Recipe Walkthrough

First, heat your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your ground turkey. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you go. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.

Next, stir in the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Let them cook together until the onion turns translucent and the pepper starts to soften, around 5 minutes. This step builds the aromatic base that makes the soup so flavorful.

Now, add the black beans, kidney beans, corn, fire-roasted tomatoes, and chipotle peppers. Give everything a good stir to combine. Pour in the chicken broth, which will transform this mix into a hearty soup.

Season with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir again to mix the spices evenly throughout.

Bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Serve the soup hot, with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, avocado slices, or fresh cilantro.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bold, smoky flavors with a kick of heat.
  • Hearty and filling, thanks to protein-packed beans and ground turkey.
  • Quick and easy, ready in under an hour.
  • Perfect for meal prep — leftovers taste even better!
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes
2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
3. Stir in onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until softened.
4. Add black beans, kidney beans, corn, tomatoes, and chipotle peppers; stir well.
5. Pour in chicken broth and season with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
7. Serve hot with desired toppings.

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