Taco soup is one of those go-to comfort foods that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying. Perfect for those chilly nights when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful, or even for a quick weeknight dinner, this taco soup will hit the spot every time. You can load it up with toppings, adjust the spice levels to suit your taste, and the best part? It’s super simple to make! Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a quick, delicious meal, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Let’s dive into this easy 7-can taco soup recipe, shall we?
Easy 7 Can Taco Soup Recipe
This recipe is an absolute breeze, especially if you’re looking to make a meal without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll notice that the simplicity of the ingredients comes together in such a perfect way that you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making this more often. The key to this soup is its balance of savory, spicy, and creamy textures, with a hint of tanginess that makes every bite just right.
Ingredients Needed
For this taco soup, you’ll need a few pantry staples and a couple of fresh items. Here’s a list of all the ingredients to gather:
- 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can of pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can of corn (drained)
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (with green chilies for a little extra spice)
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 1 packet of ranch dressing mix (this adds an unexpected creamy tang)
- 1 can of chicken broth (or beef broth, depending on preference)
- Optional: 1 lb of cooked ground beef or chicken (this is if you want to add more protein)
Cooking Instructions
Here’s where things get wonderfully easy. No need for any fancy culinary techniques-just throw everything in the pot and let it simmer away. Ready? Let’s go!
- Brown the meat (optional): If you’re adding ground beef or chicken, start by browning the meat in a large pot over medium heat. You can skip this step if you’re sticking to a vegetarian or leaner version.
- Add the canned ingredients: Once your meat is cooked (or if you’re skipping it), toss in all your canned goods-black beans, pinto beans, corn, and the diced tomatoes with chilies. Make sure to drain and rinse the beans and corn to remove any excess sodium.
- Add the broth and seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth (or beef broth) and stir in the taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix. These seasonings will infuse the soup with tons of flavor.
- Simmer: Let the soup simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes. This gives all the flavors time to meld together, and the broth will thicken slightly.
- Taste test and adjust: Check for seasoning and adjust if necessary. If you like your soup a little spicier, you can always add more chili powder or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Serve: Ladle your taco soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, tortilla chips, and a squeeze of lime work beautifully.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s break down the ingredients a little further to understand what makes each one so essential in this recipe.
- Black beans and pinto beans: These two varieties of beans give the soup a solid, hearty base, packed with protein and fiber. Not only do they make the soup filling, but they also absorb all the delicious spices and broth, making every bite satisfying.
- Corn: A bit of sweetness and texture contrast from the corn really balances out the earthiness of the beans. It adds a bit of chew, and when it warms up in the soup, it brings a touch of natural sweetness that cuts through the spices.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: These bring in the perfect amount of acidity and heat. The tomatoes provide that familiar rich, tangy flavor, while the green chilies add just the right amount of heat without overpowering the soup.
- Taco seasoning: This is what really gives the soup that taco flavor we all love. The blend of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika makes it taste like a fiesta in a bowl.
- Ranch dressing mix: This is where the soup gets its creamy undertone. The ranch seasoning adds a little richness and tanginess, which balances out the spices from the taco seasoning.
- Chicken broth: Using chicken broth instead of water ensures that the soup is full of savory depth. It helps create a luscious, flavorful base for all the ingredients to swim in.
Expert Tips
- Customize the heat: If you prefer a milder soup, use regular diced tomatoes without the green chilies, or opt for mild taco seasoning. On the flip side, you can amp up the heat by adding jalapeños or even a spoonful of salsa verde.
- Don’t skip the rinsing: Always rinse your beans and corn to remove excess salt, which can make the soup too salty. A quick rinse can save the dish from becoming too salty.
- Use homemade taco seasoning: If you’re feeling adventurous, mix your own taco seasoning from scratch! This allows you to control the spice levels and avoid any unnecessary additives or preservatives. Just mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Top it with crispy tortilla chips: For added crunch, throw a handful of tortilla chips on top right before serving. They’ll soak up a little bit of the broth, adding an extra layer of texture.
- Keep it vegetarian: If you’re looking for a meat-free version, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by leaving out the meat and adding in extra veggies or even a plant-based protein like lentils or tofu.
Recipe Variations
One of the beautiful things about this taco soup is its versatility. You can make it your own with just a few tweaks. Here are some fun variations:
- Beef Taco Soup: Instead of using ground chicken, try ground beef or turkey for a richer, heartier flavor. Brown the meat before adding the rest of the ingredients for a deeper taste.
- Slow Cooker Version: If you want to prepare this in advance, dump all the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours. You’ll have a wonderfully rich soup without lifting a finger.
- Spicy Taco Soup: Add some diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or a splash of hot sauce to take the heat up a notch. You could also throw in a few slices of fresh chili peppers for added flavor and spice.
- Cheesy Taco Soup: For a cheesy twist, stir in some shredded cheddar cheese into the soup toward the end of cooking. You can even top it with more cheese right before serving for a melty, gooey finish.
Final Words
Taco soup is the type of dish that always seems to satisfy, no matter the occasion. With its comforting, familiar flavors and simple preparation, it’s the perfect way to make a filling, flavorful meal in a hurry. The beauty of this easy 7-can recipe is that it’s flexible, adaptable, and incredibly tasty. You can always mix it up to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.