There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially one that tastes like your favorite tacos. If you’re looking for a meal that is both easy to make and packed with flavor, you’ve come to the right place. This Taco Soup Recipe is a true crowd pleaser.
It is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug. It combines the zesty, savory notes of a taco with the wholesome goodness of a hearty soup. It is simple, satisfying, and comes together in just one pot. Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? First off, it is incredibly easy to make. We’re talking about a one pot meal, which means less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your dinner. It is a fantastic choice for a busy weeknight.
It is also super flexible. You can swap out the ground turkey for beef or chicken, or even go vegetarian with extra beans. The toppings are where you can really get creative. Think avocado, cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Everyone can build their own bowl.
Plus, this is a seriously Healthy Taco Soup. It is loaded with protein, fiber from the beans, and lots of veggies. You get all that delicious taco flavor without feeling weighed down. It is a meal you can feel good about serving to your family.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather to make this wonderful Turkey Taco Soup. The list might seem long, but it is mostly pantry staples and simple spices that create a deep, rich flavor.
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Onion, diced
- 1 Bell Pepper, diced
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. Ground Turkey
- 2 tsp. Cumin
- 2 tsp. smoked paprika
- ½ tsp. Goya Adobo Seasoning
- ½ tsp. Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp. Kosher Salt
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 2 (15 ounce) cans Black Beans, rinsed
- 2 cups Frozen Corn
- 4 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth
- 2 cup Crushed Tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp. Tomato Paste
- 1 tsp. Sugar
- Optional Toppings: Avocados, Queso Fresco, Cilantro, Limes, Tortilla Chips
Step By Step Instructions
Following these steps will give you a delicious bowl of soup every single time. This Taco Soup Stove Top method is straightforward and builds layers of flavor as you go.
Step 1: Sauté The Aromatics
First things first, grab a large Dutch oven or a heavy bottomed pot. Place it on your stove over medium high heat and add your olive oil. Once the oil shimmers a bit, it is ready.
Toss in your minced garlic, diced onions, and diced bell peppers. Let them cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring every now and then. Your kitchen is going to start smelling amazing. This step builds the foundation of flavor for our Taco Soup Recipe.
Step 2: Brown The Turkey With Taco Seasoning
Now add the ground turkey to the pot. As it starts to cook, use a wooden spoon to break it apart into smaller crumbles. This ensures it cooks evenly.
Sprinkle in all your seasonings: the cumin, smoked paprika, Adobo, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook and stir for about 7 to 8 minutes. You want to make sure the turkey is fully cooked through with no pink bits remaining.
Step 3: Add Black Beans And More
This is where it really starts to look like soup! Add the rinsed black beans and the frozen corn directly into the pot. No need to thaw the corn beforehand.
Next, pour in the low sodium chicken broth and the crushed tomatoes. Give everything a good stir to combine all those wonderful ingredients. The pot will be full of color and texture.
Step 4: Cook The Soup
Bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once you see bubbles, reduce the heat to low, so it maintains a steady simmer. Place a lid on the pot and let it cook for about 20 minutes. This gives all the flavors a chance to meld together beautifully.
After 20 minutes, remove the lid. Stir in the sugar and the tomato paste. The sugar helps balance the acidity from the tomatoes, and the tomato paste adds a rich depth. Let it simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes until the paste has fully dissolved into the soup.
Now is a good time to taste your creation. Does it need a little more salt? Maybe a bit more sugar? You are in control. Adjust the flavors until it tastes just right to you.
Step 5: Serve The Soup With Toppings
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Now for the fun part: the toppings! This is how you make each bowl special. Add some sliced avocado for creaminess, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for brightness, and some crumbled Queso Fresco.
A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving really wakes up all the flavors. And of course, serving with tortilla chips for dipping is always a great idea. Enjoy your homemade Turkey Taco Soup!
How To Store Leftovers
Got leftovers? You are in luck, because this soup tastes even better the next day. Make sure you let the soup cool down completely before you store it. This is an important step for food safety.
Once cooled, you can transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. It makes for an amazing quick lunch or an easy dinner later in the week.
This Taco Soup Recipe also freezes wonderfully. Pour the cooled soup into freezer safe bags or containers. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stove.
Tips
Want to make your soup even better? Here are a few simple tips. When choosing your ground turkey, go for a lean option like 90% lean or higher. This prevents the soup from becoming too greasy.
Don’t be afraid to switch up the beans. While the recipe calls for black beans, pinto beans or kidney beans would also be delicious. Use whatever you have on hand.
If you like your soup on the thicker side, you can add an extra tablespoon of tomato paste. If you prefer it thinner, a little more chicken broth or even some water will do the trick.
To add a little smoky heat, consider adding a pinch of chipotle powder along with the other spices. It gives the soup a lovely background warmth without being overly spicy.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying Taco Soup Recipe that is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. It is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table.
Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal for a chilly day, this soup delivers. It is a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors you love about tacos in a warm, comforting bowl. I hope you enjoy making and eating this Healthy Taco Soup as much as I do.
FAQ
Can I Make This Taco Soup Recipe In A Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! To adapt this for a slow cooker, first brown the turkey with the aromatics and seasonings on the stove as directed. Then, transfer the cooked meat mixture to your slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients, except for the tomato paste and sugar. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Stir in the tomato paste and sugar during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Is This Soup Spicy?
This version is quite mild and family friendly. The smoked paprika provides warmth but not a lot of heat. If you’d like to spice it up, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or some diced jalapeños along with the bell peppers.
What Can I Serve With This Turkey Taco Soup?
This soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs well with so many things! Warm corn tortillas or cornbread are great for soaking up the broth. You can also serve it with a side of Spanish rice or a simple green salad. And of course, chips with salsa and guacamole are always a winning combination.
How Do I Make This A Vegetarian Taco Soup?
Making a vegetarian version is easy. Simply omit the ground turkey and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To make it just as hearty, you can add an extra can of beans, like pinto or kidney beans, or even some lentils. A cup of cooked quinoa would also be a great addition for extra protein and texture.
Hearty Turkey Taco Soup
There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially one that tastes like your favorite tacos. This Hearty Turkey Taco Soup combines the zesty, savory notes of a taco with the wholesome goodness of a hearty soup. It’s simple, satisfying, and comes together in just one pot, making it a fantastic choice for a busy weeknight.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grab a large Dutch oven or a heavy bottomed pot. Add olive oil and heat over medium high heat until it shimmers.
- Toss in minced garlic, diced onions, and diced bell peppers. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the ground turkey to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart into smaller crumbles as it cooks.
- Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, Adobo, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook and stir for about 7 to 8 minutes, ensuring the turkey is fully cooked through.
- Add the rinsed black beans and frozen corn directly into the pot.
- Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and the crushed tomatoes. Stir everything to combine well.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Remove the lid, then stir in the sugar and tomato paste. Simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes until the paste has fully dissolved.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt or sugar to your preference.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Serve with optional toppings like sliced avocados, fresh cilantro, crumbled Queso Fresco, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and tortilla chips.
Notes
Make sure you let the soup cool down completely before you store it for food safety. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. This Taco Soup Recipe also freezes wonderfully; pour cooled soup into freezer safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove.
When choosing your ground turkey, go for a lean option like 90% lean or higher to prevent greasiness. Don’t be afraid to switch up the beans; pinto beans or kidney beans would also be delicious. If you like your soup on the thicker side, add an extra tablespoon of tomato paste; for thinner, add more chicken broth or water. To add a little smoky heat, consider adding a pinch of chipotle powder along with the other spices.
Nutrition
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