Taco Soup Recipe

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Taco Soup Recipe

Taco soup is a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy dish to make, perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving something warm and comforting. Packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and seasoned with taco seasoning and ranch dip mix, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone coming back for more. It’s a great make-ahead meal, and any leftovers can easily be stored or frozen for later.

This recipe is ideal for busy families or anyone looking to meal prep for the week. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a large batch for the family, or wanting to freeze portions for a rainy day, Taco Soup is a dish that never disappoints.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 white onion, chopped
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained (or frozen corn as an alternative)
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) stewed tomatoes
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (or regular diced tomatoes if preferred)
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional, adjust based on your spice preference)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 packet ranch dip mix
  • Water (enough to fill the crockpot)

Optional Toppings:

  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Avocado, sliced
  • Corn chips

Instructions:

1. Cook the Ground Beef:

  • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté with the beef until the onions become translucent and the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
  • Once cooked, transfer the beef and onion mixture to the crockpot.

2. Add Canned Ingredients:

  • Add the black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, corn, stewed tomatoes, Rotel, and diced green chilies (if using) to the crockpot with the beef mixture. Stir everything together to combine.

3. Season the Soup:

  • Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and ranch dip mix. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices throughout the soup.

4. Add Water:

  • Add water to the crockpot until the soup reaches your desired consistency (typically about 2-3 cups). Stir again to combine all the ingredients.

5. Cook the Taco Soup:

  • Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6-7 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together. If you need it to stay warm longer, leave it on the warm setting for an additional 2-3 hours until ready to serve.

6. Serve:

  • Once the soup is ready, give it a good stir, and ladle it into bowls.
  • Top with your favorite optional toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, and corn chips for extra flavor and crunch.

Tips and Variations:

  • Customize Your Beans: The recipe is versatile, so feel free to swap the types of beans. You can use more or fewer of each type of bean to suit your preference.
  • Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder soup, you can omit the diced green chilies or reduce the amount of taco seasoning. If you like it spicier, try adding more Rotel or jalapeños.
  • Substitute Meat: For a lighter option, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even shredded chicken.
  • Add More Vegetables: You can add extra vegetables like diced zucchini, bell peppers, or corn to make the soup even heartier and more nutritious.
  • Make It Vegan: To make a vegan version, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth, or swap in a plant-based protein like tofu or lentils.

Storage and Freezing:

  • Storing Leftovers: Taco soup stores very well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Simply place the cooled soup in an airtight container and refrigerate.
  • Freezing Taco Soup: If you want to store it for longer, taco soup freezes well. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Conclusion:

This Taco Soup is the ultimate comfort food — it’s filling, flavorful, and easy to prepare. With a blend of beans, seasoned ground beef, and a zesty ranch dressing mix, this soup is bound to become a favorite in your household. Whether you serve it with classic toppings or get creative with your own additions, this taco soup is a customizable and satisfying dish perfect for busy days or weekend gatherings. Enjoy this simple, delicious meal all year round!

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