This Instant Pot Beef Taco Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with hearty beef, beans, and colorful veggies, it has all the flavors of taco night, but in soup form.
It cooks quickly and is super easy to make—just pop it all in the pot and let it work its magic. I love garnishing mine with cheese and avocado for an extra treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option. If you’d like something lighter, ground turkey or chicken works well too!
Black Beans: These add great texture and protein. If you’re in a pinch, kidney beans or pinto beans are good substitutes, or you can even use lentils for a vegetarian version!
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes bring a lot of flavor. You can also use fresh tomatoes if they’re ripe, just chop them up. Fire-roasted tomatoes give a smoky taste.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are key for flavor. If you want a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or extra chili powder, but start with a little to gauge the heat!
How Do I Sauté the Beef and Veggies Properly?
Sautéing is crucial for building flavor. Here’s how to get it right:
- Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and allow it to heat up.
- Add olive oil, then onions. Cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Next, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds; this releases its aroma.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart while cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
This step helps develop a rich base for your soup, ensuring every bite is flavorful!
Instant Pot Beef Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional for heat)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Garnishes:
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Diced avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Shredded cheese
- Tortilla chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Instant Pot Beef Taco Soup comes together quickly! You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and 20-30 minutes for cooking (including pressure build-up). Total time is roughly 40 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
Start by setting your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it’s translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. This builds a flavorful base for your soup.
2. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the soup light. Once browned, stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to coat everything evenly.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Now, add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), black beans, corn, diced green chilies (if you like it spicy), tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well mixed. This is where all those amazing flavors come together!
4. Pressure Cook:
Cancel the ‘Sauté’ mode, close the Instant Pot lid, and set it to ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, let it naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure. Be cautious when opening the lid!
5. Final Touches:
Carefully open the lid and give the soup a good stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—feel free to add more salt or spices as per your preference.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hot soup in bowls, garnished with a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and tortilla chips on the side for a delightful crunch!
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Instant Pot Beef Taco Soup that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option. Just sauté it the same way you would with ground beef until it’s well cooked through.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mix of lentils or your favorite meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add more beans or vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.
What Can I Replace if I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth works wonderfully as a substitute! For a vegetarian option, go for vegetable broth. Just remember to adjust the seasoning to taste, as different broths can vary in saltiness.
