This spicy taco soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with beans, ground meat, and zesty spices, it’s great for chilly nights or when you just want something cozy.
You can top it with cheese, sour cream, or crunchy tortilla chips—yum! I personally love making it on Sundays so I can enjoy leftovers all week. It’s a win-win! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using ground beef for its rich flavor. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey works well too! You could also use plant-based meat for a vegetarian twist.
Beans: Black beans add great texture and protein. If you don’t have black beans, kidney beans or pinto beans are nice alternatives.
Broth: Beef broth adds depth to the soup. Chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used if you prefer, or if that’s what you have on hand.
Taco Seasoning: While store-bought is super convenient, you can make your own mix with spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika. This way, you can control the spice level!
Cayenne Pepper: This adds a kick! If you prefer milder soup, start with a pinch and adjust to taste. You can also skip it altogether if spice isn’t your thing.
How Do You Make Ground Beef Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking ground beef properly is key to avoiding a tough texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium heat for even cooking. Too high can burn the outside while keeping it raw inside.
- Break up the meat with a spoon. This helps it cook evenly and makes it easier to mix with other ingredients.
- Cook until it’s browned all over with no pink spots. This ensures it’s safe to eat and stays tender.
Let it rest a bit before serving, as it helps retain juices and flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Build Flavor in Soups?
Building flavor in soup is much like singing a song; every note counts! Here’s how to do it:
- Sautéing the onion and garlic first releases their flavors. Don’t skip this step!
- Season the beef when it’s cooking. It helps infuse the spices into the meat.
- Let the soup simmer. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together. Aim for at least 25-30 minutes!
Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end to keep things fresh!
How to Make Spicy Taco Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to desired spice level)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Toppings:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Tortilla chips (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Spicy Taco Soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This helps build a great flavor base for your soup.
2. Add Garlic and Beef:
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring often to avoid burning. Then, throw in the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s browned with no pink left. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep your soup nice and light.
3. Spice It Up:
Mix in the taco seasoning, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well so the meat is evenly coated in those tasty spices.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the remaining ingredients! Pour in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is combined.
5. Bring to a Boil:
Increase the heat until the soup comes to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. This will help all the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Final Touches:
After simmering, give the soup a taste. Adjust seasoning if needed with more salt, pepper, or spice according to your preference.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your hot spicy taco soup in bowls. Top with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and some chopped cilantro. If you’d like, add crunchy tortilla chips on the side or crushed on top for extra fun!
Enjoy your comforting and delicious Spicy Taco Soup! It’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want to warm up with something tasty! 🌶️😊
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just follow the same cooking instructions, and you’ll have a delicious and slightly healthier soup.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder soup, simply reduce the cayenne pepper and omit the crushed red pepper flakes. You can also serve the soup with sour cream on the side, which helps cool it down if it’s too spicy for your taste.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the ground meat with a plant-based meat substitute or skip it altogether. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If it thickens too much, add a bit of broth or water to loosen it up.