Picture a steaming bowl of taco soup, rich with the aroma of spices and the comforting scent of simmering beef.
This Mexican-inspired dish isn’t only a breeze to whip up but also a cozy favorite for those chilly evenings.
As the ingredients meld together, they transform into a heartwarming meal that promises to delight.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 can opener
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage time while preparing and cooking Taco Soup with Ground Beef, follow this timeline:
- Prepare and Read (5 minutes):
- Read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Prep Work (10 minutes):
- Chop 1 medium onion.
- Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
- Cook (30 minutes):
- 0:00-2:00: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- 2:00-6:00: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot; sauté until the onion is translucent.
- 6:00-12:00: Add 1 pound of ground beef to the pot; cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Then, drain excess fat.
- 12:00-14:00: Stir in the taco seasoning, ensuring the beef is well-coated.
- 14:00-16:00: Add 1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) of rinsed and drained kidney beans, 1 can (15 oz) of drained corn, 3 cups of beef broth, and 1 cup of water to the pot.
- 16:00-18:00: Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine.
- 18:00-20:00: Bring the mixture to a boil.
- 20:00-40:00: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 40:00: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Rest (5 minutes):
- Remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve:
- Optionally, garnish with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.
Following this timeline will help you efficiently prepare and cook the taco soup, ensuring that you manage your time well throughout the process.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until onion is translucent.
Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Drain excess fat from the pot.
Stir in taco seasoning, ensuring the beef is well-coated.
Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, beef broth, and water to the pot.
Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle on top for a creamy, cheesy finish that complements the soup’s flavors.
- Sour Cream: Add a dollop for a tangy contrast and smooth texture.
- Chopped Cilantro: Garnish with fresh herbs to enhance the soup’s aroma and add a pop of color.
- Crushed Tortilla Chips: Sprinkle for a crunchy texture and to mimic the taco experience.
- Diced Avocado: Include for a rich and creamy addition that balances the soup’s spice.
Storage
Store Taco Soup with Ground Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze taco soup, let it cool completely.
Then, portion into airtight containers or freezer bags.
Label with the date and freeze for up to three months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat taco soup with ground beef, use a stovetop or microwave.
Heat until thoroughly warmed, stirring occasionally.
Add extra broth if needed to maintain desired consistency and prevent drying.
Final Thoughts
Taco Soup with Ground Beef is a delightful and hearty meal that combines the flavors of Mexican cuisine with the comfort of a warm soup.
It’s an easy and quick recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
By using high-quality ingredients and adjusting the seasoning to your preference, you can create a dish that satisfies and delights.
Consider adding your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro to enhance the flavors even more.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding green chilies or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the spiciness to your liking.
This soup isn’t only delicious but also versatile, making it a great option to prepare in advance and reheat for a quick meal.
Enjoy the comforting taste of Taco Soup and the convenience it brings to your dining table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can This Recipe Be Made in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make this in a slow cooker. Brown the beef first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning before serving.
What Can Be Used as a Substitute for Ground Beef?
For a substitute, use ground turkey or chicken. Begin by sautéing onion and garlic, then add your chosen meat. Follow the original steps, ensuring thorough cooking. Adjust the seasoning since poultry is milder than beef.
Is It Possible to Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian. Replace ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Follow the original steps, omitting beef-related instructions. Add more vegetables for extra flavor.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free taco seasoning. Double-check all canned ingredients for gluten-free labels. Prepare as usual, ensuring no cross-contamination. Enjoy your gluten-free taco soup with confidence and flavor intact!
What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve With Taco Soup?
You can serve cornbread, rice, or a simple green salad alongside your soup. Prepare cornbread by mixing cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, milk, and eggs. Bake until golden. Cook rice and toss salad with vinaigrette.
Taco Soup with Ground Beef
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 can opener
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz
- 1 can kidney beans rinsed and drained
- 1 can corn drained
- 3 cup beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until onion is translucent.
- Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Drain excess fat from the pot.
- Stir in taco seasoning, ensuring the beef is well-coated.
- Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, beef broth, and water to the pot.
- Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
