This Black Bean Taco Soup is a hearty and tasty dish perfect for any night. With black beans, tomatoes, corn, and spices, it warms your belly and satisfies your cravings!
It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl! I love topping mine with cheese, sour cream, and some crunchy tortilla chips. Yum! You’ll want to make it again and again—it’s that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds a nice heartiness. For a healthier option, use ground turkey. You could also opt for plant-based meat alternatives if you want a vegetarian soup.
Black Beans: Rinsing beans cuts down on sodium and improves the flavor. If you don’t have black beans, kidney or pinto beans work well too!
Canned Diced Tomatoes: Choose fire-roasted tomatoes for extra flavor. Can’t find them? Regular diced tomatoes are just fine! You can also use fresh tomatoes during the summer months.
Corn: Fresh corn is sweet and crunchy, but canned or frozen corn works just as well. I often keep frozen corn on hand for quicker meals.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought is handy but homemade lets you control the spices. Feel free to adjust spices to your taste—a little extra chili powder is nice if you like more heat!
How Do I Properly Prepare the Ingredients for This Soup?
Preparation is key to a delicious soup! Start by dicing your onions and mincing the garlic; this helps to release their flavors when cooked.
- Heat olive oil in a pot, then add onions and sauté until translucent—this takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic just after the onions to avoid burning; it cooks quickly and adds depth to the flavor.
- Cook the ground beef until fully browned for a more satisfying texture; remember to drain excess fat to keep your soup lighter.
These steps set a solid flavor base for your Black Bean Taco Soup. Good preparation makes for a smoother and tastier cooking process!
How to Make Black Bean Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/4 tsp cayenne, salt and pepper to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Diced avocado
- Sliced green onions
- Tortilla chips
- Fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take around 10 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook. In total, you should be looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in the diced onion and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes softened and translucent. This step is important as it builds the flavor base of your soup.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn; garlic can turn bitter if cooked too long!
3. Brown the Meat:
Now, add the ground beef (or turkey) to the pot. Use a spoon to break it apart and cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink. If there’s too much fat, you might want to drain it to keep your soup lighter.
4. Seasoning Time:
Once the meat is cooked, sprinkle in the taco seasoning. Make sure to mix it well so that all the meat and onions get nicely coated with the spices!
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the black beans, diced tomatoes (including their juices), corn, tomato sauce, and broth to the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients together.
6. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld nicely together!
7. Taste and Adjust:
After simmering, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. This is your chance to make it just right!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Scoop the soup into bowls and serve it hot. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, sliced green onions, and crunchy tortilla chips if you like. Enjoy your cozy and delicious Black Bean Taco Soup!
Can I Use a Different Protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives for a lighter option. You can also use plant-based meat substitutes if you want a vegetarian or vegan soup.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply replace the ground meat with additional beans or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. You’ll still get a hearty and satisfying dish!
Can I Freeze Leftover Taco Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!
What Can I Use Instead of Taco Seasoning?
If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can make your own blend using spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste preferences!
