This High-Protein Taco Soup is a hearty blend of beef, beans, and veggies in a zesty broth. It’s packed with flavor and protein, making it super satisfying!
You can’t go wrong with a bowl that feels like a warm hug! I love topping mine with some cheese and crunchy tortilla chips for the ultimate treat. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is great for this soup, but you can swap it with turkey for a lighter option. Ground chicken or plant-based crumbles work well too for a meat-free version.
Beans: Black beans bring a nice creaminess. If you prefer, kidney beans or pinto beans can easily be used instead. Just make sure they’re rinsed and drained!
Taco Seasoning: Pre-packaged taco seasoning is convenient, but I love making my own mix with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for freshness. Adjust the spices to suit your taste!
Broth: Chicken or beef broth enhances the flavor. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version, just be sure it’s flavorful enough.
How Do You Brown Ground Meat Properly?
Browning ground meat correctly adds depth of flavor to the soup. Here’s how to do it right!
- Use medium heat to allow the meat to brown evenly. If it’s too high, it may burn on the outside before cooking through.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this causes steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Break the meat apart as it cooks with a spatula for good caramelization.
This technique ensures a rich taste that enhances your whole soup! Enjoy making this flavorful, high-protein dish!
High-Protein Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup canned corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 25-30 minutes to cook and simmer. So, in total, you need around 40 minutes to enjoy this warm and hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks, until it’s browned all over, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned meat. Sauté everything for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
3. Spice It Up:
Next, stir in the taco seasoning, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure to mix it well so the meat and onions are nicely coated with the spices.
4. Add the Veggies and Broth:
Now it’s time to include the drained black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with all their juice), and the broth. Stir everything together to create a well-mixed soup base.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally so that the flavors meld together beautifully!
6. Final Taste Check:
After simmering, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed—maybe a little more salt or spices to suit your preferences!
7. Serve It Up:
Serve the soup hot in bowls and top it with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for that extra burst of flavor!
Enjoy this hearty, protein-packed taco soup that combines the rich flavors of tacos into a comforting bowl!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef and works wonderfully in this soup. Just follow the same cooking instructions and enjoy the lighter flavor!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can substitute the ground beef with a meat alternative like lentils or diced mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftover taco soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add any veggies you like, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Just chop them up and add them along with the other ingredients for a nutritious boost!
