Frequently Asked Questions
What is 8 Can Taco Soup?
It is a quick and hearty meal made by combining eight specific canned ingredients with taco seasoning for a flavorful, easy-to-make soup.
How long does it take to make this soup?
This recipe is very fast, requiring only about 10 to 15 minutes of heating time once the ingredients are combined.
What are the 8 canned ingredients needed?
The ingredients include black beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, sweet corn, canned chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, green enchilada sauce, and chicken broth.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute the canned chicken with approximately 1.5 to 2 cups of cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken or boiled chicken breast.
Is this taco soup spicy?
The spice level is generally mild to medium, depending on the specific taco seasoning and green enchilada sauce you choose.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe yields approximately 7 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 186 calories.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth and cream of mushroom soup instead of the chicken versions.
Should I drain the canned beans and corn?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends draining and rinsing the black beans and pinto beans, and draining the corn and tomatoes.
What toppings go well with 8 Can Taco Soup?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado, and sliced jalapeรฑos.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. You can combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and heat on low for 2-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To ensure it is gluten-free, you must verify that your taco seasoning and cream of chicken soup are certified gluten-free, as these often contain wheat thickeners.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What side dishes pair well with this?
Tortilla chips are the classic choice, but it also goes great with cornbread, a side salad, or cheese quesadillas.
Can I use red enchilada sauce instead of green?
Yes, red enchilada sauce works well and will provide a slightly different, more earthy pepper flavor.
How do I reduce the sodium in this recipe?
Use 'low sodium' or 'no salt added' versions of the canned beans, tomatoes, broth, and chicken, and look for a low-sodium taco seasoning packet.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, diced bell peppers, onions, or even zucchini make great additions to this soup.
What if I don't have a packet of taco seasoning?
You can make your own by mixing chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?
Yes, you can use 1 pound of browned and drained ground beef in place of the canned chicken breasts.
Is this soup high in fiber?
Yes, thanks to the black beans, pinto beans, and corn, it provides about 5.7g of fiber per serving.
Do I need to boil the soup?
No, you only need to heat it through over medium heat until it is hot, which usually takes 10-15 minutes.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, use the 'Sautรฉ' function to heat the ingredients until warm, or the 'Manual' setting for 0 minutes just to pressure-seal and heat.
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, you can substitute one 15-ounce can of corn with about 1.5 to 2 cups of frozen corn.
How can I make the soup creamier?
Stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese or a half-cup of heavy cream during the last few minutes of heating.
What size cans are needed?
Most cans are the standard 14 to 15-ounce size, and the chicken is a 12.5-ounce can.
Is this a good meal-prep recipe?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as the flavors often deepen and improve the next day.
Can I use black-eyed peas or kidney beans?
Yes, any canned bean of your choice can be substituted for the black or pinto beans.
Does it matter what kind of chicken broth I use?
Any chicken broth or stock works; bone broth can also be used for extra protein.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
Simply add a little more chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.