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A vibrant bowl of Taco Soup is shown as the featured image for this recipe.

Best Ever Taco Soup

This taco soup recipe is the culmination of countless experiments, balancing flavor, texture, and ease of preparation. Featuring a flavorful broth, bloomed spices, and a variety of beans and tomatoes, this recipe delivers a satisfying and customizable experience. It's the perfect hearty and flavorful meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey or shredded chicken
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup water or more, to desired consistency
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Spoon
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • Can opener
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef (or chosen protein) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  6. Add the black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes, Rotel, chicken broth, and water to the pot. Stir to combine.
  7. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, to allow the flavors to meld.
  8. Stir in the lime juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more water if the soup is too thick.
  9. Serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, and cilantro.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth. Blooming the spices is crucial for maximizing their flavor potential. Rinsing the beans thoroughly prevents the soup from becoming too thick. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For variations, consider adding a can of green chiles or a diced jalapeño for extra heat.