Traditional Taco Soup

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Traditional Taco Soup is a vibrant, one-pot wonder that brings all the zesty flavors of your favorite tacos into a cozy, comforting bowl. Perfect for any season, it’s a hearty meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients for Traditional Taco Soup

Ground beef forms the hearty base of this soup, providing protein and a satisfying richness. Onion and garlic add aromatic depth, enhancing the savory profile. Black beans and kidney beans introduce fiber and texture, making each spoonful substantial. The corn brings a touch of sweetness that balances the spices. Diced tomatoes with green chilies infuse the soup with a tangy, mildly spicy kick. Tomato sauce adds a smooth, concentrated tomato flavor, and beef broth ties all the ingredients together with its robust, meaty essence. Lastly, the taco seasoning mix is the star, delivering the familiar, beloved taco taste in every bite.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra depth, try browning the meat in batches to achieve a nice crust.
  • Use a potato masher to break down beans a bit if you prefer a thicker consistency.
  • Add a splash of lime juice right before serving for a fresh, tangy finish.

Serving Suggestions

This taco soup shines when served with a variety of toppings. Try shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. For some crunch, add a handful of tortilla chips or strips. Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well in this recipe.
Is this soup spicy?
It has a mild kick from the diced tomatoes with green chilies, but you can adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot varieties.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the meat first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Traditional Taco Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and fully cooked through. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the pot to keep the soup from becoming greasy.

Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them with the beef for about 3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This step is crucial as it builds the flavor foundation of the soup.

Now, it’s time to add the bulk of the ingredients. Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, beef broth, and the taco seasoning mix. Mix everything well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.

Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Finally, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, the taco seasoning already contains salt, so adjust carefully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare — perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Packed with rich, bold taco flavors.
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings and add-ins.
  • Great for meal prep and leftovers taste even better.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, tortilla chips

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, beef broth, and taco seasoning mix.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with your choice of optional toppings.

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