Description
This hearty and flavorful Taco Soup recipe combines ground beef, beans, corn, and a blend of spices to create a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Topped with your favorite taco garnishes, it’s an easy and delicious dish that can also be made vegetarian by substituting quinoa.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 recipe taco seasoning, or 2 tablespoons if you’ve made a large batch
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can canned sweet corn, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can canned diced tomatoes
- 1 (4-ounce) can canned diced green chilies
- 3 cups water
Optional Toppings
- Avocado
- Jalapeno peppers
- Cilantro
- Cotija cheese (or other cheese)
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any leftover fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
- Cook the first set of vegetables: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, taco seasoning, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir to combine and sweat the ingredients for 1 to 2 minutes until the vegetables soften and flavors meld.
- Add the remaining vegetables and simmer: Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, diced green chilies, and water. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Serve it up: Ladle the hot taco soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as avocado, jalapenos, cilantro, cheese, and sour cream for a delicious finishing touch.
Notes
- For a meatless Monday or vegetarian/vegan option: Replace the ground beef with cooked quinoa for a protein-rich alternative.
- If you want to make this soup in a slow cooker, add all ingredients together and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Drain and rinse canned beans and corn to reduce excess sodium and improve freshness.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your taste preference or use a pre-made packet for convenience.
- Consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro at the end for extra brightness.
