This One-Pot Taco Soup is warm, hearty, and packed with flavor! Full of beans, corn, and ground meat, it’s like a fiesta in a bowl. You’ll love how everything cooks together in just one pot!
I can’t resist adding extra toppings like cheese and avocado. Who can say no to a little crunch? It’s an easy way to whip up dinner on a busy night and feels like a cozy hug!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the base of your soup. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a meatless version, try using textured vegetable protein or mushrooms!
Beans: Kidney beans and black beans are popular choices here. You can swap them for chickpeas or lentils if you have those on hand. Canned beans save time, but dried beans are great—just remember to soak and cook them first!
Taco Seasoning: A packet of taco seasoning adds flavor quickly. You can easily mix your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and onion powder if you prefer control over the spices. Adjust to your taste!
Diced Tomatoes: The can with green chilies adds heat. If you like it less spicy, opt for plain diced tomatoes or add fresh chopped peppers for a milder touch.
How Do I Brown Ground Beef Perfectly?
Browning the ground beef correctly is key to unlocking flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a large pot or Dutch oven; it gives you enough space to brown the meat evenly.
- Heat the pot over medium-high heat and add the meat without overcrowding. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes before breaking it up. This helps develop a nice brown crust.
- Drain any excess fat for a leaner soup, if desired.
Perfectly browned beef provides a hearty flavor base for your taco soup!
One-Pot Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, making a total of about 40 minutes for a delicious, hearty meal. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and cooks all in one pot!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, you can drain it if you like a leaner soup.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. Add Spices:
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavor.
4. Combine Remaining Ingredients:
Stir in the drained beans, corn, diced tomatoes (both with and without chilies), and beef broth. Mix everything well to combine.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Taste and Adjust:
After simmering, taste your soup! Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if desired.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your taco soup hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips or warm cornbread!
Enjoy this cozy meal that’s sure to be a family favorite!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or even a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh or tofu. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly if you’re using raw legumes.
What Can I Use Instead of Beef Broth?
If you want a lighter option, vegetable broth is a great substitute. For a richer flavor, chicken broth works well too. Just pick a broth that complements your dietary preferences!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover taco soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze taco soup! Let it cool completely before pouring it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove.
