Imagine a pot bubbling away, filling your kitchen with the comforting aroma of spices and savory beef—this is Beef Taco Soup.
It’s a warm hug in a bowl, easy to prepare yet packed with flavor, making it a go-to for cozy family dinners.
As simple ingredients like ground beef, beans, and tomatoes simmer together, they transform into a delightful, hearty soup. Let’s bring this dish to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Can opener
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, tortilla chips
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Beef Taco Soup, you can follow this timeline which includes prep work, cooking activities, and additional time for reading:
Preparation and Cooking Timeline:
- Reading the Recipe and Gathering Ingredients (10 minutes)
- Spend some time reading the recipe thoroughly to guarantee you understand the steps.
- Gather all the ingredients and equipment needed for the recipe.
- Preparation (15 minutes)
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic on the cutting board.
- Open and drain the cans of black beans and corn.
- Measure out the taco seasoning, beef broth, and water.
- Cooking (30 minutes)
- 0-5 minutes: Heat the large pot over medium heat and begin browning the ground beef.
- 5-10 minutes: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is translucent.
- 10-11 minutes: Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute.
- 11-13 minutes: Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and water. Stir to combine.
- 13-15 minutes: Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- 15-35 minutes: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 20 minutes. Use this time to clean up the preparation area, wash any used utensils, or prepare optional toppings.
- Resting Time (5 minutes)
- Allow the soup to rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the heat.
- Serving (5 minutes)
- Serve the soup hot with your choice of optional toppings.
This timeline guarantees efficient use of your time by overlapping preparation and cooking activities, with some additional time allotted for reading the recipe and cleaning up.
Recipe Instructions
Heat a large pot over medium heat and brown the ground beef.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, and cook until the onion is translucent.
Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute.
Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and water.
Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 20 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve hot with your choice of optional toppings.
Serving Tips
- Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside the soup for a crunchy contrast and perfect for scooping.
- Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle on top for a creamy, melty addition that complements the flavors.
- Sour Cream: Add a dollop to balance the spice with a cool, tangy touch.
- Chopped Cilantro: Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
- Avocado Slices: Top with creamy avocado for a rich, buttery texture.
Storage
To store Beef Taco Soup, let it cool completely.
Then, transfer it to airtight containers.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
Freezing
To freeze Beef Taco Soup, cool it completely.
Then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags.
Label with the date.
Freeze for up to three months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat Beef Taco Soup, use a stovetop or microwave.
Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Add extra broth if needed to maintain desired consistency.
Enjoy with fresh toppings.
Final Thoughts
Beef Taco Soup is a versatile and delicious meal that brings the flavors of Mexican cuisine to your table.
It’s easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, you can adjust the ingredients to create the perfect bowl of soup.
Additionally, its ability to freeze well makes it an excellent choice for meal prepping.
Enjoy this hearty dish with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Beef in the Soup?
You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in the recipe. Verify you thoroughly brown the turkey to develop flavor. Adjust seasoning as turkey’s mildness may require a bit more spice for depth and richness.
How Can I Make the Soup Vegetarian-Friendly?
Substitute the ground beef with a protein-rich alternative like textured vegetable protein or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Make certain all other ingredients, including taco seasoning, are vegetarian-friendly. Customize with additional vegetables for flavor.
What Drink Pairs Well With Beef Taco Soup?
Pairing a drink with this dish, opt for a invigorating, citrusy beverage like a Michelada or a crisp Margarita. These drinks complement the soup’s flavors, enhancing the dining experience with their vibrant notes and balanced acidity.
Are There Gluten-Free Alternatives for Taco Seasoning?
You can create a gluten-free taco seasoning by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt. Confirm all spices are certified gluten-free. Use this blend to maintain flavor without gluten-containing additives.
How Long Can the Soup Be Stored in the Freezer?
You can store the soup in the freezer for up to three months. Make certain it’s cooled completely before transferring to airtight containers. Label with the date. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently before serving.
Beef Taco Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 can opener
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- shredded cheese optional topping
- sour cream optional topping
- chopped cilantro optional topping
- tortilla chips optional topping
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and brown the ground beef.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and water.
- Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 20 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with your choice of optional toppings.
Notes
Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.
