When you’re looking for a nutritious meal, this one-pot taco soup recipe is the ideal solution. Not only is it quick to make, but you can customize it according to your tastes – plus, any leftovers store well in the fridge!
This tasty family meal is packed with vegetables and a double dose of protein! Top it off with some tasty toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream for an irresistible finish!
Vegetables
Vegetables are essential in any taco soup recipe, and this one does not disappoint! It features all your essential veggies – onions, carrots, celery, corn and various beans – all with a Mexican-inspired flavor.
You can use any vegetables you like, from fresh to frozen – and this soup is vegetarian or vegan friendly as long as you have vegetable broth on hand. The beans add protein and give the soup a nice thick consistency while tomatoes offer an explosive of flavor.
You can kick up this soup’s heat level according to your preferences with a dash of cayenne pepper or even hotter diced tomatoes and chiles. Or use an authentic Mexican blend of spices for maximum flavor!
Start by sauteing ground beef with soft vegetables like onion and bell peppers until they are no longer pink (about 6-8 minutes). Season with garlic, jalapeno and taco seasoning.
Next, add tomatoes and stock and simmer for several minutes. You may wish to stir in extra water if desired to thin out the soup further, if needed.
Next, add corn and beans and simmer for another 10 minutes. You can serve this delectable no bean taco soup with tortilla chips, sour cream or shredded cheese as a filling meal!
This nutritious soup is the perfect go-to for a last-minute lunch or dinner. Plus, you can make it ahead and freeze it in an airtight container or bag so that you always have some on hand! With flavors guaranteed to please and vegetables packed with nutrients, the whole family will love this healthy take on taco soup – plus it’s naturally dairy free and gluten free so you can feel good serving it to your kids!
Meat
Taco soup is an ideal tailgating or party food that’s also suitable for guests with dietary restrictions. Plus, this recipe is simple to prepare and can be completed in the slow cooker – perfect for when time is short!
This recipe calls for ground beef, but you can easily substitute other protein-rich meats to customize the flavors. Lean beef, pork or turkey all make great substitutions. For even more protein, stir in some cooked shredded chicken during cooking to give the soup an extra kick.
Not only does the soup add more flavor, but it also keeps you full for longer – ideal if you’re on the go! Plus, the soup is low in calories and fat.
To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the cream and shredded cheese with almond or coconut milk. Additionally, you can add a few tablespoons of nutritional yeast for an added cheesy kick.
For an extra kick of spice, use green chilies. Additionally, you could substitute Rotel tomatoes with a milder variety that doesn’t contain red chilies.
For a more authentic flavor, you can substitute taco seasoning with a mix of spices. A good blend should contain at least chili powder, cumin powder and oregano for maximum flavor.
Serve your bowl of soup garnished with tortilla chips, grated cheese, sour cream and chopped cilantro or green onions. Or for something extra creative, top each bowl off with avocado slices, cornbread croutons or slices of corn. Don’t forget to squeeze some lime juice for an added kick of flavor!
Beans
Taco soup is the ideal one-pot dinner for a hectic weeknight. Packed with flavorful taco seasoning and hearty beans, it’s an irresistible Tex-Mex meal the whole family will love.
This recipe calls for simmering black beans with fire-roasted tomatoes and green chiles to add an extra layer of smokiness. Fresh corn is also included for that classic Mexican flair.
Homemade taco seasoning is essential for this recipe. It’s more flavorful and fresh than store-bought varieties, plus free of additives and excess sodium.
Ground beef is browned and sauteed with onions and garlic before being transferred to a slow cooker for an irresistibly comforting soup. Serve this easy recipe with various taco toppings such as tortilla strips or avocado for an irresistibly satisfying meal.
This soup can be tailored to suit any appetite, including ground chicken or turkey. Alternatively, you could substitute red kidney or pinto beans for another kind of bean.
This soup can easily be gluten-free adapted by using a gluten-free taco seasoning mix. Be sure to read the ingredients on the package to make sure there aren’t any wheat, gluten or other grains which could trigger allergic reactions.
This soup is especially creamy due to the addition of cream cheese. To soften it, take it out of the fridge at least an hour prior to serving; alternatively, you can microwave for 20-30 seconds until soft.
Seasonings
A delicious no bean taco soup requires the perfect spice mix, ranch seasoning and plenty of ground beef for heartiness and flavor.
Taco seasoning typically consists of chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion and garlic powders, salt and perhaps a pinch of sugar. You can purchase pre-mixed mixes at most grocery stores; however if you want to save some money try making your own at home!
Making homemade taco seasoning is the ultimate way to achieve an authentic flavor. Just be sure that the mix you purchase contains at least chili powder and cumin for maximum authenticity!
Begin by sauteing the beef in a Dutch oven or large pot until it has no longer pink. Next add in soft vegetables and continue cooking until they soften and become translucent (about 6-7 minutes).
Add garlic, jalapenos and taco seasoning and stir it into the meat and veggies until fragrant – this should take about one minute.
Once the meat is cooked, add all remaining ingredients to a pot and stir until everything is thoroughly combined. Bring to a simmer and cook for approximately 15 minutes.
Depending on the desired consistency, you may need to add a splash of water or broth. Doing so will help it simmer longer for that perfect flavor and thickness!
This nutritious dinner offers double the protein and colorful veggies your kids will love! Top it off with cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream or fresh green onions for an extra special touch.
Serve
For an extra kick, add a can of hot or medium chili beans and diced green chilies to the soup. Additionally, you can season it with hot taco seasoning or chili powder. As toppings, top off with shredded cheese, sour cream, slices of avocado, corn chips, chopped chives or your favorite hot sauce.
You can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two days, keeping the flavors fresh and delicious! Try using leftover rotisserie chicken or ground turkey for a fast dinner that everyone will love.