There are some nights when you just need a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. You know the feeling, right? Something easy, delicious, and satisfying for the whole family. Well, let me introduce you to your new favorite recipe.
This simple Taco Soup is everything you could want in a weeknight dinner. It’s loaded with flavor, comes together in one pot, and is incredibly easy to customize. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? This recipe is a true winner for so many reasons. First off, it’s incredibly simple to make. Even if you are a beginner in the kitchen, you can tackle this dish with confidence. It is a one pot wonder.
It is also a huge time saver. From start to finish, you can have a steaming bowl of delicious Taco Soup on the table in about 30 minutes. That makes it a fantastic option for those busy evenings when time is short.
The flavors are just amazing. It has all the classic taco tastes we all love, but served up in a comforting soup form. It’s savory, a little bit zesty, and completely satisfying. This is a great family friendly meal.
And let’s talk about toppings. This is where you can get really creative. Everyone can build their own bowl, adding their favorite garnishes. It makes dinner feel fun and personal, which is always a bonus, especially with kids.
This is a truly flexible recipe. You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand. It’s a great way to use up leftover veggies or change the protein. This makes it a budget friendly choice too.
Ingredients
The ingredient list for this Turkey Taco Soup is wonderfully straightforward. You probably have many of these items in your pantry already. Here is what you will need to get started on this flavorful journey.
- 1 teaspoon olive or avocado oil
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 28 ounces canned petite diced tomatoes
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 4.5 ounces canned green chilies
- Optional Toppings: sour cream, green onions, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, avocado
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to make the Best Taco Soup ever? It is so easy. Just follow these simple steps, and you will have a delicious meal ready in no time. Let’s get cooking and make some dinner magic happen.
Step 1: Sauté The Aromatics
First things first, grab a large pot or a Dutch oven. Place it over medium high heat and add your oil. Once the oil is shimmering slightly, toss in the diced red onion and minced garlic. Let them cook for a few minutes until they soften up.
Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing at this point. That is the first sign you are making something really good. This base of flavor is key for our delicious Taco Soup.
Step 2: Add The Pepper And Turkey
Now, stir in the diced bell pepper. Continue to cook for another couple of minutes until it begins to soften. You want it to be tender but still have a little bit of bite. The colors are so pretty.
Next, add the ground turkey to the pot. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks. Continue cooking until the turkey is fully browned and no pink remains. This step builds another layer of savory goodness.
Step 3: Season And Simmer
It’s time for the taco seasoning. Sprinkle the entire packet over the browned turkey and vegetables. Stir everything together well to make sure the meat is evenly coated. This is where that signature taco flavor comes in.
Now, pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices. Then add the rinsed black beans, the drained corn, and the can of green chilies. Give it all a good stir to combine everything. Look at all those vibrant colors coming together.
This hearty mixture is the heart of your Healthy Taco Soup. It is packed with protein and fiber, making it a wholesome meal you can feel good about serving. A truly fantastic dinner choice.
Step 4: Bring To A Boil And Serve
Bring the soup to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. You can let it simmer for as little as 10 minutes, or longer if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
When you are ready to eat, ladle the hot Taco Soup into bowls. Now for the fun part. Set out all your favorite toppings and let everyone customize their own bowl. Sour cream, green onions, and crunchy tortilla chips are classic choices.
How To Store Leftovers
Have leftovers? That’s great news because this Taco Soup is just as delicious the next day. Sometimes, it is even better after the flavors have had more time to mingle and get to know each other.
To store, allow the soup to cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Perfect for easy lunches or another quick dinner.
You can also freeze this Turkey Taco Soup. Let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer safe container or a heavy duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
When you are ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until it’s warmed through. You can also pop a bowl in the microwave for a super quick meal. Add fresh toppings after reheating.
Tips
Want to make the absolute Best Taco Soup possible? Here are a few simple tips and tricks to help you along the way. These little touches can make a big difference in the final dish. Let us dive in.
Feel free to switch up the protein. While this recipe calls for lean ground turkey, you can easily use lean ground beef or even ground chicken. For a vegetarian option, you could use a plant based crumble or add extra beans.
Do not be shy with the toppings. The toppings are what make this Taco Soup so special. Think beyond the basics. Try adding some diced avocado, a sprinkle of cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
You can control the spice level. The canned green chilies add a mild heat. If you like things spicier, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes, some cayenne pepper, or a diced jalapeño along with the onions.
To make the soup even heartier, consider adding a cup of cooked rice or quinoa. Stir it in at the end of the cooking time. It will make the soup thicker and even more filling. A great way to stretch the meal further.
If you have fresh corn, feel free to use it instead of canned. It adds a lovely sweetness and a nice pop of texture. Just slice it off the cob and add it with the beans and tomatoes. This is a great variation for your Healthy Taco Soup.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A simple, flavorful, and completely satisfying Taco Soup recipe that is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone happy and your life a little bit easier.
So next time you are wondering what to make for dinner, give this wonderful soup a try. It is comforting, customizable, and oh so delicious. I hope you and your family love this easy Taco Soup as much as we do.
FAQ
Can I Make This Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Absolutely. To adapt this Taco Soup for a slow cooker, simply brown the ground turkey with the onion, garlic, and pepper on the stovetop first. Then, transfer the cooked meat mixture to your slow cooker. Add all the remaining ingredients, stir, and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
Is This Taco Soup Spicy?
This recipe is very mild. The green chilies and taco seasoning provide a lot of flavor but not much heat, making it great for the whole family. If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even a finely diced jalapeño for an extra kick of warmth.
Can I Use Different Beans?
Yes, for sure. This is a very flexible Healthy Taco Soup. While black beans are a classic choice, feel free to use pinto beans, kidney beans, or even a mix of your favorites. Just be sure to rinse and drain any canned beans before adding them to the pot to remove excess sodium.
What Can I Serve With This Soup?
This Taco Soup is a complete meal on its own, especially with all the toppings. However, if you want to serve something alongside it, a fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette would be a nice light addition. Warm cornbread or crusty bread for dipping would also be delicious.
Easy One-Pot Taco Soup
This simple Taco Soup is everything you could want in a weeknight dinner. It’s loaded with flavor, comes together in one pot, and is incredibly easy to customize. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First things first, grab a large pot or a Dutch oven. Place it over medium high heat and add your oil. Once the oil is shimmering slightly, toss in the diced red onion and minced garlic. Let them cook for a few minutes until they soften up. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing at this point. That is the first sign you are making something really good. This base of flavor is key for our delicious Taco Soup.
- Now, stir in the diced bell pepper. Continue to cook for another couple of minutes until it begins to soften. You want it to be tender but still have a little bit of bite. The colors are so pretty. Next, add the ground turkey to the pot. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks. Continue cooking until the turkey is fully browned and no pink remains. This step builds another layer of savory goodness.
- It’s time for the taco seasoning. Sprinkle the entire packet over the browned turkey and vegetables. Stir everything together well to make sure the meat is evenly coated. This is where that signature taco flavor comes in. Now, pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices. Then add the rinsed black beans, the drained corn, and the can of green chilies. Give it all a good stir to combine everything. Look at all those vibrant colors coming together. This hearty mixture is the heart of your Healthy Taco Soup. It is packed with protein and fiber, making it a wholesome meal you can feel good about serving. A truly fantastic dinner choice.
- Bring the soup to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. You can let it simmer for as little as 10 minutes, or longer if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. When you are ready to eat, ladle the hot Taco Soup into bowls. Now for the fun part. Set out all your favorite toppings and let everyone customize their own bowl. Sour cream, green onions, and crunchy tortilla chips are classic choices.
Notes
Have leftovers? That’s great news because this Taco Soup is just as delicious the next day. Sometimes, it is even better after the flavors have had more time to mingle and get to know each other. To store, allow the soup to cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Perfect for easy lunches or another quick dinner.
You can also freeze this Turkey Taco Soup. Let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer safe container or a heavy duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. When you are ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until it’s warmed through. You can also pop a bowl in the microwave for a super quick meal. Add fresh toppings after reheating.
Want to make the absolute Best Taco Soup possible? Here are a few simple tips and tricks to help you along the way. These little touches can make a big difference in the final dish. Let us dive in.
Feel free to switch up the protein. While this recipe calls for lean ground turkey, you can easily use lean ground beef or even ground chicken. For a vegetarian option, you could use a plant based crumble or add extra beans.
Do not be shy with the toppings. The toppings are what make this Taco Soup so special. Think beyond the basics. Try adding some diced avocado, a sprinkle of cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
You can control the spice level. The canned green chilies add a mild heat. If you like things spicier, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes, some cayenne pepper, or a diced jalapeño along with the onions.
To make the soup even heartier, consider adding a cup of cooked rice or quinoa. Stir it in at the end of the cooking time. It will make the soup thicker and even more filling. A great way to stretch the meal further.
If you have fresh corn, feel free to use it instead of canned. It adds a lovely sweetness and a nice pop of texture. Just slice it off the cob and add it with the beans and tomatoes. This is a great variation for your Healthy Taco Soup.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
