This One-Pot Taco Soup is a speedy, tasty meal that brings all your favorite taco flavors together. With ground beef, beans, and corn, it’s warm and hearty.
It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something delicious without the fuss! I love tossing in extra toppings like cheese and avocado for a fun twist. 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using 80/20 ground beef for a nice balance of flavor and juiciness. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works great too. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or plant-based meat substitutes.
Beans: This recipe uses black and kidney beans for extra texture and protein. If you’re short on one type, feel free to substitute with pinto beans or chickpeas. Canned beans are convenient, but you can also use cooked dried beans for a homemade touch.
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes make this soup quick and easy. If you have fresh tomatoes, you can use them, just peel and chop them. For added flavor, consider using fire-roasted canned tomatoes.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin are key here, adding that taco flavor. If you like it spicy, kick it up with cayenne or some diced jalapeños. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Taco Soup?
Building flavor is crucial for a delicious soup. Start with browning the ground beef well to develop a rich base. Next, don’t rush cooking the onions and garlic – sauté them until softened to deepen the flavor.
- Cook the ground beef over medium heat until brown, then drain excess fat.
- Add onions and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in spices and let them bloom for about a minute to release their aromas.
- Combine in all other ingredients and let it simmer. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully!
One-Pot Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 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
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (optional)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- Tortilla chips (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This One-Pot Taco Soup is quick and easy! You’ll spend about 10 minutes on prep and 30 minutes cooking time. That means you can enjoy a warm, hearty meal in just about 40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the pot.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is tender and translucent. This adds a lovely flavor to your soup!
3. Add the Spices:
Now it’s time to add those delicious spices! Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until you can smell the wonderful aromas.
4. Combine All Ingredients:
Add in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies (if you’re using them), beef broth, and tomato paste. Stir everything together to mix well.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat. Let it simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to come together beautifully.
6. Taste and Adjust:
After simmering, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes it just needs a little more salt or pepper!
7. Serve It Up:
When you’re ready to eat, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped fresh cilantro for that extra flavor.
8. Enjoy with Chips:
Serve the soup hot, and don’t forget the tortilla chips on the side for dipping or crumbling on top. Enjoy your delicious, cozy One-Pot Taco Soup!
Can I Substitute the Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option. For a vegetarian dish, try using lentils, quinoa, or a plant-based meat substitute for a hearty texture.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Besides sour cream and shredded cheese, you can add diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, or even crushed tortilla chips for some extra crunch. A drizzle of lime juice adds a refreshing touch too!
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes! Simply skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can replace the canned beans with your favorite legumes and omit any dairy toppings or use vegan alternatives.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover Taco Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a little extra broth if it thickens too much while storing!
