This Spicy Taco Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tasty ground beef, zesty beans, and a mix of spices, it packs a flavorful punch that’s sure to make you smile.
It’s super easy to whip up, and I love adding cheese on top for an extra treat. Perfect for chilly days or when you just need a quick and hearty meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using lean ground beef for this soup, but you can also try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you want a vegetarian twist, use lentils or crumbled tofu as a substitute.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add a lot of flavor. If you prefer fresh, use 4-5 medium tomatoes, chopped. You can also use fire-roasted tomatoes for a unique smoky taste.
Black Beans: Canned black beans are convenient, but if you have dried beans, just soak and cook them beforehand. You can also swap in kidney beans or pinto beans if that’s what you have.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought seasoning is quick, but homemade is easy too! Mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, and a pinch of salt to taste. Adjust based on how spicy you want it.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup Has Great Flavor?
Great flavor comes from combining your ingredients and seasoning properly. Start by browning the ground beef well; that caramelization adds depth. Don’t rush when cooking the onions and garlic—the longer they cook, the sweeter they get!
- Cook onions until they’re soft and slightly golden. This step is crucial for adding flavor.
- Adjust the spices to your liking. If you want more kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh jalapeños.
- Simmer for a while. Letting it sit on low heat helps the flavors blend beautifully.
Enjoy making this deliciously spicy taco soup!
How to Make Spicy Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnishes:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Spicy Taco Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s fully browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up as it cooks. Once it’s done, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Next, add the diced onion to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes until it softens. Then, sprinkle in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. This step will bring out great flavors and aromas!
3. Add the Other Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, corn, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot. Give everything a good stir until it’s well combined.
4. Season the Soup:
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, crushed red pepper flakes, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything to make sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the soup.
5. Simmer:
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. This simmering time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating that rich taco taste!
6. Taste and Adjust:
After simmering, give the soup a taste and adjust the seasonings if you want more spice or salt.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot in bowls and top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños for extra heat, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Enjoy every warm and spicy spoonful!
Dig into this hearty Spicy Taco Soup, and let the flavors take you on a delicious journey! Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great lean alternative. Just be aware that they may require a little less cooking time, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by swapping out the ground beef for lentils, crumbled tofu, or a meat substitute like tempeh. You’ll want to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth as well!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove. If it thickens too much, add a bit of extra broth or water while reheating.
Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh jalapeños or chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. You can also experiment with spicier taco seasoning blends!
