This Spicy Taco Soup is a warm and comforting dish filled with tasty ground beef, beans, and tomatoes. It’s like a fiesta in a bowl, perfect for chilly nights!
I love how quick and easy it is to make—just toss everything in the pot and let the delicious smells fill the kitchen. Don’t forget the tortilla chips for some extra crunch! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds rich flavor to your soup. If you prefer, use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or even black beans or lentils for a vegetarian twist.
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies give a delightful kick. You can use plain diced tomatoes and add some extra jalapeños if you want more heat.
Corn: This adds a sweet crunch; feel free to substitute with frozen corn or other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini if desired.
Beans: Black beans offer protein and texture. Kidney or pinto beans make great substitutes, or you can skip beans for a low-carb version.
Taco Seasoning: Using homemade seasoning lets you control the spice. If you don’t have all the spices, just use a store-bought taco seasoning mix.
How Do I Get The Best Flavor from My Taco Soup?
The key to a flavorful taco soup starts with browning your meat properly. This caramelizes the meat and adds depth to your dish. Make sure to drain excess fat to keep your soup from becoming greasy.
- Cook the beef until browned, then add onions and bell peppers to soften and develop flavors.
- Add your spices right after—this helps enhance their aroma and taste.
- Simmer the soup for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Taste it before serving to adjust seasonings!
How to Make Spicy Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning mix (or a homemade blend)
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for garnish)
- Sour cream, shredded cheese, and tortilla chips for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Spicy Taco Soup will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess fat. This ensures your soup stays tasty and not greasy!
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This adds yummy flavors to your soup!
3. Flavor it Up:
Next, stir in the taco seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper (if you’re feeling adventurous!). Cook this mixture for about 1 minute to really wake up those spices!
4. Add the Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, drained corn, black beans, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir until well combined. It’s coming together nicely!
5. Simmer the Soup:
Bring your soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. This step is key for allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
6. Final Touches:
Taste your soup and adjust the seasonings with salt, pepper, or more chili powder if you like things spicier. Stir in the chopped cilantro just before serving to brighten up the flavors.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, extra cilantro, and some crunchy tortilla chips for the best experience. Enjoy your cozy meal!
There you go! A delicious, hearty Spicy Taco Soup that’s sure to warm you up!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to beef. Just be sure to drain any excess fat after browning, similar to how you would with ground beef.
How Spicy Is This Taco Soup?
The level of spiciness can be easily adjusted by modifying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper. Start with the suggested amounts and taste during cooking; you can always add more if you like it hotter!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can prepare a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef and replacing it with additional beans, lentils, or even TVP (textured vegetable protein) for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a flavorful base.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. It can also be frozen for longer storage, up to 3 months—just be sure to leave some space in the container, as soup expands when frozen!
