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Easy Kid-Approved Taco Soup Recipe (30 Minutes)

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This quick and easy taco soup comes together in about 30 minutes using simple pantry ingredients. It’s a family-friendly, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to please even picky eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
  • 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth, low-sodium)
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, Greek yogurt, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Brown the meat: Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once shimmering, add ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned all over, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Add diced onion to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the seasonings: Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and onion mixture. Stir well to coat evenly. Let cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Add the canned goods: Pour in drained and rinsed black beans, drained corn, undrained diced tomatoes, and undrained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. Stir until well combined.
  5. Add the broth: Pour in beef broth and stir again. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes.
  6. Taste and adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Add salt, chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to taste.
  7. Serve and garnish: Ladle hot soup into bowls. Let everyone top their own bowl with desired toppings.

Notes

For best flavor, don’t skip browning the meat and toasting the spices. Let the soup simmer longer if you have extra time for deeper flavor. Always drain and rinse beans to avoid a murky, starchy texture. For a thicker soup, mash some black beans before adding or stir in a cornstarch slurry. This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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