Hearty Taco Soup with Crispy Tortilla Strips
Inspired by classic Southern flavors, this Hearty Taco Soup with Crispy Tortilla Strips combines the boldness of taco seasoning and the richness of ground beef with a medley of beans and tomatoes. The addition of beer adds depth and an unexpected twist to this comforting dish, while the crispy tortilla strips provide a satisfying crunch. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this soul-warming soup can be prepared in just over an hour, and it’s easily customizable based on your preferences. For a quick version, feel free to forgo making the tortillas and simply use store-bought tortilla chips for a delectable topping.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
pinto beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
corn
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
green beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
ranch-style beans
1 (15 ounce) can (undrained)
stewed tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (undrained)
beer
1 (12 ounce) bottle (none)
diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 (10 ounce) can (none)
dry ranch dressing mix
1 (1 3/4 ounce) envelope (none)
taco seasoning mix
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package (none)
corn tortillas
5 (cut into strips)
salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat until browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
2
Add the rinsed pinto beans, corn, green beans, ranch-style beans, stewed tomatoes, beer, diced tomatoes with green chilies, dry ranch dressing mix, and taco seasoning mix to the pot with the beef. Stir well to combine.
3
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while the soup is simmering.
5
While the soup simmers, prepare the tortilla strips. Using kitchen shears, cut the corn tortillas into thin strips.
6
Arrange the tortilla strips on a baking sheet, spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray, and season with a pinch of salt.
7
Bake the tortilla strips in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or until they are crisp and lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
8
Once the soup has finished simmering, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. Serve the soup in bowls, garnished with the crispy tortilla strips for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Taco Soup with Crispy Tortilla Strips?
It is a comforting dish inspired by classic Southern flavors that combines ground beef, beans, tomatoes, taco seasoning, and a hint of beer for depth.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean ground beef.
How should the ground beef be prepared?
The ground beef should be cooked over medium heat until browned and no longer pink, then drained of excess fat.
What types of beans are included in the soup?
The soup includes pinto beans, green beans, and ranch-style beans.
Do I need to drain all the canned beans?
No, while the pinto beans should be rinsed and drained, the ranch-style beans should be used undrained.
What kind of tomatoes are required?
The recipe uses both stewed tomatoes and diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Is beer a necessary ingredient?
The recipe includes one 12-ounce bottle of beer to add depth and an unexpected twist to the flavor.
What packaged seasoning mixes are used?
The soup uses one envelope of dry ranch dressing mix and one package of taco seasoning mix.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer uncovered for 30 minutes after being brought to a boil.
Should the soup be covered while simmering?
No, the instructions specify simmering the mixture uncovered.
At what temperature should I bake the tortilla strips?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the homemade tortilla strips?
Cut five corn tortillas into thin strips using kitchen shears, arrange them on a baking sheet, and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
How long do the tortilla strips take to bake?
They take about 5 minutes, or until they are crisp and lightly golden.
Can I use a substitute for the homemade tortilla strips?
Yes, for a quicker version, you can use store-bought tortilla chips as a topping.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients listed in the recipe.
Is this soup considered a Mexican-style dish?
Yes, it is tagged as Mexican and includes classic taco ingredients.
What tools are recommended for cutting the tortillas?
Kitchen shears are recommended for cutting the corn tortillas into thin strips.
Do I need to rinse the corn?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the corn should be rinsed and drained.
How do I season the tortilla strips?
Season them with a pinch of salt before baking.
When should I adjust the salt in the soup?
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt once the soup has finished simmering.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends.
What kind of texture do the tortilla strips add?
The crispy tortilla strips provide a satisfying crunch and added texture to the soup.
Is there any preparation needed for the canned green beans?
Yes, the canned green beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the pot.
How much taco seasoning is used?
The recipe calls for one 1 1/4 ounce package of taco seasoning mix.
What size are the stewed tomatoes?
The recipe uses a 14 1/2 ounce can of stewed tomatoes.
Does the soup contain green chilies?
Yes, it uses a 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
What is the heat setting for browning the beef?
The ground beef should be cooked over medium heat.
How long does the entire meal take to prepare?
The soup can be prepared in just over an hour.
What is the primary vegetable medley in this soup?
The medley consists of pinto beans, corn, green beans, and tomatoes.
Is this soup considered 'comfort food'?
Yes, it is tagged and described as a heart-warming comfort food dish.