Taco Soup: A Cozy Family Favorite for Chilly Nights
How to Make Taco Soup: A Hearty, One-Pot Wonder for Busy Weeknights
My family loves when I cook Taco Soup for dinner – it’s a staple in our household, especially during the colder months. This flavorful, comforting soup is a perfect blend of taco seasonings, ground or shredded chicken, beans, and veggies, all in one delicious pot.
My children can’t get enough of it, and I love how easily it comes together. Whether we’re gathering around the table for a family dinner or serving a crowd on game night, Taco Soup always hits the spot.
What is Taco Soup?
Taco Soup is a hearty, comforting soup that combines the flavors of tacos with the warmth of a soup.
Made with ground beef,turkey or chicken, beans, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and taco seasonings, This soup is an Asian twist on traditional taco flavors.
It’s a perfect fusion of Mexican and American cuisine, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Origins and Evolution of Taco Soup
Taco Soup originated in the southwestern United States, where tacos and Mexican cuisine are incredibly popular. The dish has evolved over time, with various regional twists and ingredient additions.
Some attribute its creation to the Tex-Mex movement of the 1960s and 1970s, while others claim it’s a variation of traditional Mexican soups like Pozole.
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Why Taco Soup Became a Comfort Food Favorite
In many American households, Taco Soup is a beloved comfort food, often served during family gatherings, game nights, or cozy evenings.
Its warm, inviting aroma fills the home, making everyone feel welcome and cozy. It’s also a popular choice for potlucks, parties, and community events.
Gluten-free Option For Taco Soup
Gluten-free taco soup is a tasty option for those avoiding gluten. Use gluten-free broth, beans, and vegetables, ensuring that the taco seasoning is also gluten-free.
Corn is naturally gluten-free, so incorporating corn kernels adds flavor and texture.
With these ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying taco soup that fits into a gluten-free diet!
Ingredients For Taco Soup
- 1.5 lb ground chicken / or beef– I prefer using lean chicken for a lighter dish, but you can use 85-90% lean chicken for a balance of flavor and juiciness.
- 1 large onion, diced– Onions add a sweet and savory base to the dish, and dicing them ensures they cook down evenly, blending smoothly with the chicken and other ingredients for a well-rounded flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced– Fresh minced garlic brings a sharp, aromatic flavor to the dish, enhancing the savory profile of the chicken and beans. Feel free to add more if you love a garlicky kick!
- 1 packet taco seasoning– A convenient blend of spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder, taco seasoning gives the dish its signature Tex-Mex flavor. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes– These juicy tomatoes provide acidity and sweetness. Opt for fire-roasted or seasoned tomatoes if you want an extra layer of flavor.
- Tomato Puree or paste (optional)– Add 1 tablespoons of tomato puree or 1/2 cup tomato paste to enhance the flavor and achieve a thicker, richer texture.
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed– Kidney beans are hearty and absorb the spices beautifully, adding a meaty texture to the dish while also making it more filling.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed– Black beans add a slightly softer texture and a mild earthy flavor, complementing the kidney beans and giving the dish extra protein and fiber.
- 1 can (14.5oz) sweet corn, drained and rinsed – adds a touch of sweetness, color, and texture to the soup.”
- 4 cup chicken broth– Chicken broth deepens the dish’s flavor. It also helps keep everything moist and well-combined.
- Salt and pepper, to taste– These essential seasonings bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients. Adjust them to your liking, but be cautious if your taco seasoning already contains salt.
- Cumin powder & Chaat Masala: Cumin powder and chaat masala add a flavorful Asian twist to the recipe, enhancing the depth of spices. These ingredients bring a bold and tangy kick that elevates the dish.
- Optional toppings– Add shredded cheese for a creamy, rich topping, sour cream for a tangy contrast, diced avocado for a smooth texture, tortilla chips for crunch, diced onions for a fresh bite, and cilantro for a hint of brightness. These toppings can elevate the dish and let you customize each serving!
How to Make Taco Soup
Saute Chicken & Onions:
To start, heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil (optional) to prevent sticking.
Carefully add the ground chicken or beef to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes.
Then, add the ginger garlic paste and chopped onion and sauté for another couple of minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Add Tomato Puree/paste:
Add fresh tomato paste or tomato puree into the saute chicken along with cumin powder and chaat masala. Stir into the mixture, and cook for a minute or two to meld the flavors.
Add the Remaining Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the remaining ingredients, kidney beans, black beans, corn, salt and pepper, tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Then pour in the chicken broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce heat to low-med. Allow the soup to simmer, covered or uncovered, for 20-30 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching. taste the soup and adjusts the spices (salt & Pepper).
As the flavors meld, the soup will thicken slightly.
Thicken the Soup(optional)
If you’d like the soup to be a bit thicker, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 1/4 cup of water and stir it into the soup.
Keep stirring continuously and let it cook for 2 minutes to reach the desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve:
Finally, remove the pot from heat. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnished with optional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, or tortilla chips, or chopped cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy.
Expert Tips
- You can use ground beef or ground turkey for a healthier option.
- Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for extra flavor.
- Experiment with different types of beans.
- Serve with a variety of toppings to let everyone customize.
- Add some heat with diced jalapenos or serrano peppers.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with roasted vegetables or textured vegetable protein.
- Try using different types of tomatoes, such as crushed or fire-roasted.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Leftover Taco Soup
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Freeze cooked soup up to 2 months. Reheat on stovetop or in microwave.
Freezing
- Cool soup completely before freezing.
- Divide into individual portions for easy reheating.
- Label and date containers for easy identification.
Reheating
- Reheat on stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reheat in microwave-safe containers, stirring every minute.
- Add a splash of water or broth if soup becomes too thick.
FAQs
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low 6-8 hours.
How spicy is it?
Mild, but adjust to taste.
Can I customize toppings?
Absolutely – get creative!
How many calories in a bowl of taco soup?
Approximately 250-400 calories per serving.
What can I use to thicken taco soup?
Cornstarch, flour, crushed tortilla chips, pureed beans, or shredded cheese.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, if using gluten-free taco seasoning.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, substitute ground beef with roasted vegetables or textured vegetable protein. What is taco soup made of?
Taco soup is made with ground beef or chicken, onions, garlic, taco seasoning, beans, tomatoes,corn (optional) and broth.
How to thicken taco soup without cornstarch?
To thicken taco soup without cornstarch, you can mash some beans, simmer the soup longer to reduce the liquid, or add tomato paste or crushed tortilla chips.
What if my taco soup is too thick?
If your taco soup is too thick, add more broth, water, or tomato sauce to thin it out until you reach the desired consistency.
How to Make Taco Soup With Chicken
Description
Taco Soup is a hearty, one-pot dish packed with ground beef, beans, and veggies, seasoned with bold taco flavors. Quick to make and perfect for busy nights or gatherings, it’s a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easily customizable with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients for Chicken Taco Soup:
Instructions :
How to make Chicken Taco Soup:
-
Sauté the Chicken :
- To start, heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking.
-
Carefully add the ground chicken / ground beef to the pot along with ginger garlic paste, sauté for 5-7 minutes.
-
Add diced onion:
- Stir in the chopped onion and then sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, until they soften and become translucent.
-
Add add tomato purree:
- Â Add fresh tomato paste or tomato puree into the saute chicken along with cumin powder and chaat masala.
- Stir into the mixture, and cook for a minute or two to meld the flavors.
-
Add Remaining Ingredients:
- Now it's time to add the remaining ingredients, kidney beans, black beans, corn, salt and pepper, tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Then pour in the chicken broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
-
Once boiling, reduce heat to low-med. Allow the soup to simmer, covered or uncovered, for 20-30 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching. taste the soup and adjusts the spices(salt & Pepper).
-
As the flavors meld, the soup will thicken slightly.
-
Thicken the Soup (optional)
- If you'd like the soup to be a bit thicker, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 1/4 cup of water and stir it into the soup.
- Keep stirring continuously and let it cook for 2 minutes to reach the desired consistency.
-
Garnish and serve:
- Finally, remove the pot from heat. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with optional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, or tortilla chips.Serve hot and enjoy.
-
Season and Serve:
- Â Pour in the chicken broth. Add the soy sauce and rice vinegar. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low-med. Allow the soup to simmer, covered or uncovered, for 20-30 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching. taste the soup and adjusts the spices(salt & Pepper). As the flavors meld, the soup will thicken slightly.
-
Garnish and Serve:
Finally, remove the pot from heat. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, or tortilla chips.
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Cholesterol 60mg20%
- Sodium 450mg19%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Weight Watchers can enjoy the soup without thickening it; simply simmer it longer or mash some beans with a spatula to achieve a thicker consistency.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, dissolve 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Gradually stir the slurry into the soup while simmering, and cook for a few more minutes until the soup thickens to your desired consistency.
- For gluten free option: Use gluten free taco seasonings and other ingredients.
