Hearty Taco Flavored Soup (Print version)

A savory, protein-packed Tex-Mex soup with beans, corn, and spices ready in under 40 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
06 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juices

→ Pantry and Seasonings

08 - 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
09 - 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Toppings

12 - Shredded cheddar cheese
13 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt
14 - Sliced jalapeños
15 - Chopped cilantro
16 - Tortilla chips or strips
17 - Lime wedges

# Directions:

01 - In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in the taco seasoning and cumin; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the diced tomatoes with juices, corn, black beans, and broth. Stir to combine.
05 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings. Serve hot with tortilla chips on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under forty minutes, making weeknight dinners feel way less stressful than they actually are.
  • The flavor depth hits all those taco cravings without requiring you to stand around assembling shells.
  • Everyone customizes their own bowl with toppings, so picky eaters and adventurous ones can eat happily side by side.
02 -
  • Don't skip draining the canned beans and corn or your soup becomes murky broth instead of that gorgeous rustic texture you're after.
  • Taste before serving—the seasoning packet's saltiness varies by brand, so you might need more salt or a splash more lime than you expect.
03 -
  • Brown the beef in batches if your pot is crowded—it'll develop better color and flavor than steaming in its own juices.
  • Taste the soup before you add salt since taco seasoning packets vary wildly in sodium content, and it's easier to add than to remove.
Return