This One-Pot Taco Soup is a cozy meal that’s packed with delicious flavors! It’s made with ground beef, beans, corn, and zesty taco seasoning, all simmered together for a hearty dish.
Making this soup is super easy—just throw everything in a pot and let it cook. Perfect for chilly days when you want something warm and tasty without the fuss! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The main protein here, and it gives the soup that rich flavor. For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken. If you want a meat-free version, try using lentils or a mix of beans!
Beans: Kidney beans and black beans add heartiness and fiber. If you only have one type, just use that! Chickpeas are another great alternative if you’re looking for something different.
Corn: Sweet corn lends a nice texture and sweetness. You can use frozen corn instead of canned, or skip it altogether if you prefer. No corn? Try adding diced bell peppers for crunch!
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought mixes are convenient. However, you can make your own! Combine chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and paprika for a fresh flavor. This can help adjust spice levels too.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic topping, but you could also use Monterey Jack or even a crumbly queso Fresco for a twist. Vegan cheese works nicely if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor When Browning Meat?
Browning the meat is crucial for deep flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a large pot and set the heat to medium. This ensures the beef cooks evenly instead of steaming.
- Let the ground beef sit without moving it for a few minutes after adding it to the pot. Once it starts to brown, it will create nice flavor bits (fond) at the bottom.
- Stir and break up the beef only after the initial browning to get that depth of flavor.
- Add the onions and garlic toward the end of browning. This prevents them from burning and turns sweet when cooked with the beef.
With these tips, you’ll create a flavorful base that’s perfect for this tasty soup!
One-Pot Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional, for more tomato flavor)
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish
- Sour cream, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This One-Pot Taco Soup will take about 10 minutes for preparation and around 30 minutes for cooking, totaling approximately 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat in the pot, drain it off to keep the soup from being too greasy.
2. Season It Up:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Stir in the taco seasoning, ground cumin, chili powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything well to coat the beef and onions with those tasty spices.
3. Add the Good Stuff:
Next, throw in the kidney beans, black beans (if you’re using them), corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, any extra diced tomatoes for more flavor, and the beef broth. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients!
4. Bring It to a Boil:
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling nicely, reduce the heat to low. You want it to simmer gently now.
5. Let It Simmer:
Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20-30 minutes. Stir it occasionally to help the flavors meld and let the soup thicken up a bit.
6. Taste and Adjust:
After simmering, give your taco soup a taste! Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if needed. It should taste delicious!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish up your warm soup into bowls. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor. Enjoy your comforting One-Pot Taco Soup!
This hearty and flavorful One-Pot Taco Soup makes a comforting meal with minimal cleanup, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. Just make sure to cook it until it’s no longer pink, and you might want to add a bit more seasoning since turkey can be milder in flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Canned Tomatoes?
If you don’t have canned tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes! About 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes will work. Just adjust the cooking time as fresh tomatoes may break down faster. Alternatively, you can use tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes for a smoother texture.
How to Make This Soup Gluten-Free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free taco seasoning mix. Also, double-check that your canned beans and broth are labeled gluten-free to avoid any issues!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove!
