Quick and Hearty Taco Soup
This Quick and Hearty Taco Soup is a delightful fusion of flavors that’s perfect for busy weeknights. By combining the best elements from multiple recipes, I've crafted this one-pot meal that’s not only simple to prepare but also packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant tastes. The rich blend of ground beef, hearty beans, succulent tomatoes, and zesty seasonings creates a soul-warming dish that is sure to satisfy your family and friends. Top it off with fresh avocado, crispy cheese, and a dollop of creamy sour cream for an indulgent experience that transcends a regular soup. It's an easy way to bring a taste of Tex-Mex to your dinner table!
10
Servings
250
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
hamburger
1 lb (ground beef)
onion
1 small (diced)
taco seasoning
1 packet (1 1/4 ounces) (dry mix)
ranch dressing mix
1 packet (1 ounce) (dry mix)
water
1 cup (add to pot)
kidney beans
1 can (15 ounces) (drained and rinsed)
black beans
1 can (15 ounces) (drained and rinsed)
pinto beans
1 can (15 ounces) (drained and rinsed)
diced tomatoes
2 cans (15 ounces each) (undrained)
chilies
1 can (4 ounces) (diced (or diced jalapeños for spicier flavor))
frozen corn
1 cup (add directly to pot)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat over medium-high heat and add the ground hamburger and diced onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Stir in the taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix, along with 1 cup of water. Mix well to combine and allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
3
Add the kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), chilies, and frozen corn to the pot. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
4
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
If you need to hold the soup, lower the heat to low to keep it warm until you're ready to serve.
6
Serve the soup hot, topped with diced avocado, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream to enhance the flavors.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
25g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quick and Hearty Taco Soup?
It is a flavorful one-pot meal that combines ground beef, three types of beans, tomatoes, and zesty seasonings like taco and ranch mix for a soul-warming Tex-Mex dish.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 10 servings, making it ideal for a large family meal or leftovers.
What type of meat should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground hamburger beef.
How long does it take to brown the meat and onions?
It takes approximately 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent.
What seasonings are used in this taco soup?
The dish is seasoned with one packet of taco seasoning (1 1/4 ounces) and one packet of ranch dressing mix (1 ounce).
Do I need to add water to the soup?
Yes, you add 1 cup of water when stirring in the taco and ranch seasonings.
What types of beans are included in this recipe?
The recipe uses three types of beans: kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans.
Should the beans be drained before adding them to the pot?
Yes, the kidney, black, and pinto beans should all be drained and rinsed.
Do I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, the two 15-ounce cans of diced tomatoes should be added undrained, using the juice for the soup base.
How long should the soup simmer?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes.
What are the recommended toppings for this soup?
For the best experience, top the hot soup with diced avocado, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
Can I make this soup spicier?
Yes, you can substitute the canned chilies with diced jalapeños for a spicier flavor profile.
How many calories are in one serving of this taco soup?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
This soup provides 17.5g of protein per serving.
How many grams of fat are in a serving?
There are 8g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is a One Dish Meal where all ingredients are cooked in a single large pot.
Can I use frozen corn in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of frozen corn to be added directly to the pot.
How many cans of tomatoes do I need?
You will need two 15-ounce cans of diced tomatoes.
What size can of chilies is required?
The recipe uses one 4-ounce can of diced chilies.
How can I keep the soup warm if I'm not ready to serve it?
You can lower the heat to the lowest setting to hold the soup at a warm temperature until serving.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is designed as a quick meal that is simple to prepare for busy schedules.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be small and diced before being added to the pot.
What size are the bean cans?
The recipe uses 15-ounce cans for the kidney, black, and pinto beans.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
While the exact fiber count isn't specified, the soup is described as packed with fiber due to the three types of beans and corn.
Does the recipe use dry or liquid seasoning mixes?
It uses dry mixes for both the taco seasoning and the ranch dressing mix.
What cuisine style does this soup fall under?
This is a Tex-Mex style soup.
How many ingredients are in this soup?
There are 11 main ingredients including meat, vegetables, beans, and seasonings.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to brown the hamburger and diced onion in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Can I use fresh jalapeños?
Yes, diced jalapeños can be used as a substitute for canned chilies if you prefer a spicier flavor.