Are you looking for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner recipe that everyone will love? Look no further than this hearty and flavorful Taco Soup! Packed with ground beef, veggies, and bold flavors from taco seasoning and ranch, this soup will surely become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy weeknight dinner or a party gathering, this recipe is perfect for all occasions. Plus, we’ll include keto and low-carb variations to suit different dietary preferences!
Why Taco Soup Is the Perfect Dinner Choice
Not only is taco soup incredibly tasty, but it’s also a time-saver. With just one pot and a few basic ingredients, you can create a meal that’s both hearty and nutritious. Best of all, this recipe can easily be adjusted to fit keto, low-carb, or even vegetarian diets. Serve it with toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or jalapenos to add even more flavor!
Ingredients for Taco Soup
Here’s a list of all the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this fantastic taco soup:
- 1 pound of ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 can of black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 1 can of kidney beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 1 can of corn (15 oz), drained
- 2 cans of diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel, 10 oz each)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 packets of taco seasoning
- 1 packet of dry ranch dressing mix
- 4 cups of beef broth or water (for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sour cream, shredded cheese, jalapenos for garnish
Instructions for Making Taco Soup
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up into small pieces as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease.
- Add the Veggies and Seasoning: After draining the beef, add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Then, toss in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning packets, and ranch dressing mix.
- Pour in the Broth: Add the beef broth (or water) to the mixture. Stir everything well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sour cream, shredded cheese, and jalapenos if desired. Enjoy your delicious, homemade taco soup!
Cooking Notes
- Ground Beef Substitution: If you want a leaner option, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. The flavors will still be just as amazing.
- Make It Spicy: Add a can of diced jalapenos or an extra packet of spicy taco seasoning for a soup with a kick!
- Cooking Time: While the recipe calls for a 30-45 minute simmer, the longer you let it cook, the more flavorful the soup becomes.
Keto Version of Taco Soup
If you’re following a keto diet, here’s how you can enjoy taco soup without going over your carb limit:
- Replace the Beans: Beans are high in carbs, so omit the black and kidney beans and add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cauliflower.
- Use Heavy Cream: For a creamier version, stir in some heavy cream instead of using beans or corn.
- Check the Broth: Make sure your beef broth is low in carbs and sugar-free.
Low-Carb Version of Taco Soup
If you’re aiming for a low-carb, but not necessarily keto-friendly, version of taco soup, follow these adjustments:
- Reduce the Beans: Instead of completely eliminating the beans, cut the amount in half.
- Corn: While corn has carbs, you can use only half the can or omit it entirely.
- Bulk Up with Veggies: Add more low-carb vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or green beans.
Taco Soup Variations
- Vegetarian Taco Soup: To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the meat and replace the beef broth with vegetable broth. You can add extra beans or even tofu for a protein boost.
- Chicken Taco Soup: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter, yet equally flavorful version.
- Slow Cooker Option: Want to make this in a slow cooker? Brown the ground beef first, then add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I freeze taco soup?
Yes! Taco soup freezes exceptionally well. Simply let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
2. How do I reheat taco soup?
To reheat, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up on the stove over medium heat. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl for 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
3. What toppings go well with taco soup?
Sour cream, shredded cheese, jalapenos, diced avocado, and tortilla strips are all excellent toppings that pair well with taco soup.
4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Taco soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Prepare it a day ahead and simply reheat it when ready to serve.
5. Is taco soup gluten-free?
As long as you use gluten-free taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Taco Soup is Your New Go-To Meal
There you have it – a delicious, easy, and versatile taco soup recipe that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family dinner, a keto-friendly option, or a comforting dish to warm you up, this taco soup has you covered. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. Plus, with its high search volume and potential for high CPC (Cost Per Click) Adsense keywords like “easy dinner recipes,” “keto taco soup,” and “low-carb soups,” this post is perfect for your blog and your readers. Try this recipe today and discover your new favorite soup!
