This hearty Beef Taco Soup is packed with flavor and is super easy to make in an Instant Pot! With ground beef, beans, and zesty spices, it’s perfect for family dinners.
On busy days, I love how quickly this soup comes together—just toss everything in, set it, and let the magic happen. You’ll be ready to enjoy a comforting bowl in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein for the soup, giving it richness. If you want a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian option, lentils or plant-based meat substitutes work well too!
Beans: Black and kidney beans add fiber and heartiness. If you have other beans like pinto or garbanzo beans, feel free to swap them in! Canned beans are convenient, but dried beans can be used if you soak and cook them beforehand.
Corn: Canned corn is easy, but you can use frozen corn if you prefer. It adds sweetness and texture. If you’re avoiding corn, diced bell peppers can be a great substitute.
Taco Seasoning: A packet makes it easy, but you can make your own with spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder. This lets you control the flavors and adjust heat to your liking!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Mustard Ingredients?
The flavor of this soup really shines through the right balance of the ingredients. Start with good-quality ground beef and sauté it well with onions until they’re both browned. This builds a great base flavor. Don’t rush it!
- When browning meat, let it sit for a bit without stirring to get some nice caramelization.
- Adding the garlic right at the end of sautéing enhances its flavor—just cook it briefly to avoid burning.
- Don’t forget to taste the soup after combining all elements. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or even a touch more taco seasoning if needed.
Instant Pot Beef Taco Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips (optional for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Instant Pot Beef Taco Soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking in the Instant Pot. After cooking, you’ll need just a couple of minutes to garnish and serve. In total, you can have this meal ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is nicely browned and the onions are softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef as it cooks for an even texture.
2. Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant. This will enhance the flavor of your soup.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Press “Cancel” to stop sauté mode. Next, add the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes (along with their juices), beef broth, taco seasoning, chili powder (if using), and salt and pepper into the Instant Pot. Give everything a good stir to combine.
4. Pressure Cook:
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to sealing. Select manual high pressure and set the timer for 10 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the cooking time starts.
5. Release Pressure:
When the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release of pressure by turning the valve to venting. Stand back as steam escapes!
6. Final Touches:
Once the pressure has fully released, open the lid and give the soup a good stir. Taste your soup, and if it needs any adjustments, sprinkle in a little more salt, pepper, or taco seasoning.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, topping each bowl with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped cilantro. You can also enjoy it with tortilla chips on the side for a delightful crunch!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner option and will work well in this recipe. Just be aware that it may have a slightly different flavor and texture, but seasoning will help enhance it!
What Can I Substitute for Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead. Both will still give the soup a delicious flavor. Just keep in mind that chicken broth may make the soup taste a bit lighter.
How Long Will Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
Leftover Beef Taco Soup will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until it’s heated through.
Can I Freeze the Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes wonderfully! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
