Taco soup is the ultimate comfort food-hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that hits the spot on a cold day, or anytime you’re craving something delicious that comes together easily. Taco soup blends the beloved flavors of a taco-seasoned beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes-into a cozy bowl of goodness. Best of all, it’s versatile, and you can add your own twist with different toppings or adjustments to the ingredients.

In this recipe, we’re diving deep into making a 7-can taco soup-a super simple, dump-and-cook recipe that makes meal prep a breeze. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or someone who likes to keep things minimal without sacrificing taste, this soup will quickly become your go-to. You get all the flavor you crave, and it’s ready in no time. Let’s dive into the details of this recipe, from the ingredients to tips, and everything in between.

7 Can Taco Soup Recipe

This 7-can taco soup recipe is a one-pot wonder, meaning you can throw everything into a pot and let it simmer while you take care of the rest. It’s minimal in preparation but rich in taste, and the best part? It’s made with pantry staples-canned ingredients that can be stored for long periods, which means you can always make it when you need a quick, comforting meal.

What makes this recipe stand out is the harmony of flavors that come from just seven cans of ingredients. These include a blend of tomatoes, beans, and corn, all seasoned with taco seasoning for that classic taco taste. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility-you can adjust the seasoning to your taste, add your favorite protein, or serve it with all your taco toppings like cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a breakdown of the seven cans you’ll need for the base of the soup:

  • 1 Can Of Diced Tomatoes (14.5 Oz)

    This is the heart of the soup, bringing in that essential tomato flavor and juicy base for the broth.

  • 1 Can Of Tomato Sauce (8 Oz)

    Adds a richer, thicker consistency to the soup. Tomato sauce provides depth and body to the broth.

  • 1 Can Of Black Beans (15 Oz)

    Black beans contribute protein and fiber, making the soup more filling. They also give a nice textural contrast.

  • 1 Can Of Kidney Beans (15 Oz)

    Kidney beans are another great source of protein and fiber. They complement the black beans, giving the soup a fuller, more satisfying texture.

  • 1 Can Of Corn (15 Oz)

    Sweet corn adds a touch of sweetness and balances the savory flavors in the soup, while also providing a nice crunch in every bite.

  • 1 Can Of Diced Green Chilies (4 Oz)

    These bring a subtle heat to the soup, without overpowering it. You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer chilies, depending on your preference.

  • 1 Can Of Beef Broth (15 Oz)

    Beef broth is key to providing the savory, umami flavor that binds all the ingredients together. It enhances the richness of the soup, making it more satisfying.

Additionally, you’ll need a packet of taco seasoning-you can either use store-bought seasoning or make your own if you prefer.

Cooking Instructions

Here’s the step-by-step process to bring this taco soup to life:

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients

    Open all your cans and drain the beans and corn. You’ll want to keep the liquid from the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth, as this will form the base of your soup. If you’re using a homemade taco seasoning, gather that too.

  2. Heat Your Pot

    In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, add your beef broth and the canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. This forms the base of the soup and will give it a rich, flavorful start.

  3. Add The Rest Of The Canned Ingredients

    Stir in the tomato sauce, black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced green chilies. Don’t forget to add the taco seasoning packet (or your homemade seasoning). Mix well to combine everything evenly.

  4. Simmer

    Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all the flavors to meld together and gives the beans and corn a chance to warm through and absorb the spices.

  5. Adjust Seasoning

    After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or hot sauce. If you want more tang, a squeeze of lime juice or a bit of salsa can do wonders.

  6. Serve

    Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls. This is when you can get creative with your toppings!

Ingredient Insights

Here’s a little more detail on why each ingredient is important:

  • Canned Beans

    Beans are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, making this soup not only filling but also a healthy option. Black beans have a smooth, creamy texture, while kidney beans are more firm and add a bit of chewiness to the dish.

  • Corn

    Canned corn is sweet and adds a lovely pop of color. It’s also packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. The sweetness balances the spicy flavors of the taco seasoning, creating a harmonious soup.

  • Taco Seasoning

    The seasoning is what gives the soup its taco-like flavor, infusing the entire dish with garlic, onion, chili, cumin, and paprika. This packet is a quick way to bring complex flavors into the soup without the need to mix individual spices.

  • Tomatoes And Tomato Sauce

    Tomatoes bring acidity and brightness to the soup. Tomato sauce adds a smooth consistency that rounds out the broth, making it rich and comforting.

  • Beef Broth

    Beef broth adds a deep, savory flavor, enriching the soup. It’s the secret ingredient that makes the soup taste like it’s been simmering for hours, even though it only takes about 30 minutes to cook.

Expert Tips

To elevate your taco soup, consider these tips:

  • Meat It Up

    If you want to make the soup heartier, add ground beef, turkey, or even chicken. Brown the meat in a skillet before adding it to the soup pot. This will give the soup an extra layer of flavor.

  • Top It Off

    The best part of taco soup is the toppings! Consider adding shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro. A squeeze of lime juice brightens the whole dish and adds a fresh pop of flavor.

  • Slow Cooker Option

    For even more convenience, you can dump all the ingredients into a slow cooker. Set it on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, and you’ll have a bubbling, flavorful soup with minimal effort.

  • Adjust Thickness

    If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a portion of the beans with a potato masher before stirring them into the soup. Alternatively, you can add a little extra tomato paste or cook the soup uncovered to reduce the liquid.

Recipe Variations

Taco soup is incredibly versatile, and you can customize it in many ways. Here are some variations to try:

  • Vegetarian Version

    Skip the beef broth and use vegetable broth instead. Add more beans, like pinto beans, black-eyed peas, or chickpeas, to make it filling. You can even add some extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes.

  • Spicy Kick

    If you love spice, stir in some diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can even top it off with spicy pickled onions or hot peppers for an extra fiery punch.

  • Creamy Taco Soup

    For a creamier texture, add a dollop of cream cheese or heavy cream into the soup just before serving. This gives the soup a rich, velvety mouthfeel and a slightly indulgent twist.

  • Chicken Taco Soup

    Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef, or even cook up some chicken breast and shred it into the soup. Chicken pairs wonderfully with the taco seasoning, and you get a lighter version of the soup without sacrificing flavor.

Final Words

The 7-can taco soup recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s quick, affordable, and most importantly, delicious. The soup is customizable to suit your tastes, and the variations you can try are endless.

If you’re looking for something to warm you up and satisfy your taco cravings, this is your answer. So, get your cans ready, and let the deliciousness begin!

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