Easy Taco Soup Rotel Recipe

Taco Soup is one of those comfort foods that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Its hearty, savory flavors packed with beans, ground beef, and a blend of spices create the perfect balance of comfort and satisfaction. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make, especially if you’ve got the convenience of some canned ingredients like Rotel tomatoes-the unsung hero of many a Tex-Mex dish.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or need a dish to bring to a party, Taco Soup is an absolute winner. It’s customizable, family-friendly, and can be enjoyed all year round. So, let’s dive into an incredibly simple Taco Soup recipe that’s sure to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Easy Taco Soup Rotel Recipe

This recipe for Taco Soup takes advantage of a few shortcuts but still delivers big on flavor. The key ingredient here is Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, which adds a subtle heat and tang to the soup without being overpowering. You’ll love how the flavors meld together, and the best part? It comes together in less than 30 minutes! Let’s take a look at how to make it.

Ingredients Needed

Before you even begin, gather all the essentials so you can cook this Taco Soup without interruptions.

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (optional but adds a creamy, tangy flavor)
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (this is your flavor base)
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained (or use frozen corn)
• 1 can (10 oz) tomato soup (for creaminess)
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (if you want a little more heat)
• 1 ½ cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter broth)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the beef)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shredded cheese (for topping)
• Sour cream (for topping)
• Tortilla chips (optional, for serving)

Cooking Instructions

Here’s how you’ll bring all those ingredients together into the perfect bowl of Taco Soup.

1. Brown the Ground Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add your ground beef (or turkey), and cook until browned. Make sure to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add Seasonings: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and the ranch seasoning mix (if using). This is the moment when the soup starts to smell absolutely mouthwatering! Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Mix in the Tomatoes and Beans: Pour in the Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, the kidney beans, black beans, and corn. Stir everything together.
4. Add Liquids: Pour in the tomato soup and beef broth, and give it a good stir. You want the consistency to be thick but still soupy, so feel free to add more broth if needed.
5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat. Let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer.
6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup as it simmers. You can add more seasoning, salt, or pepper depending on your preferences.
7. Serve and Garnish: Once your soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and some crumbled tortilla chips for added crunch.

Ingredient Insights

• Ground Beef or Turkey: Using ground beef adds a richness to the soup, but if you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey works wonderfully. It still absorbs all the flavors, and you won’t lose the meaty texture.
• Rotel Tomatoes: These are a must for that signature tangy, spicy flavor that defines Taco Soup. The combination of tomatoes and green chilies is like a shortcut to flavor heaven.
• Taco and Ranch Seasoning: Taco seasoning is packed with classic Mexican spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika. The ranch seasoning, though optional, adds a cool, creamy touch that contrasts nicely with the heat of the chili peppers.
• Beans: Kidney beans and black beans offer a variety of textures and flavors, but they also pack in fiber and protein. They help make the soup more filling without relying solely on meat.
• Broth: Beef broth deepens the flavor of the soup, but chicken broth can work as a lighter alternative. You can even use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

Expert Tips

• Make it Spicy: If you want your Taco Soup to pack more heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. If you’re using the diced green chilies, add a second can for extra kick.
• Double It: This recipe makes about 4 servings, but Taco Soup is one of those dishes that can easily be doubled. It keeps well in the fridge for several days, and the flavors get even better after a day or two.
• Add Freshness: For a burst of freshness, toss in some freshly chopped cilantro just before serving. It’ll add a nice contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Texture Play: If you prefer a smoother soup, you can blend part of the soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender (just be cautious with the hot liquid!). This creates a creamy, velvety texture.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Taco Soup: Skip the meat entirely and load up on extra beans and vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes for a more hearty soup.
• Slow Cooker Version: You can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply brown the meat, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
• Cheesy Taco Soup: If you’re a cheese lover, stir in a generous handful of shredded cheese towards the end of cooking for a super creamy version. You could even make it extra cheesy by using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack.

Final Words

This Easy Taco Soup with Rotel is the epitome of comfort food-warm, hearty, flavorful, and quick to whip up. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making dinner for yourself, it’s a reliable recipe you can turn to time and time again. It’s also a great base to get creative with, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!

The beauty of Taco Soup lies in its flexibility. You can adjust the spice levels, change up the proteins, or add more veggies to suit your tastes. It’s all about customizing it to your liking.