There’s nothing quite like the aroma of simmering spices filling your kitchen, a flawless medley of scents that dances in the air. As the rich, hearty broth bubbles away, you can already picture the cozy dinner that awaits you. This easy taco soup is not just a meal, but a warm hug in a bowl, with its vibrant colors and inviting textures promising comfort and nourishment. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re gathered with friends for game day, this Easy Taco Soup Recipe with 34g Protein will delight your senses and warm your soul.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Taco Soup Recipe with 34g Protein
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy Taco Soup

I remember the evenings spent at my grandmother’s house, where taco nights were an event. The tantalizing smell of cumin and chili wafting through the air always brought us to the kitchen like moths to a flame. This soup encapsulates that nostalgia, bringing a familiar warmth and flavor that makes every bite feel like home. And the best part? It’s ready in under an hour using just nine ingredients, plus spices! So grab your apron and get ready to whip up a cozy bowl of goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip this up in under an hour! You’ll be sitting down to a delicious meal in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: A medley of spices combined with tender beans and juicy beef makes it a flavor explosion in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With its colorful presentation and fresh toppings, this soup looks as fun as it tastes.
Flexible Serving: Great for any occasion—perfect as a cozy weekend dinner or a hearty snack while watching sports.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily substitute ground beef for turkey or use vegetable broth and beans for a vegetarian delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 teaspoon olive oil: This helps to sauté the onions and beef, adding a bit of richness from the get-go. You could also use canola or avocado oil if that suits you better.
1 lb ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option, or swap it out for ground turkey for a lighter meal. The protein boost is a star in this dish!
1 cup onion (chopped): About one medium onion adds depth to the soup. Yellow or white onions work best, but feel free to use red if you prefer a touch of sweetness.
1/2 tablespoon garlic (minced): Use fresh garlic for a punch of flavor. About 4 cloves do the trick, but you can add more if you’re a garlic lover!
14 oz diced tomatoes with green chiles (1 can): This adds acidity and a bit of spice. If you prefer less heat, look for mild varieties or even plain diced tomatoes.
1 quart beef broth: Low or no salt broth enhances the soup without overpowering it. Chicken broth also works if you’re in a pinch.
Spices:
1 teaspoon paprika: Sweet paprika adds warmth to the flavor profile.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A little kick goes a long way in rounding out the dominant flavors.
1 teaspoon chili powder: For that classic taco seasoning taste—feel free to use more for extra heat.
1/2 teaspoon cumin: This aromatic spice delivers an earthy note that defines taco dishes.
15 oz black beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): Not just for texture; beans pack in fiber and enhance the soup’s fullness.
15 oz pinto beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): Complements the black beans while ensuring you get an extra protein boost.
1 cup frozen corn (thawed): Adds sweetness and a pop of color—no need to go fresh here as frozen corn offers fantastic flavor.

How to Make Easy Taco Soup Recipe with 34g Protein

Heat the Olive Oil: In a large soup pot over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Let it warm for just a minute before adding your ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into bite-sized pieces and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned with no pink remaining. Your kitchen will start to smell incredible!

Add the Base Ingredients: Once your beef is beautifully browned, it’s time to infuse it with flavor. Add the canned diced tomatoes with green chiles, beef broth, and all the spices: paprika, black pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Stir everything together until it’s a cohesive blend of flavors, allowing the broth and tomatoes to mingle—your soup should start to bubble gently.

Incorporate the Beans and Corn: Next, add to the mix the drained and rinsed black beans, pinto beans, and thawed corn. That combination of beans gives you that hearty, filling texture everyone loves. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed and immersed in the flavorful broth.

Simmer to Perfection: Bring your soup to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer for 30 minutes up to 1 hour. Stir occasionally; keep an eye on it as the soup thickens. It should develop a rich flavor and become wonderfully aromatic during this time.

Tweak the Seasonings: After your simmer time, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You might want a touch more spice or a sprinkle of salt. Serve hot in bowls, perfect for ladling over your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh avocado, chopped cilantro, or even crushed tortilla chips.

Crockpot Method: If you prefer the slow cooker, brown the beef, onions, and garlic in a skillet as instructed. Transfer it all to the crockpot, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, letting those flavors meld beautifully while you go about your day.

Instant Pot Method: For a quick fix, set your Instant Pot to sauté. Brown the beef, onions, and garlic there for 10-12 minutes, scraping up any tasty browned bits. Add the remaining ingredients, seal the lid, and pressure cook on Manual for 6 minutes. Quick release the pressure when done, and your soup will be ready to enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

Let any leftovers cool down, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat until piping hot, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep in mind that the texture may thicken, so adding a splash of broth can help refresh it to that warming soup consistency you love.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the pot when browning the beef and onions to ensure they get a nice sear.
If your soup is too thick, add additional broth a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Play around with spices! You can adjust based on what you have on hand—add some cayenne for heat or smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
For a creamier version, stir in a bit of cream cheese just before serving—it adds a delightful richness.
Don’t forget about toppings! They transform your soup from good to great. Get creative with what you have: jalapeños, olives, or a sprinkle of crispy bacon are all fantastic options.

If you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that packs a protein punch, this Easy Taco Soup Recipe with 34g Protein is just what you need! Easy to personalize and perfect for any occasion, it’s a dish you and your loved ones will look forward to again and again.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this taco soup vegetarian?

Yes! You can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the beef for textured vegetable protein (TVP) or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and keep all the beans. This maintains the hearty texture while being completely meat-free.

How can I adjust the spice level?

To control the spice, choose mild canned tomatoes and reduce the amount of chili powder and cumin. If you want to spice it up, consider adding diced jalapeños or serrano peppers, or increase the chili powder for more heat.

Can I use frozen ground beef instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If your ground beef is frozen, thaw it ahead of time or cook it directly in the pot while breaking it apart as it thaws. Just ensure it reaches the appropriate temperature to ensure food safety.

What toppings go best with taco soup?

Get creative! Popular options include shredded cheese, avocado slices, sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced red onion, tortilla strips, or even a splash of lime juice for brightness. Choose toppings that you love to make it your own!