Description
This Easy Taco Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. Made with lean ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and spices simmered together to create a rich, spicy soup, it’s easy to prepare on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. Serve with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, and fresh cilantro for a satisfying and delicious meal that’s great for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound (500g) lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (946ml) beef or chicken broth or stock
- 1 (15 oz) (432g) canned corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) (425g) canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) (425g) canned chili beans in chili sauce
- 1 (28 oz) (793g) canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 (4 oz) (113g) canned chopped green chiles
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste
Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced green onions
- Cilantro
- Tortilla chips
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Cook the beef and aromatics: In a large dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the beef or chicken broth, drained corn, black beans, chili beans, crushed tomatoes, green chiles, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste.
- Simmer the soup: Cover the pot with a lid and simmer the soup on medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors. For a richer taste, you may simmer longer if desired.
- Serve with toppings: Ladle the taco soup into bowls and add desired toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, sliced green onions, cilantro, and lime wedges to enhance flavor and texture.
- Optional slow cooker method: Place the raw ground beef in the bottom of the crockpot, breaking it up into small chunks (browning first is optional but adds extra flavor). Add all other ingredients except toppings and mix well. Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 8-10 hours. Serve with toppings as above.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper or chili powder.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth; add extra beans or vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving brightens the flavors.
