Taco Soup

Ingredients

2 tsp olive oil

1 1/4 lbs lean ground beef

1 medium yellow onion chopped (1 1/2 cups)

2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp)

1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped (optional)*

2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes with green chiles

1 (14 oz) can low-sodium beef broth

1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

1 Tbsp chili powder**

1 tsp ground cumin

3/4 tsp ground paprika

1/4 tsp dried oregano

1 1/2 Tbsp dry ranch dressing mix, or 1/3 cup chopped cilantro and 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice (see notes***)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 cups frozen corn

1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 (14.5 oz) can can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Toppings

Shredded Mexican blend cheese, chopped green or red onions, diced avocados and corn tortilla strips/chips

Instructions

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat drizzle lightly with oil.

Add ground beef in a large along with chopped onion, crumbling and stirring occasionally until browned.

Add jalapeno and garlic and saute 1 minute longer.

Drain excess fat from beef mixture.

Stir in tomatoes with chiles, beef broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, ranch dressing mix and season with salt and pepper to tastes.

Cover pot with lid and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add in corn, black beans and pinto beans and cook until heated through.

Add 1/2 cup water to thin soup if desired. Stir in cilantro and lime if using.

Serve warm finished with desired toppings.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef based on your dietary preferences or restrictions.

Is the jalapeno necessary, and can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?

The jalapeno is optional, and you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less depending on your taste preferences.

Alternatively, you can omit it for a milder version.

What can I use as a substitute for ranch dressing mix?

You can use a combination of chopped cilantro and fresh lime juice as an alternative to ranch dressing mix.

Adjust the quantities based on your taste.

Can I make Taco Soup ahead of time, and how should I store leftovers?

Yes, Taco Soup can be made ahead of time.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Are there vegetarian options for Taco Soup?

You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef and using vegetable broth.

Add extra beans or vegetables for a hearty and protein-packed alternative.

Can I freeze Taco Soup?

Yes, Taco Soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

What toppings are recommended for serving Taco Soup?

Common toppings include shredded Mexican blend cheese, chopped green or red onions, diced avocados, and corn tortilla strips or chips.

Customize with your favorite taco toppings.

Can I adjust the thickness of the soup?

Yes, you can adjust the thickness by adding water to the soup until you reach your desired consistency.

Start with 1/2 cup and add more if needed.

Are there alternative beans I can use in the soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different beans based on your preferences.

Kidney beans, navy beans, or other varieties can be used as alternatives to black and pinto beans.