This Spicy Taco Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With zesty ground beef, beans, corn, and plenty of delicious spices, it’s full of flavor and perfect for chilly nights.
It’s easy to make and always a hit! I love to top mine with cheese and sour cream—because who can say no to extra toppings? Grab a spoon and enjoy a healthy scoop of happiness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A classic choice for this soup, but lean turkey or chicken works well too if you want to cut down on fat. You could also use plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.
Beans: I love kidney beans for their texture, but black beans add a nice flavor too! You can mix and match or use chickpeas if you prefer something different.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes with green chilies add a kick, but if you can’t find them, just use plain diced tomatoes with a bit of fresh jalapeño for heat.
Spices: Taco seasoning is key, but you can make your own using chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste; I often add more chili powder!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from the Beef?
Cooking the beef properly makes a difference in flavor and texture. After browning, it’s important to sauté the onions and garlic in the rendered fat. This infuses the soup with delicious savory notes. Here are the steps:
- Heat oil in your pot and stir in the ground beef.
- Break it apart with a spoon and let it brown, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once browned, add in the onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and start to turn golden—this takes about 4 minutes.
These steps create a rich base for the soup that brings out all the great flavors in your ingredients. Enjoy every spoonful!
How to Make Spicy Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- 1 tsp chili powder (add more for extra heat)
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spiciness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- Tortilla chips (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Spicy Taco Soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 25-30 minutes to cook as it simmers. In total, you’ll need around 40 minutes to have this tasty soup ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Use a spoon to break apart the beef as it cooks.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the Spices:
Now, stir in the taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to allow the spices to release their flavors.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the kidney beans, black beans (if using), corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot. Stir everything well to combine all those delicious ingredients!
5. Let It Simmer:
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. This helps the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken a bit.
6. Taste and Adjust:
After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you want more heat, feel free to add more chili powder or cayenne pepper!
7. Serve It Up:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
8. Enjoy!
Serve the Spicy Taco Soup with tortilla chips on the side for dipping or topping. Enjoy this cozy, flavorful dish that’s sure to warm you up!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for ground beef and will still provide a delicious flavor. Just keep in mind that leaner meats might require a bit of extra seasoning for added richness.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a similar effect. Just ensure it’s low-sodium so you can control the saltiness of your soup.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months! Just remember to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and texture.
