This One-Pot Taco Soup is a warm and cozy dish packed with beans, corn, and tasty spices. It’s a quick meal where everything cooks together in one pot—no fuss!
Making this soup is a breeze, and it’s perfect for chilly days. I love to top it with cheese and chips for that extra yum factor. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the center of your taco soup. If you prefer a leaner option, lean ground turkey or chicken works well too. For a vegetarian twist, try lentils or crumbled tofu to keep things hearty.
Beans: Black and kidney beans are great for protein and texture. If you’re low on canned beans, any bean variety like pinto or chickpeas can be substituted for a delicious twist.
Canned Diced Tomatoes: Don’t hesitate to use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky flavor. A can of tomatoes with green chilies can also add a bit of spice. Homemade canned tomatoes work well if you have them.
Taco Seasoning: You can use store-bought taco seasoning for convenience, but it’s easy to make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. Adjust to your taste!
What’s the Best Way to Brown Ground Beef?
Browning ground beef well is key for flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the pot over medium-high heat before adding the beef. This helps it brown nicely.
- Break the beef into small pieces with a spoon as it cooks. This ensures even cooking.
- Cook until there are no pink bits remaining, about 5-7 minutes, then drain the fat.
This step gives your soup a rich flavor and prevents it from being greasy!
How Can I Make This Soup Even Easier?
One-pot meals are all about simplicity! To make it even easier:
- You can add pre-chopped veggies like bell peppers and corn straight in for more flavor and nutrients.
- Consider using pre-cooked ground beef or rotisserie chicken for a fast meal.
- Don’t be afraid to toss in frozen corn or canned veggies; this saves prep time!
These tips will help you whip up your taco soup with minimal effort! Enjoy every hearty bite!
One-Pot Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped
- Tortilla chips (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty One-Pot Taco Soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to finish. Quick, easy, and totally delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Begin by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s brown and fully cooked. Use a spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat so the soup isn’t greasy.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the cooked beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. This will add great flavor to your soup!
3. Add the Seasonings:
Next, stir in the taco seasoning and ground cumin. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing!
4. Combine All Ingredients:
Now it’s time to make the soup! Add the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot. Stir everything well to combine all the flavors.
5. Simmer:
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help all the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Final Seasoning:
After simmering, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Remember, you can always add more seasoning but can’t take it out!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your soup hot! Top each bowl with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and some chopped cilantro or green onions. If you like, add tortilla chips on the side or crushed on top for some extra crunch.
Enjoy your hearty and delicious One-Pot Taco Soup! It’s a comfort food favorite that’s sure to warm you up!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to beef. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning or spices to enhance the taste.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and replacing it with additional beans, such as chickpeas or lentils. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, sweet potatoes, or zucchini for a hearty texture!
Can I Freeze Leftover Taco Soup?
Yes, leftover taco soup freezes well! Just allow it to cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
What Are Some Good Toppings Besides Cheese and Sour Cream?
In addition to cheddar cheese and sour cream, consider toppings like avocado slices, diced jalapeños, crumbled tortilla chips, hot sauce, or a squeeze of lime for a fresh twist!
