This Taco Soup with Ground Beef recipe is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a casual gathering. It combines the savory goodness of seasoned ground beef with the wholesome flavors of beans, corn, and tomatoes, all simmered in a rich, spiced broth. Topped with your favorite taco fixings, this soup is a customizable delight that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Taco Soup is a winner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and simple cooking steps. Second, it’s highly adaptable; you can easily adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your preferences. Third, it’s a great way to use up pantry staples and leftover ingredients, making it both economical and practical. Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
- 400g ground beef
- 800g crushed or diced tomatoes (canned)
- 700g black beans (canned)
- 400g corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 500ml beef or chicken broth
- 1 onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or any vegetable oil)
Seasoning:
- 2 tbsp sweet or smoky paprika
- 2 tbsp cumin powder
- 2 tbsp chipotle powder, cayenne, or spicy paprika
- 2 tbsp oregano
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Toppings:
- Tortilla chips
- Avocado (diced)
- Grated cheese (queso fresco, cheddar, Cotija)
- Scallions (sliced)
- Cilantro or parsley (chopped)
- Sour cream
- Hot sauce
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Dice the onion and mince the garlic. If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob. Drain and rinse the black beans and corn if using canned versions. Gather all your spices and toppings so they are ready to go.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step helps to build a flavorful base for the soup.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
Step 4: Add the Garlic and Seasoning
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Add the sweet or smoky paprika, cumin powder, chipotle powder (or cayenne or spicy paprika), oregano, and garlic powder. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the spices.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef or chicken broth, black beans, and corn. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld together. This simmering time is crucial for developing the rich, complex flavors of the soup.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the black beans with the back of a spoon or use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Ladle the soup into bowls and let everyone customize their servings with their favorite toppings.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Taco Soup hot, garnished with a variety of toppings. A topping bar can include diced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, sliced scallions, sour cream, cilantro or parsley, hot sauce, and tortilla chips. You can also serve it with a side of cornbread or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added richness.
Tips:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle powder or cayenne pepper to control the spice level of the soup. If you prefer a milder soup, use sweet paprika instead of smoky paprika.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and add extra beans or vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for a vegetarian version.
- Slow Cooker: This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef on the stovetop, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well, making it a great make-ahead meal. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or jalapeños, for extra flavor and texture. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving, without toppings)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion
This Taco Soup with Ground Beef is a versatile and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its hearty flavors, customizable toppings, and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this recipe has you covered. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of delicious, comforting Taco Soup.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This Taco Soup is even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Q2: Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen corn. There’s no need to thaw it before adding it to the soup. Just toss it in with the other ingredients and let it simmer.
Q3: How can I make this soup spicier?
A: To add more heat, you can increase the amount of chipotle powder or cayenne pepper. You can also add a diced jalapeño pepper to the pot when you sauté the onions. A dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end can also kick up the spice.
Q4: Can I add other beans to this soup?
A: Of course! Feel free to add other types of beans, such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup.
Q5: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free toppings. Be sure to check the labels of your seasonings and broth to ensure they don’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients.
