This One-Pot Taco Soup is a fun and easy meal! It’s packed with tasty ingredients like ground beef, beans, corn, and savory taco seasoning—all cooked in one pot for extra convenience.
I love how quick this soup comes together. Just throw everything in, let it simmer, and you have a warm bowl of deliciousness ready to enjoy. Perfect for a busy weeknight! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer using lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you want a vegetarian soup, try using textured vegetable protein (TVP) or lentils instead.
Beans: Kidney beans add great texture, but feel free to use black beans or pinto beans if they’re what you have on hand. Canned beans are convenient; just make sure to rinse them to reduce sodium!
Corn: I use canned corn for simplicity, but frozen corn works well too. If you want a fresh flavor, cook some corn on the cob and cut the kernels off.
Taco Seasoning: I love using homemade taco seasoning to control the spice levels. You can mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder for a quick homemade version.
How Do You Ensure the Soup Has Great Flavor?
The key to a flavorful one-pot taco soup is all in the layering and simmering. Start by browning the meat; this develops a deep flavor from the Maillard reaction. Sauté the onions and garlic next to enhance the aromatic base.
- Make sure to brown the beef completely for the best flavor.
- Don’t rush the sautéing process; this helps build flavor.
- Let your soup simmer to allow all the ingredients to harmonize and the flavors to deepen.
Don’t forget to taste before serving! You can adjust flavors with more seasoning or toppings according to your liking.
One-Pot Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or about 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped avocado, fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This One-Pot Taco Soup requires about 10 minutes for prep and around 25-30 minutes for cooking and simmering. In just about 40 minutes, you can have a delicious, hearty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s done, drain any excess fat to keep it light.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them together for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This will add great flavor to your soup!
3. Season It Up:
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and black pepper, stirring well to coat the beef and veggies in the spices. This will give your soup that yummy taco flavor profile!
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, beef broth, kidney beans, and corn. Give everything a good stir to mix it all together.
5. Let It Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will let all the flavors meld together beautifully!
6. Taste & Adjust:
Before serving, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or even more taco seasoning if you like it spicier.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro. Enjoy your warm, comforting taco soup!
Can I Use a Different Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great substitute for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or a meat alternative like textured vegetable protein (TVP).
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover taco soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth if it thickens too much while sitting.
What Can I Use Instead of Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth will work just fine. You can also use water, but the flavor won’t be as rich, so consider adding more seasoning if you go this route.
Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can! After browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer them to a slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours for a comforting meal without much effort!
