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Fast & Easy Taco Soup - A Cozy, Weeknight Winner

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using lean meat)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 ounce) or 2–3 tablespoons homemade
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for extra warmth)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pinto or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained (or 1 cup frozen corn)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel or diced tomatoes with green chilies (mild or hot)
  • 3–4 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth (adjust for thickness)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for richness)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1/2 lime (optional, for brightness)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Shredded cheddar or pepper jack
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Sliced avocado
  • Crushed tortilla chips or strips
  • Green onions
  • Hot sauce

Method
 

  1. Warm the pot: Set a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil if using lean meat.
  2. Brown the meat: Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and cook until softened, 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  4. Season: Sprinkle in taco seasoning and cumin. Stir to coat the meat and onions so the spices bloom in the heat.
  5. Add the base: Stir in beans, corn, diced tomatoes, Rotel, tomato paste (if using), and 3 cups of broth.
  6. Simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if you want a thinner soup.
  7. Finish: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Squeeze in lime juice for brightness. Stir in cilantro if you like.
  8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings. Crushed tortilla chips add great crunch.