Traditional Taco Soup Recipe
This Traditional Taco Soup is a comforting, hearty dish packed with flavor. It's quick to prepare, perfect for busy nights or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey/shredded chicken
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 can 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 can 15 ounces beans (black or pinto), drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn fresh, frozen, or canned
- 2 cups broth beef, chicken, or vegetable
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Tortilla Chips for added crunch
- Shredded Cheese Cheddar or Mexican blend
- Sour Cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess
- Cilantro or parsley for color
- Avocado Slices to add velvety richness
- Lime Wedges for a tangy squeeze
- Jalapeños fresh or pickled if you crave extra heat
Instructions
Warm the Pot and Sauté Aromatics:
- Set a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and let it heat for a few seconds.
- Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir frequently until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
Brown the Ground Beef:
- Add the ground beef (or your chosen protein) to the pot. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into small pieces.
- Cook until all the pink is gone, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed to keep the soup lighter.
Season Generously:
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Stir the mixture well so each piece of meat and onion is coated in the warm spices. This step helps develop that classic, Mexican-inspired taste.
Incorporate Tomatoes and Beans:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the tomato sauce.
- Add the drained and rinsed beans, gently folding them into the seasoned meat mixture.
Mix in Corn and Broth:
- Stir in the corn, then slowly pour in the broth of your choice (beef, chicken, or vegetable).
- Give everything a good stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Simmer and Adjust Seasoning:
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Taste the soup and adjust with salt, pepper, or extra chili powder as desired.
Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s hot.
- Top with any of your favorite garnishes, such as tortilla chips, shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado slices, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: ~800mg