Southwestern Chipotle Taco Soup

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
1 Review

If your weeknight dinner needs a little spice and comfort, this Southwestern Chipotle Taco Soup is your answer. It's a hearty soup packed with bold flavors and a slight kick from chipotle peppers, perfect for warming up any chilly evening.

Ingredients for Southwestern Chipotle Taco Soup

Ground beef provides a hearty base and rich flavor for the soup. You can swap it out for ground turkey if you prefer a lighter option. Olive oil helps in browning the beef and sautéing the veggies, adding a subtle smoothness. The onion and garlic create a fragrant base, while the red and green bell peppers add sweetness and color. Black beans and corn bulk up the soup with texture and nutrients. Diced tomatoes with green chilies add a tangy, spicy note, while tomato sauce thickens the soup. Beef broth deepens the overall flavor. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce deliver the smokiness and heat, balanced by cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Finish with a burst of freshness from lime juice and cilantro. Don't forget the tortilla chips, sour cream, and shredded cheese for serving – they elevate the whole experience.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you like your soup spicier, add an extra tablespoon of chipotle peppers.
  • For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot.
  • Leftovers freeze well, so make a double batch and save some for a rainy day.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or a crusty loaf of bread. For an added southwestern touch, serve with avocado slices or a dollop of guacamole. Don't forget those tortilla chips and a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top for extra crunch and creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How can I make this soup less spicy?
Reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or skip them entirely for a milder version.
What type of cheese works best for topping?
A sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese complements the flavors nicely.

Southwestern Chipotle Taco Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warm, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This will take about 5-7 minutes until it's nicely browned. Next, toss in the onion and garlic, and keep stirring until the onion turns translucent, about 3 more minutes.

Now, add your red and green bell peppers. Let them cook for another 3-4 minutes, just until they start to soften. Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and tomato sauce. Pour in the beef broth and then add the chopped chipotle peppers, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the soup simmer away for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld all those wonderful flavors together. Right before serving, stir in the lime juice and cilantro for a fresh kick.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Rich, smoky flavors with a touch of heat.
  • Loaded with protein, fiber, and nutrients.
  • Customizable toppings to suit everyone's taste.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lime, juiced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Tortilla chips for serving
Sour cream for topping
Shredded cheese for topping

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
2. Add onion and garlic, sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in red and green bell peppers, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
4. Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and tomato sauce.
5. Pour in beef broth and add chipotle peppers, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Stir in lime juice and cilantro before serving.
8. Serve hot in bowls, topped with tortilla chips, sour cream, and shredded cheese.

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