Easy Taco Soup

$- 1 pound ground turkey or beef - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained - 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained - 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 ounce) - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, tortilla chips When I make Easy Taco Soup, I always start with fresh ingredients. Ground turkey or beef works great. I love using a medium onion, finely diced, to add flavor. Garlic is a must! Just two cloves, minced, and you're set. Beans give the soup a rich texture. I use one can each of black beans and kidney beans. Rinsing and draining them helps remove extra sodium and keep the soup light. Corn adds sweetness, and a 15-ounce can does the trick. For a zesty kick, I go for a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. This adds depth and spice. The taco seasoning brings all the flavors together. I use one packet, about one ounce. Broth is the base of my soup. Four cups of chicken or vegetable broth ensure it's hearty. I always add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil for richness. Don't forget salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste! Finally, I love adding toppings! Sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro elevate the dish. Sliced jalapeños add heat, and tortilla chips give a nice crunch. This mix of ingredients makes Easy Taco Soup both flavorful and quick. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! Cooking the Aromatics Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes. The goal is to make the onion soft and clear. Next, add the minced garlic and stir for one more minute. This will make the kitchen smell great! Browning the Meat Now, add your ground turkey or beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it turns a nice brown color. If you see extra fat, drain it from the pot. This step adds flavor to the soup. Adding Seasoning and Vegetables Once the meat is browned, sprinkle the taco seasoning over it. Stir well so the seasoning mixes in. Let it cook for about 2 minutes. This helps the spices blend with the meat. Then, add the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and broth. Stir everything until it’s well combined. Simmering the Soup Turn the heat up to bring the soup to a gentle boil. After it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. This simmering time lets all the flavors blend together nicely. How to serve hot Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls. Make sure it’s hot. You can add your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, or jalapeños. Let everyone create their own perfect bowl. Presentation tips For a fun look, use colorful bowls. Arrange the toppings on a large platter. This way, guests can customize their soup. It makes serving more interactive and enjoyable! Check out the Full Recipe for more details and tips! To brown meat well, use a heavy pot. Heat it over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it get hot. Place the meat in the pot without crowding. This helps it cook evenly. Stir it only when needed. This gives you nice brown bits on the bottom for flavor. To enhance flavors, use spices wisely. Taco seasoning is key, but you can add more. Try cumin, paprika, or chili powder for depth. Fresh garlic and onion add great taste too. Sauté them until fragrant before adding meat. This builds a solid flavor base for your soup. For a pretty presentation, use colorful bowls. Serve the soup with a platter of toppings. This lets guests customize each bowl. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess. Shredded cheese gives a nice, melty touch. Fresh cilantro adds brightness. Sliced jalapeños give heat, and crunchy tortilla chips add texture. When serving, make sure the soup is hot. A warm bowl makes the meal more inviting. Encourage everyone to mix their toppings into the soup. This creates a fun, interactive dining experience. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide to Easy Taco Soup. {{image_4}} If you want to mix things up, try some ingredient swaps. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or quinoa instead of meat. These choices add protein and keep the soup hearty. You can also use vegetable broth for a fully plant-based soup. For a low-sodium variation, choose low-sodium beans and broth. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste while cutting back on salt. You can also reduce or skip the taco seasoning, as it can add a lot of sodium. Fresh herbs can boost flavor without added salt. Want more heat? Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also mix in some chili powder or cayenne pepper for a kick. Just remember to taste as you go. To make it even better, try adding seasonal vegetables. Fresh corn, zucchini, or bell peppers can enhance flavor and nutrition. Chop them into small pieces and toss them in during the simmering stage. These simple changes can make your taco soup even more delicious. For the full recipe, check out Taco Fiesta Soup! To keep your taco soup fresh, store it in an airtight container. This method works well in the fridge or freezer. If you plan to eat it soon, refrigerate for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container for the soup to expand when frozen. You can also portion the soup into smaller containers. This makes it easy to grab a quick meal later. To reheat your taco soup, use the stove or microwave. For the stove, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it over medium heat. Stir often to help it warm evenly. This should take about 10 minutes. If you use a microwave, place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in one-minute intervals, stirring in between. This keeps the soup from getting too hot in some spots. Always check that it is hot throughout before serving. What can I use instead of taco seasoning? You can use chili powder, cumin, and paprika. These spices add great flavor. Mix them to create a homemade blend. You can also try a mix of garlic powder and onion powder. Can I make taco soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Brown the meat first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This makes the flavors rich and deep. How do I make taco soup spicier? To spice it up, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can also use spicy taco seasoning. Another option is to stir in crushed red pepper flakes for a kick. Is taco soup healthy? Yes, taco soup can be healthy! It has lean protein from meat and beans. Plus, it includes veggies like tomatoes and onions. You can make it healthier by using low-sodium broth. What is the calorie count per serving? Taco soup has about 300 calories per serving. This can vary based on the meat and toppings you choose. For a lighter option, skip high-calorie toppings like cheese and sour cream. For the full recipe, check out the Taco Fiesta Soup above. This blog post showed you how to make a tasty taco soup. We covered key ingredients, steps to cook, and great ways to serve it. You can also use tips for variations to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly and you can easily reheat them later. This soup is not only filling but also customizable and fun to prepare. Try it out and enjoy a warm bowl that fits your style!$

Warm up your dinner with a delicious Taco Fiesta Soup! This hearty recipe features ground turkey or beef, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, all simmered to perfection. Discover how to combine simple ingredients into a flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. Top it off with your favorite garnishes like sour cream and cheese for a personalized touch. Click through for detailed instructions and make this comforting soup tonight!

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Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey or beef

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained

1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 ounce)

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend), chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, tortilla chips

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.

Incorporate the minced garlic into the pot and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Add the ground turkey or beef, using a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is nicely browned. If there's excess fat, drain it from the pot.

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat mixture and stir thoroughly to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Allow it to cook with the meat for about 2 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Next, pour in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with all the juices), and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir everything until it is well combined.

Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, allowing the flavors to fully meld.

After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly cracked pepper as needed to enhance flavors.

Serve the soup hot in bowls and encourage everyone to garnish with their favorite toppings such as a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, jalapeños for a kick, or crispy tortilla chips for added texture.

- Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the soup in colorful bowls and arrange the toppings on a platter for guests to customize their bowls.