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Ever craved a warm meal but didn’t want to spend a lot of time making it? Today, I’ve got a quick taco soup recipe for you. It’s ready in just 30 minutes. This soup has ground beef, beans, and Mexican spices for a tasty dinner perfect for busy nights.
This taco soup is special because it uses simple ingredients and cooks in one pot. This makes it easy to make and clean up. In just a few steps, you’ll have a soup that your family will love.
Key Takeaways
- Easy taco soup recipe ready in 30 minutes
- Uses pantry staples for convenience and accessibility
- One-pot cooking method simplifies preparation and cleanup
- Customizable with a variety of toppings
- Suitable for meal prepping and freezing for later use
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into this quick and satisfying taco soup recipe. It’s sure to impress your taste buds and make your busy weeknights a little bit easier.
Why This 30-Minute Taco Soup Is Perfect for Busy Weeknights
When your schedule is packed, cooking for hours is a nightmare. This taco soup is a fast solution for busy nights. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it a hit with your family.
This simple taco soup blends ground beef, tomatoes, beans, corn, and spices. It tastes like tacos but is easier to eat. You can make it with things you already have at home.
Cleaning up is easy because it’s cooked in one pot. No more mess after a long day. Just a delicious meal ready fast.
Looking for a cozy dinner or a quick dinner idea? This taco soup is perfect. It’s fast, simple, and full of flavor. It’s a weeknight winner that you’ll make often.
Essential Ingredients for Easy Taco Soup
Making a tasty taco soup at home is simple. The secret lies in the perfect combination of ingredients. This taco soup recipe is perfect for both seasoned cooks and beginners in ground beef recipes and Mexican food.
Meat and Vegetables
The base of this soup is lean ground beef. It’s a 90/10 blend for great taste and texture. We add diced onions and garlic for flavor. Bell peppers and spicy canned green chiles add more taste.
Beans and Corn
We use black beans and pinto beans for extra protein. A can of frozen corn adds sweetness and crunch.
Seasonings and Broth
The seasoning mix is where the magic happens. It includes chili powder, cumin, and more. These spices, with beef and chicken broth, make a rich, tasty base.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious taco soup. It’s great for weeknights or cozy gatherings.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
To make this tasty taco soup, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. You’ll need a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Also, a wooden spoon for breaking up the meat is important. And don’t forget measuring cups and spoons for the right amounts.
A sharp knife and a strong cutting board are great for chopping onions, bell peppers, and zucchini. If you like easy meals, use a slow cooker or Instant Pot. They make cooking hands-off and quick.
Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need for this easy taco soup:
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Can opener
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Slow cooker or Instant Pot (optional)
With these tools, you’re ready to make a delicious taco soup. It’s perfect for feeding the whole family.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making this taco soup is easy and takes about 30 minutes. Let’s go through the simple steps to make this easy taco soup fast.
Browning the Meat
First, heat a big pot or Dutch oven on medium-high. Add 1 tablespoon of canola oil and 2 pounds of 80/20 ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it up, for 7-8 minutes until it’s browned.
Adding Vegetables and Seasonings
Next, add diced onion and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring now and then, until it’s soft. Then, add minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes, letting the spices smell good.
Simmering and Finishing
Now, add the rest of the ingredients. Pour in 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth, one 15-ounce can of fire-roasted tomatoes, one 15-ounce can of pinto beans, and one 15-ounce can of sweet corn.Allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Just before serving, add 3 tablespoons of Tajín seasoning for extra flavor. Serve the taco soup in bowls. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
And that’s it! This easy taco soup recipe is ready in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Enjoy!
Homemade Taco Seasoning Tips
Homemade taco seasoning is key to bold Mexican flavors in taco soup. Store-bought packets are easy, but homemade lets you tailor the taste. Making your own seasoning can take your taco soup to the next level.
With homemade seasoning, you control the spice, sodium, and flavor. A basic mix includes chili powder, cumin, coriander, and dried oregano. Adjust these spices to your liking. For less heat, use less chili powder. For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Making your own taco seasoning saves time and money. It’s also healthier because you know what’s in it. You can make a big batch and keep it for later. This makes taco soup prep quicker and more affordable.
| Homemade Taco Seasoning Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chili Powder | 2 tablespoons |
| Ground Cumin | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground Coriander | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
This homemade seasoning lets you adjust the flavors and spice of your taco soup. Try different ratios to find your favorite taste. It’s a fun way to make your soup uniquely yours.
Customizing Your Soup’s Spice Level
The spice level in taco soup recipe is up to you. If you want a milder taste, there are simple changes you can make. For more heat, there are easy ways to add it.
Mild Options
For a milder taco soup, reduce the taco seasoning or omit the cayenne pepper. This makes the flavors more subtle. You can also choose diced tomatoes without green chiles for less heat.
Adding Extra Heat
For those who love spicy flavors, there are ways to make your taco soup hotter.Add more chili powder to the taco seasoning. Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green chiles for more heat. Adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce can also spice it up.
Adjusting the spice level is all about finding what you like. Taco soup can be tailored to your taste. It’s great because you can make it just right for you and your family.
Best Toppings for Taco Soup
Make your taco soup better with tasty toppings! These add texture and freshness. They let you make each bowl your own. Let’s look at some great toppings to make your soup amazing.
Begin with shredded Mexican blend cheese for creaminess. A spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a creamy, cool touch. Fresh cilantro brings a bright taste, and avocado adds a rich feel.
For crunch, use tortilla chips or strips. They’re great for scooping up broth. For heat, try jalapeños or pickled jalapeños.
A squeeze of fresh lime juice enhances the soup with a burst of flavor. Serve toppings on the side. This lets everyone make their bowl just right.
The best taco soup comes from great toppings. These extras make your soup go from good to amazing.
Making Your Soup Healthier
Taco soup is tasty and comforting. It can also be healthy. Just a few tweaks can make it a nutritious meal. This is true for healthy tacos, vegetarian tacos, or keto taco soup.
Protein Alternatives
Consider using lean ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for beef. This makes the soup leaner. For vegetarian tacos, add more beans or plant-based proteins like lentils or soy crumbles.
Low-Carb Modifications
To make it keto taco soup friendly, cut down on beans and corn. Incorporate more vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Top with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly crunch.
These simple changes make taco soup hearty and healthy. Be creative with proteins and veggies for the best taste and nutrition.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoying your easy taco soup is best when you store and reheat it right. This keeps the flavors strong and makes it a tasty dinner idea. Here’s how to do it:
Refrigerator Storage
Leftover easy taco soup stays fresh in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re too busy to cook a quick dinner.
Reheating on the Stovetop
To reheat, put the soup in a saucepan and heat it on medium. Stir it every now and then for 10 minutes, until it’s hot all the way through. This method keeps the soup’s taste and texture just right.
Microwave Reheating
For a quicker option, reheat the taco soup in the microwave. Put it in a safe bowl and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring each time. If it’s too thick, stir in a little broth.
Choose your reheating method and enjoy your easy taco soup all week. It’s a delicious and quick dinner choice!
Freezing Instructions for Later Use
Making a batch of easy taco soup is great for quick dinners. But what if you want to save some for later? Freezing it is easy and keeps it fresh for future meals.
Let the taco soup cool down completely before freezing. This prevents ice crystals from affecting the taste and texture. Once it’s cool, put it in airtight containers or bags made for the freezer.
- For best results, lay the bags flat in the freezer. This makes them easier to store and allows for faster thawing when you’re ready to enjoy the soup again.
- With proper storage, your easy taco soup can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to reheat the soup, you have a few options. You can thaw it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Once thawed, heat it in a saucepan, stirring often. If it’s too thick, add some broth to thin it out.
Freezing this quick dinner idea is a lifesaver for busy nights. With a bit of prep, you can enjoy a homemade taco soup anytime. Enjoy the flavors and convenience of this recipe whenever you need a quick, satisfying meal.
How to Make It a Complete Meal
Enjoying a hearty mexican food dish like tacos means making it a complete meal. Our easy taco soup recipe is a great start. But, there are many ways to make it even better.
Side Dish Suggestions
Serve the taco soup with a side salad for a well-rounded meal. The cool greens contrast nicely with the warm soup. You can also serve it with warm cornbread or tortillas for dipping.
Bread Pairings
For a more filling meal, serve the taco soup over rice or quinoa. These grains soak up the broth, making it comforting. Adding homemade guacamole or pico de gallo brings freshness to the dish.
For a fun twist, set up a DIY taco soup bar. Offer tortilla strips, cheese, avocado, onions, and hot sauces. Let everyone make their own bowl just the way they like it.
Time-Saving Prep Tips
Making a quick and tasty taco soup doesn’t have to take a lot of time. With a few easy tricks, you can have it ready in no time. Here are some tips to make your taco soup prep quick:
- Opt for pre-chopped onions and garlic to skip the dicing step.
- Use canned beans and corn to eliminate the need for soaking and cooking them from scratch.
- Prepare a large batch of homemade taco seasoning in advance and store it in an airtight container for future use.
- Brown extra ground beef during meal prep and freeze it for easy addition to your soup later on.
- Keep a well-stocked pantry with staples like canned tomatoes, broth, and taco seasonings so you can quickly assemble the soup on busy nights.
- Utilize a food processor for quick vegetable chopping if you need to save time.
With these simple tricks, you can make a delicious quick dinner idea like this easy taco soup fast. Even on the busiest weeknights.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour 7 minutes | 8 |
Slow Cooker Variation
For a simple crockpot taco soup, start by browning the ground beef or turkey. Then, put it in your slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, beans, corn, broth, and seasonings. Cook it for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
The slow cooker makes the flavors richer. Stir in frozen corn for the last 30 minutes. This keeps it crunchy. You might need to add more broth or water if it gets too thick.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Servings | 6 |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 4 hours |
| Total Time | 4 hours 20 minutes |
| Rating | 4.31 from 55 votes |
| Calories per serving | 206 kcal |
| Carbohydrates per serving | 14g |
| Protein per serving | 13g |
| Fat per serving | 11g |
| Saturated Fat per serving | 4g |
| Cholesterol per serving | 40mg |
| Sodium per serving | 280mg |
| Potassium per serving | 461mg |
| Fiber per serving | 3g |
| Sugar per serving | 3g |
| Vitamin A per serving | 227IU |
| Vitamin C per serving | 8mg |
| Calcium per serving | 35mg |
| Iron per serving | 3mg |
This crockpot tacos or slow cooker taco soup recipe is great for busy nights. It’s easy and makes a delicious, comforting meal. Your family will love it.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
This versatile taco soup can be prepared in various ways! For a vegetarian version, I use extra beans or plant-based crumbles instead of ground beef. Kidney beans, black beans, or a mix of beans are all good choices. I also use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth to keep it meat-free.
Vegetarian Options
Chickpeas or lentils are great for adding protein to the vegetarian taco soup. Sometimes, I add quinoa or bulgur for extra texture and nutrients. Remember to adjust the cooking time if you use different beans or grains.
Different Protein Choices
If you like meat, try using ground turkey, shredded chicken, or slow-cooked beef or pork. Brown the meat well and then add it to the soup. Allow it to simmer until the flavors meld together perfectly.
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