This One-Pot Taco Soup is a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for busy days. With ground beef, beans, and corn, every bite is packed with flavor, just like your favorite taco!
You’ll love that it all cooks in one pot—no mess! I often top mine with cheese and crispy tortilla chips for that extra yum factor. Who doesn’t love a cozy bowl of soup? 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of your taco soup, giving it a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. Vegetarian? Try crumbled tempeh or lentils for protein!
Beans: Black beans add a nice texture and protein boost. If you don’t have black beans, feel free to swap in kidney or pinto beans. Canned beans are super convenient, but dried beans can be used if soaked and cooked beforehand.
Spices: Taco seasoning adds tons of flavor, but you can easily make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. This lets you control the spice level! Too much heat? Reduce the chili powder.
Diced Tomatoes: Use canned diced tomatoes for convenience, but if you have fresh tomatoes, they can be diced and added, just keep an eye on liquid levels!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Soup?
The secret to a flavorful One-Pot Taco Soup lies in the seasoning and the sautéing technique. First, be generous with your taco seasoning. Letting the spices cook with the onion and beef for a minute will help release their oils and flavor.
- Always sauté onions and garlic before adding other ingredients; it enhances their flavors.
- Simmering the soup helps meld the flavors. Don’t rush this step—let it bubble for at least 20 minutes for the best taste.
- Taste as you go! Adjust seasoning according to your preferences—maybe a pinch more salt or a touch more cumin for depth.
One-Pot Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, tortilla chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This One-Pot Taco Soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 30-35 minutes of cooking time, making it a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner. Just chop, sauté, and let it simmer while the flavors develop. It’s all in one pot, so clean-up will be a breeze!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
First, take a large pot or Dutch oven and place it over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s a lot of grease, feel free to drain some off, but leave a little to keep the soup flavorful.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. This is where the delicious base of flavor begins!
3. Add the Seasonings:
Now, it’s time to amp up the flavor! Stir in the taco seasoning, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to toast and release their tasty aromas.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Pour in the diced tomatoes (don’t forget the juice!), black beans, corn, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to make sure it’s well combined.
5. Simmer It Down:
Bring the soup to a nice boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Stir it occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. This will let all those flavors meld together and thicken the soup a bit.
6. Taste and Adjust:
After simmering, taste your soup! If it needs more flavor, add additional salt, pepper, or even some extra chili powder if you like it spicy.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve! Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top it with your favorite additions like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, fresh cilantro, and crunchy tortilla chips. Dive in and enjoy this cozy meal!
We hope you find this One-Pot Taco Soup just as delightful as we do! 🥣🌮
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for ground beef. They will, however, be a bit leaner, so you might want to add a touch more oil when browning to prevent sticking.
What If I’m Vegetarian?
No problem! You can use a plant-based ground meat alternative or simply add more beans and veggies. Extra bell peppers, zucchini, or even cauliflower can enhance the texture and flavor!
Can I Make This Taco Soup in Advance?
Yes, you can! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
What Toppings Do You Recommend?
Toppings can really elevate this soup! Try shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced green onions, fresh cilantro, and crunchy tortilla chips for added texture and flavor. Get creative based on your preferences!
