Hearty Tex-Mex Taco Soup (Print)

Hearty soup with seasoned beef, beans, corn, and bold Tex-Mex spices. Ready in 45 minutes for easy weeknight dinners.

# Components:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound ground beef

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Canned Goods

05 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
06 - 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
08 - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
09 - 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
10 - 4 cups chicken broth

→ Spices and Seasonings

11 - 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
15 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Optional Toppings

16 - Shredded cheddar cheese
17 - Sour cream
18 - Sliced jalapeños
19 - Chopped cilantro
20 - Sliced green onions
21 - Crushed tortilla chips or strips
22 - Lime wedges

# Directions:

01 - In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are softened.
03 - Stir in taco seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release the spice aromatics.
04 - Add black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
05 - Bring the soup to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and spices as needed.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls and serve hot with desired toppings.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than you'd think, making it perfect for those nights when hunger hits hard and time is short.
  • The leftovers somehow taste even better the next day, like the flavors got a chance to really get to know each other.
  • Everyone can build their own bowl with toppings, turning dinner into something interactive and fun without extra work from you.
02 -
  • Don't skip draining and rinsing your canned beans—that starchy liquid will make your soup cloudy and thick in an unpleasant way instead of hearty.
  • Blooming your dry spices for a full minute isn't just a nice idea; it's what separates soup that tastes like it came from a packet from soup that tastes like you actually cooked.
03 -
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before eating—it brightens everything and makes the soup taste more alive than you'd expect from such a small gesture.
  • If you like heat, use hot diced tomatoes with chilies and serve jalapeños on the side, letting people control their own spice level rather than making assumptions.
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