Name: Hearty Beef Taco Soup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1½ lbs ground beef; 1 (15.25 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15.25 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15.25 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained and rinsed; 2 (15.25 oz) cans diced tomatoes; 1 (1 oz) package taco seasoning; 1 (1 oz) package ranch seasoning; 2 cups salsa; 2½ cups water

This hearty taco soup is a convenient weeknight meal that comes together quickly with minimal prep. It combines savory ground beef with beans and corn for a filling and flavorful dinner.

List of ingredients

1½ lbs ground beef – 90% lean Angus is recommended for best results.
1 (15.25 oz) can of black beans – drained and rinsed well.
1 (15.25 oz) can of kidney beans – drained and rinsed well.
1 (15.25 oz) can of whole kernel corn – drained and rinsed well.
2 (15.25 oz) cans of diced tomatoes – do not drain.
1 (1 oz) package of taco seasoning – original, mild, or hot depending on preference.
1 (1 oz) package of ranch seasoning – dry mix.
1 pint or 2 cups salsa – use a chunky variety or homemade salsa.
2½ cups water – used for the soup base.

step-by-step instructions

Brown the Meat: Use a large pot over medium-high heat to brown the ground beef until it is no longer pink. Drain the excess fat and place the beef on a paper towel lined plate to absorb additional grease.
Combine Base Vegetables: In the same large pot, add the drained black beans, drained kidney beans, undrained diced tomatoes, and drained corn. Stir the ingredients together until well mixed.
Add Seasonings and Liquid: Stir in the salsa, water, taco seasoning, and dry ranch seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low.
Simmer the Soup: Add the browned ground beef back into the pot and stir to combine. Let the soup simmer on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls while warm and add your choice of toppings.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Using a Slow Cooker

To prepare this in a crockpot, brown the ground beef in a skillet first and drain the fat. Add the cooked beef and all other ingredients into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.

Adjusting Slow Cooker Thickness

If the soup appears too thick after slow cooking, stir in hot water. Add 1/2 cup at a time until the consistency reaches your desired thickness.

Using an Instant Pot

Set the Instant Pot to saute mode to brown the ground beef, then drain the grease. Add the beef back in along with the beans, corn, taco seasoning, salsa, diced tomatoes, ranch seasoning, and water. Stir well, lock the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.

Instant Pot Pressure Release

Once the cooking timer ends, turn the release valve to the vent position. Wait for the safety valve to drop completely before removing the lid to serve.

Customizing Ingredients and Substitutions

Leaner Meat Alternatives

Ground turkey is an excellent substitute for ground beef to reduce the fat content of the soup. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with tofu, lentils, or plant-based meat crumbles.

Varying the Bean Selection

If kidney beans are unavailable, pinto beans or red beans work as suitable replacements. These provide a similar texture and earthy flavor profile to the soup.

Fresh Corn and Tomato Options

Substitute canned corn with fresh or frozen kernels, adding 10 minutes to the cooking time for fresh corn. You can also replace the canned diced tomatoes with 2 cups of fresh, diced tomatoes for a brighter taste.

Enhancing the Flavor Profile

Replacing Water with Beef Broth

For a richer and more savory base, replace the 2½ cups of water with low-sodium beef broth. This adds an extra layer of depth to the overall flavor of the soup.

Creating a Homemade Taco Seasoning

If you do not have a pre-made packet, mix 1/2 tbsp chili powder, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, 1/4 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.

Controlling the Heat Level

Use a mild taco seasoning and mild salsa for those sensitive to spice. To increase the heat, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce directly into the pot or serve it on the side.

Recommended Serving Toppings

Adding Creamy Textures

Sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream can balance the spices in the soup. Shredded cheddar cheese is also a popular addition that melts into the warm broth.

Incorporating Crunchy Elements

Top the soup with Fritos, Doritos, or traditional corn tortilla chips. Tortilla strips provide a consistent crunch in every spoonful.

Using Fresh Vegetable Garnishes

Freshly chopped cilantro and diced onions add a crisp, aromatic finish. Sliced jalapenos are ideal for those who want an extra kick of spice.

Storage and Preservation

Refrigeration Guidelines

Store leftover taco soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will typically stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it an ideal option for meal prep.

Freezing for Long-Term Storage

Allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature before freezing. Pour the soup into freezer-safe bags or jars, and freeze the bags flat to save space and allow for faster thawing.

Thawing and Reheating Instructions

Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before heating. Reheat the soup in a pot on the stove or in a slow cooker over low heat until it is steaming and hot.

Troubleshooting and Tips

Preventing a Greasy Broth

To avoid an oily surface, ensure the ground beef is thoroughly drained after browning. Using a paper towel-lined plate to hold the meat helps absorb excess fat before it returns to the pot.

Managing Soup Consistency

If the soup is too watery, simmer it uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to reduce the liquid. If it is too thick, stir in small amounts of water or broth until the desired consistency is reached.

Balancing Saltiness

Because taco and ranch seasoning packets contain salt, taste the soup before adding any extra salt. If it is too salty, add an extra can of diced tomatoes or a bit more water to dilute the flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground beef with lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based meat substitute. Ensure the taco seasoning used does not contain any animal-derived additives.

Does the soup freeze well?

Yes, this soup freezes very well because of its hearty ingredients. Just be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before reheating to maintain the texture.

What is the best type of salsa to use?

A chunky salsa with visible pieces of onion and pepper is recommended. This adds texture to the soup and contributes more to the overall flavor profile than a smooth salsa.

Can I add more vegetables?

Adding diced bell peppers or carrots can increase the nutritional value. Sauté these vegetables with the beef before adding the remaining liquid ingredients.