Description
Discover how to make Easy Taco Soup with our simple recipe! Warm up with a bowl of deliciousness tonight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1.25 oz/35g) taco seasoning mix (or 3 tablespoons homemade)
- 1 can (15 oz/425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz/425g) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz/425g) corn kernels, drained (or 1½ cups frozen corn)
- 1 can (8 oz/227g) tomato sauce
- 2 cups (473ml) beef broth (use low-sodium if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Base Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and has developed some brown caramelization. Use your spoon to break the meat into small, even pieces as it cooks. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Add Aromatics Add the diced onion to the browned meat and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This aromatic base will infuse your Easy Taco Soup with essential flavor notes.
- Step 3: Incorporate Seasonings Sprinkle the taco seasoning, ground cumin, and dried oregano over the meat mixture. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to toast the spices and coat the meat evenly. The spices should become very aromatic – this is a sign they’re releasing their essential oils and flavors.
- Step 4: Add Liquid Ingredients Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and tomato sauce. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot with your wooden spoon to release any browned bits (this is where tons of flavor hides!).
- Step 5: Add Beans and Corn Add the drained and rinsed black beans, pinto beans, and corn to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly. The variety of beans gives your taco soup wonderful texture and nutritional benefits.
- Step 6: Simmer Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover partially with a lid and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all the flavors to meld together while the soup thickens slightly to the perfect consistency.
- Step 7: Serve and Garnish Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Ladle the hot Easy Taco Soup into bowls and let everyone customize their soup with their favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, tortilla chips, and a squeeze of lime for brightness.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg