Savory taco soup with ground beef
Taco soup with ground beef is one of those comfort food dishes that brings people together. Whether you’re making it on a busy weeknight or preparing a cozy meal for a gathering, taco soup is quick to whip up, full of flavor, and can be customized in so many ways. In this post, we’ll walk you through the best way to make taco soup with ground beef, highlight the key ingredients, and share helpful tips to elevate your soup game. Plus, we’ll provide a delicious recipe, answer common questions, and discuss how you can adapt this dish to your preferences.
Table of contents
Why Taco Soup with Ground Beef is a Family Favorite
Taco soup with ground beef is a favorite for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, especially on busy nights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The beauty of taco soup is that it combines the best flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine, with the savory, smoky goodness of taco seasoning paired with hearty ground beef. It’s filling, nutritious, and completely customizable depending on your tastes and dietary needs.
Here are some reasons why taco soup with ground beef has earned its spot in many family kitchens:
- Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients, taco soup is perfect for busy schedules. You can have a flavorful, hearty meal ready in no time.
- Customizable: Want to make it spicier? Add more chili powder or jalapeños. Prefer a vegetarian version? Simply swap the ground beef for ground turkey or beans.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Taco soup is great for a weeknight meal, a potluck, or even a cozy family dinner.
Key Ingredients for Taco Soup with Ground Beef
Before you dive into cooking, let’s take a look at the key ingredients that make taco soup with ground beef the perfect bowl of comfort.
Ground Beef
Ground beef is the star ingredient in this soup. It adds protein, richness, and flavor. You can use lean ground beef for a healthier option or regular ground beef for more flavor. If you’re looking to cut down on calories, you can always opt for ground turkey as a substitute.
Taco Seasoning
Taco seasoning is essential for infusing that signature Tex-Mex flavor into the soup. While you can buy pre-made taco seasoning at the store, making your own seasoning blend at home can be quick and easy.
Beans
Beans provide fiber and make the soup more filling. Kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans are all excellent options. You can also use a combination of beans, depending on your preference.
Corn
Corn adds sweetness and a lovely texture to taco soup. You can use fresh corn, frozen corn, or canned corn, depending on what’s available.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are the base of the soup. You can use canned diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or even fresh tomatoes to make the soup more flavorful. The tomatoes create a juicy base that mixes well with the spices.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese gives taco soup its creamy texture and rich taste. Top the soup with shredded cheddar for the perfect finishing touch.
Sour Cream & Avocado
While optional, sour cream and avocado bring creaminess and a cooling effect to the soup, balancing the spice from the taco seasoning.
Spices
A combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder enhances the flavor of the soup, giving it a depth of taste that makes taco soup irresistible.
How to Make Taco Soup with Ground Beef
Now that you know the ingredients, let’s get to cooking! Follow this step-by-step guide to create a mouthwatering taco soup with ground beef.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb (16 oz) | Lean or regular, your choice |
| Taco seasoning | 1 packet or 2 tbsp | Store-bought or homemade |
| Kidney beans | 1 can (15 oz) | Drained and rinsed |
| Black beans | 1 can (15 oz) | Drained and rinsed |
| Corn | 1 can (15 oz) | Or 1 cup frozen corn |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (15 oz) | Can substitute with fresh tomatoes |
| Chicken or beef broth | 4 cups | Low-sodium is best |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup | For garnish |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup | Optional, for garnish |
| Avocado | 1 | Sliced, for garnish |
| Jalapeños (optional) | 1-2, sliced | For extra spice |
| Spices (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder) | To taste | Adjust according to spice preference |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
- Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once browned, drain any excess fat, if needed.
2. Add the Taco Seasoning
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned ground beef. Stir to coat evenly. Add a little water (about 1/4 cup) to help the seasoning mix into the beef. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the Vegetables and Beans
- Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and corn to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Pour in the Broth
- Add 4 cups of chicken or beef broth to the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more taco seasoning, chili powder, or salt if desired. If you want more heat, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
6. Serve and Garnish
- Once the soup is done, ladle it into bowls. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and slices of avocado. You can also sprinkle cilantro for a fresh finish. Serve with tortilla chips on the side for extra crunch!
Tips for Making the Best Taco Soup with Ground Beef
1. Adjust Spice Levels
If you’re someone who likes heat, you can add extra chili powder, cumin, or fresh jalapeños to your taco soup. For a milder version, omit the jalapeños and use a less spicy taco seasoning.
2. Slow Cooker Taco Soup
For a super easy and hands-off approach, make taco soup in a slow cooker! Brown the ground beef beforehand, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Customize the Soup
Taco soup is incredibly versatile. You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even vegetarian meat alternatives. If you’re looking for a low-carb version, skip the beans and add extra meat or vegetables.
4. Make-Ahead and Leftovers
Taco soup stores really well. You can refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. In fact, the soup often tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had more time to develop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make taco soup with ground beef and no beans?
Yes! You can absolutely skip the beans if you prefer. The soup will still be delicious and hearty. Consider adding extra meat or vegetables in place of the beans for added texture.
What can I use instead of ground beef for taco soup?
If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
Can I make this taco soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply brown the ground beef and add all the ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It’s an incredibly easy way to prepare this soup.
How do I make taco soup with ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Simply swap the ground beef for an equal amount of ground turkey. The cooking process is the same, but turkey has a milder flavor, so you may need to adjust your seasoning.
Is taco soup healthy? Can I make it keto-friendly?
Yes, taco soup can be a healthy option, especially if you use lean ground beef or ground turkey and low-sodium broth. For a keto version, you can omit the beans and corn and focus on the meat and spices.
Conclusion
Taco soup with ground beef is the perfect recipe for a hearty, flavorful, and customizable meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weekday dinner, a weekend gathering, or a cozy night in, this soup is sure to satisfy your hunger and your taste buds. With its rich Tex-Mex flavors, hearty ingredients, and versatility, taco soup is a family favorite that everyone will love.
Now that you’ve got the recipe and some helpful tips, it’s time to get cooking. Don’t forget to adjust the spice levels and ingredients to match your preferences. Enjoy!
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