Taco Soup with ground beef is one of those dishes that combines comfort and flavor in one bowl. It’s a delightful and hearty meal that satisfies your cravings for something warm, savory, and just a little bit spicy. Taco Soup is perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, or meal prep for the week. It’s incredibly easy to make, customizable based on your tastes, and best of all, it’s a great way to get your taco fix without actually making tacos.
In this detailed guide, we’re diving deep into how you can make the best taco soup with ground beef. We’ll cover everything from the essential ingredients to cooking tips, plus some fun variations to try. So, let’s get started and elevate your soup game to a whole new level.
8 Can Taco Soup With Ground Beef Recipe
This 8 Can Taco Soup is the kind of dish you can throw together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The soup is bursting with flavor thanks to a blend of spices, ground beef, and canned ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. It’s also an excellent choice for meal prepping, as the flavors continue to meld together the longer it sits.
Here’s the basic recipe for a savory, flavorful 8 Can Taco Soup with Ground Beef.
Ingredients Needed
Let’s talk about the ingredients that make this soup so irresistible. Each component contributes to the soup’s savory depth, and while most of them are canned, you can still mix in some fresh items to boost flavor and texture.
Ground Beef (1 Lb)
- Why it’s essential: The ground beef is the heart of this recipe, providing the rich, meaty base that gives the soup substance and flavor. You can also swap ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
Onion (1 Medium, Diced)
- Why it’s essential: Onions provide that essential sweet, savory undertone that sets the flavor profile for the entire soup. They also add a bit of crunch before they soften during cooking.
Canned Tomatoes (1 Can, 14.5 Oz Diced)
- Why it’s essential: Tomatoes bring acidity and juiciness to the dish, balancing out the richness of the ground beef. The canned version makes it easy and convenient without sacrificing taste.
Canned Corn (1 Can, 15 Oz)
- Why it’s essential: Corn adds a slight sweetness and a pop of color to the soup, while also giving the texture some variety. It also helps fill out the soup without being overwhelming.
Canned Black Beans (1 Can, 15 Oz, Drained And Rinsed)
- Why it’s essential: Black beans are a great source of fiber and protein, which makes the soup more filling and hearty. They also provide an earthy, slightly nutty flavor.
Canned Kidney Beans (1 Can, 15 Oz, Drained And Rinsed)
- Why it’s essential: Kidney beans complement the black beans in terms of texture and flavor. The slight sweetness of kidney beans enhances the richness of the beef and the spices.
Taco Seasoning Packet (1 Packet, About 1 Oz)
- Why it’s essential: Taco seasoning is what gives the soup its signature taco flavor. It’s a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika, giving the soup a warm, zesty kick.
Canned Rotel (or Diced Green Chilies) (1 Can, 10 Oz)
- Why it’s essential: Rotel or diced green chilies adds the perfect amount of spice and tanginess. It also brings in that signature Tex-Mex flair that takes this soup from average to extraordinary.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s get cooking. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to prepare, and you don’t need to be a culinary expert to make it taste fantastic.
Step-by-Step Process
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Brown The Ground Beef
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat.
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Sauté The Onion
- Add the diced onion to the pot with the beef and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step allows the onions to meld with the beef and release their flavors.
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Add The Canned Ingredients
- To the beef and onion mixture, add all the canned ingredients (tomatoes, corn, black beans, kidney beans, and Rotel). Stir everything together to combine.
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Season The Soup
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning packet over the soup and stir well. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, and if you like your soup extra spicy, feel free to throw in some hot sauce or extra chili powder.
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Simmer
- Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat, then lower the heat and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. This gives the flavors time to marry and allows the soup to thicken slightly.
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Serve And Enjoy
- Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve with your favorite taco toppings. Crumbled tortilla chips, shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or avocado all make great additions.
Ingredient Insights
Understanding the role each ingredient plays in the soup is key to elevating your cooking game. Let’s dive deeper into the ingredients to highlight their importance and any potential substitutions.
Ground Beef
- Fat Content: If you want a leaner soup, go for 90% lean ground beef. If you’re craving something richer, 80% lean will give you more flavor. You can also swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option.
Canned Beans
- Rinsing and Draining: Be sure to rinse your beans before adding them to the soup. This removes the canning liquid, which can be overly salty or starchy and may affect the soup’s texture and flavor.
Rotel And Green Chilies
- Spice Level: Rotel tomatoes come in mild, medium, or hot versions. If you prefer a milder soup, opt for the mild version. If you’re looking to add a little extra heat, go for medium or hot.
Expert Tips
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even fresh jalapeños for extra kick.
- Make it Creamy: For a creamier texture, stir in a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- Double the Batch: This soup stores and reheats wonderfully, so make extra to have leftovers for the week. It actually gets better after a day or two as the flavors meld together.
- Top it Right: Top your soup with crumbled tortilla chips, shredded cheese, a squeeze of lime, or chopped fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor.
Recipe Variations
Taco Soup is incredibly versatile. Here are a few fun ways to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:
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Vegetarian Taco Soup
- Simply swap the ground beef for extra beans (black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas) and add more vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or zucchini.
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Chicken Taco Soup
- Replace the ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter, protein-packed alternative.
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Spicy Taco Soup
- Add diced jalapeños, more chili powder, or even a chipotle pepper for a smoky, spicy twist.
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Low-Carb Option
- Skip the beans and corn and load up on extra meat, vegetables, and cheese for a low-carb alternative.
Final Words
This 8 Can Taco Soup is an absolute game-changer when it comes to quick, comforting meals. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, with layers of flavor that make you want to go back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping, or hosting a gathering, this soup hits all the right notes.
The beauty of this recipe is how easily it can be adjusted to fit any taste preference or dietary need. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare, which makes it perfect for busy weeks when you still want a meal that feels like a treat.