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Easy Taco Soup - A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Favorite

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ground meat: 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken
  • Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • Taco seasoning: 1 packet (about 2–3 tablespoons) or homemade
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz), with juices
  • Rotel or diced tomatoes with green chilies: 1 can (10 oz), with juices
  • Tomato sauce: 1 can (8 oz)
  • Black beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • Pinto or kidney beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • Corn: 1 can (15 oz), drained (or 1.5 cups frozen)
  • Broth: 3–4 cups beef or chicken broth
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
  • Optional add-ins: 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Toppings: shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado, cilantro, sliced jalapeños, lime wedges, tortilla chips

Method
 

  1. Warm the pot: Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil.
  2. Brown the meat: Add ground beef (or turkey/chicken). Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and cook until softened, 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  4. Season: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning. If using, add cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika for extra depth. Stir to coat the meat and onions.
  5. Add the base: Pour in diced tomatoes, Rotel, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.
  6. Beans and corn: Add black beans, pinto or kidney beans, and corn. Stir everything together.
  7. Broth time: Pour in 3 cups of broth to start. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  8. Simmer and adjust: Let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes to blend flavors. If you prefer it soupier, add the remaining 1 cup broth. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
  9. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, a dollop of sour cream, avocado slices, cilantro, jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime. Serve with tortilla chips for crunch.