This Spicy Taco Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s packed with flavorful ingredients like ground beef, beans, corn, and spicy seasoning that brings a zing to your taste buds.
Perfect for those chilly nights, it’s super easy to whip up. I love piling on the toppings—cheese, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips. It’s a fiesta for my mouth! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef adds richness to the soup, but you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Vegetarian crumbles are also great if you want a meat-free meal.
Beans: Black beans are my go-to for texture and flavor. You could substitute them with kidney beans or pinto beans. For a lower-carb option, leave out the beans and add more veggies.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes with green chilies give a nice kick. If you prefer milder flavors, use plain diced tomatoes and a bell pepper instead for sweetness.
Broth: Beef broth adds depth, but vegetable broth works well if you want a lighter taste. Homemade broth can really level up the flavor too!
Cayenne Pepper: This spice gives heat to the soup. Adjust the amount to your taste. If you’re sensitive to spice, consider paprika or leave it out altogether.
How Do You Make Sure The Soup is Flavorful?
To ensure your soup is bursting with flavor, start by sautéing the onions and garlic until they’re soft and aromatic. This step lays the flavor foundation. When adding spices, allow them to cook for a minute to release their essential oils, enhancing the overall taste.
- Brown the ground beef well, as this will create a nice depth of flavor.
- Don’t rush the simmering stage! Let it cook for the full 25-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Finally, always taste and adjust! You may want more salt, spices, or acidity from lime juice to balance the flavors.
Enjoy making this soup, and feel free to personalize it with your favorite toppings!
Spicy Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (regular)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn kernels
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for serving)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Tortilla chips (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Spicy Taco Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. So in just 40 minutes, you’ll have a hot and delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Vegetables:
Next, add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds or so until it smells amazing.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add in the fun stuff! Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, the regular diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, beef broth, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix it all together until well combined.
4. Let it Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. This allows all those lovely flavors to blend and the soup to thicken a bit.
5. Taste and Adjust:
Give your soup a taste. You might want to add more salt, spice, or heat according to your preference.
6. Serve It Up:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro for that extra zing!
7. Enjoy with Crunch:
Serve your soup hot alongside tortilla chips. You can scoop the soup or crumble the chips on top—it’s completely up to you!
Enjoy your warming, spicy taco soup with all the festive flavors of a taco in bowl form!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you want a leaner option. Just follow the same cooking instructions as the ground beef.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef with vegetarian crumbles or omit it altogether, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add more beans or vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove or microwave.
