This Instant Pot Beef Taco Soup is a warm and hearty dish that brings all the flavors of tacos in a tasty soup. It’s quick to make and packed with ground beef, beans, and spices.
I love how easy it is to throw everything in the Instant Pot and let it work its magic. Plus, it’s super fun to top with cheese and tortilla chips. Who doesn’t love a good taco, right? 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef (about 80/20) for good flavor and texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. You can also try a plant-based substitute like lentils or quinoa for a vegetarian version.
Beans: Black and kidney beans are great for adding protein and fiber. If you’re short on beans, feel free to mix and match with pinto beans or even chickpeas. Canned beans are a huge time-saver.
Taco Seasoning: The seasoning is key for that taco flavor. If you don’t have taco seasoning, mix together chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. It’s a flexible blend!
Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add acidity and depth to the soup. If using fresh tomatoes, about 4 medium-sized, diced, can work too. Just be sure to add a bit of tomato paste for richness.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor in an Instant Pot?
The secret to great flavor in your soup starts with sautéing. Browning the ground beef and onions first brings out sweetness and depth. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Use medium heat and let the beef sit undisturbed for a minute before breaking it up, allowing it to brown nicely.
- Add the onions early to let them soften before incorporating the garlic—garlic cooks faster, so you want to add it later.
Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to lift any bits stuck from cooking. These are flavorful! Lastly, remember to adjust salt and spices after cooking; sometimes flavors develop even more once the soup sits for a bit.
Instant Pot Beef Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, avocado chunks, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, tortilla chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Instant Pot Beef Taco Soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time in the Instant Pot. Including the time it takes to release pressure, you’re looking at about 30-40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and satisfying meal for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef and Onion:
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Once the pot is hot, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking the beef apart as you go, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
2. Add Garlic:
Once the beef and onion are cooked, add the minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Combine the Remaining Ingredients:
Cancel the sauté mode. Now add the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Cook the Soup:
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is done, do a quick release by turning the valve to venting to release the pressure carefully.
5. Final Touches:
When the pressure has fully released, carefully open the lid. Give the soup a good stir and taste it! You can adjust the seasoning with more salt or spices if needed.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the soup hot in bowls, and let everyone add their favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, avocado chunks, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and crispy tortilla chips!
Enjoy this hearty and flavorful taco soup that captures all the goodness of a classic taco in one delicious bowl. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and sure to please everyone!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for ground beef and will work perfectly in this recipe. Just follow the same cooking instructions for best results.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian! Replace the ground beef with a mix of chopped vegetables or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Just chop them into small pieces and sauté them with the onion and beef in step 1 for added flavor and nutrition.
