Craving the bold flavors of tacos but want something a little more
comforting? Say hello to Taco Soup with Ground Beef – the perfect fusion
of your favorite Mexican flavors in a warm, hearty bowl!
Imagine the rich aroma of seasoned ground beef, zesty tomatoes, and
tender beans simmering on your stovetop. This easy-to-make soup brings
all the excitement of taco night without the mess of assembling individual
tacos. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-
pleasing meal for game day, this simple taco soup recipe has got you
covered.
Ready to dive into this culinary fiesta? In this blog post, we’ll walk you
through everything you need to know about making the perfect taco soup.
From a step-by-step recipe and video tutorial to ingredient variations and
handy tips, we’ve got all the bases covered. So grab your ladle and let’s
explore how to create this delicious, south-of-the-border inspired soup
that’s sure to become a family favorite!
taco soup with ground beef.
Prep and Cook Time for Taco Soup with Ground Beef
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
To create a delicious taco soup with ground beef, you’ll need a
combination of flavorful ingredients that bring the essence of tacos into a
comforting soup.
Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
Ground beef (lean)
Onion (diced)
Bell pepper (chopped)
Canned diced tomatoes
Canned kidney beans
Canned corn
Seasonings and Spices
Taco seasoning mix
Ranch dressing mix
Chili powder
Cumin
Salt and pepper to taste Ingredient Amount
Note
Ground beef
1 lb
80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
Onion
1 medium
Finely diced
Bell pepper
1
Any color, chopped
Diced tomatoes
14.5 oz can
With juice
Kidney beans
15 oz can
Drained and rinsed
Corn
15 oz can
Drained
Beef broth
2 cups
Low-sodium preferred
Taco seasoning
1 packet
Or 2 tablespoons homemade mix
Ranch dressing mix
1 packet
Dry mix
Optional Toppings
Shredded cheese
Sour cream
Tortilla chips
Fresh cilantro
Sliced jalapeños
These ingredients combine to create a rich, flavorful soup that captures
the essence of tacos in every spoonful. The ground beef provides a hearty
base, while the vegetables and beans add texture and nutrition. The
seasoning mixes infuse the soup with classic taco flavors, making it a
satisfying and easy meal. Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s
move on to the step-by-step process of making this simple taco soup.
Can I Make a Simple Taco Soup in the Crock Pot?
Absolutely! Making taco soup in a crock pot is not only possible but also
incredibly convenient. This slow-cooking method allows the flavors to
meld beautifully while requiring minimal effort on your part. Here’s how
you can adapt the recipe for your crock pot:
Crock Pot Taco Soup Instructions
Brown the ground beef in a skillet
Transfer browned beef to the crock pot
Add all other ingredients
Stir to combine
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours
Benefits of Using a Crock Pot
Benefit Description
Convenience
Set it and forget it
Enhanced Flavor
Longer cooking time allows flavors to develop
Tender Meat
Slow cooking results in more tender beef
Energy Efficient
Uses less energy than stovetop cooking
Using a crock pot for your taco soup offers the added advantage of having
a warm, ready-to-eat meal waiting for you at the end of a busy day. The
slow cooking process also allows the spices to fully infuse the soup,
resulting in a richer, more complex flavor profile. Remember to adjust the
liquid content slightly, as crock pots retain more moisture than stovetop
cooking. You may need to reduce the amount of broth or tomato sauce to
prevent the soup from becoming too watery.
Now that you know how to make taco soup in a crock pot, let’s explore
another popular variation of this recipe using a different protein source.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef in Taco Soup?
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef in Taco Soup?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent alternative to ground beef in taco
soup.
This substitution offers several benefits:
Lower fat content
Lighter flavor profile
Versatility in recipes
Here’s a comparison of ground turkey vs. ground beef in taco soup:
Aspect
Ground Turkey
Ground Beef
Calories
Lower
Higher
Fat content
Less
More
Protein
Similar
Similar
Flavor
Milder
Richer
Texture
Slightly drier
Juicier
To make the most of ground turkey in your taco soup:
Use a leaner variety (93% lean) for better texture
Add extra seasoning to enhance flavor
Increase cooking oil slightly to prevent dryness
Ground turkey absorbs flavors well, making it ideal for taco soup. The
spices and other ingredients will complement the milder taste of turkey,
resulting in a delicious and healthier version of the classic recipe.
Now that you know how to use ground turkey in your taco soup, let’s
explore another common question: can you freeze this delicious dish for
later?
Can I Freeze Taco Soup?
Absolutely! Taco soup is an excellent candidate for freezing, making it a
perfect meal prep option. Here’s what you need to know about freezing
and reheating your taco soup:
Freezing Process
Allow the soup to cool completely
Portion into airtight containers or freezer bags
Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn
Label with date and contents
Store in the freezer for up to 3 months
Reheating Instructions
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave
Stir occasionally while reheating to ensure even heating
Tips for Best Results
Use freezer-safe containers
Prevents leaks and freezer burn
Leave some space at the top
Allows for expansion during freezing
Freeze in individual portions
Convenient for quick meals
Add fresh toppings after reheating
Maintains texture and flavor.
Taco Soup with Ground Beef FAQs
1. Can I make taco soup with ground beef ahead of time?
Yes! Taco soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for later.
2. What can I substitute for ground beef in taco soup?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. Add extra beans or vegetables to enhance the flavor.
3. How do I make taco soup thicker?
To thicken taco soup, mash some of the beans in the pot or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
4. Can I cook taco soup with ground beef in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the ground beef first, then transfer it to a slow cooker with the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. What toppings go best with taco soup?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, jalapeños, and crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
6. Is taco soup with ground beef freezer-friendly?
Yes, taco soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.