This Black Bean Taco Soup is both hearty and tasty! Packed with black beans, tomatoes, and spices, it warms you right up. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Every spoonful feels like a party in your mouth! I love topping it with crunchy tortilla chips and a sprinkle of cheese. Who can resist that combo? 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using ground beef for its richness, but ground turkey works great too for a leaner option. You can even use plant-based meat if you’re going meatless!
Black Beans: Canned black beans are a time-saver, but if you have dry beans, just be sure to soak and cook them first. You can also swap them for kidney beans or pinto beans if you prefer!
Taco Seasoning: I love using a packet for convenience, but you can easily make your own with spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Adjust to your taste for a milder or spicier kick!
Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley is a good alternative. Just remember, it has a different flavor profile!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor Out of My Soup?
Building layers of flavor is key! Start by sautéing the onions and garlic in oil until they’re fragrant. This gives your soup a great base. Make sure to brown the meat well with the taco seasoning to really enhance the flavors!
- Cook the meat until it’s no longer pink; this ensures it’s flavorful.
- Add the taco seasoning and let it cook briefly to release its flavors before adding the liquids.
- Let the soup simmer uncovered. This helps the flavors combine beautifully!
Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning towards the end for the most delicious soup possible!
How to Make Black Bean Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for lighter option)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth)
Seasonings and Garnishes:
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or approx. 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 avocado, diced (for garnish)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Tortilla chips (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Black Bean Taco Soup takes about 15 minutes of preparation and 30 minutes of cooking time, making a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a filling weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup!
2. Add Garlic and Meat:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon while cooking until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off.
3. Season the Meat:
Stir in the taco seasoning, mixing it well into the beef. Allow it to cook for about 1 minute so the spices can open up and become aromatic.
4. Combine Everything:
Now, add the drained black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with all their juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Bring your soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to help the flavors meld together.
6. Final Touches:
After simmering, stir in the chopped green onions and cilantro. Taste your soup and feel free to add salt and pepper based on your preference.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the soup hot in bowls, and top it with diced avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and extra cilantro and green onions for a lovely fresh touch.
8. Enjoy!
For a crunchy addition, serve with tortilla chips on the side or crumble them on top of the soup. Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Black Bean Taco Soup!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can do so by leaving it in the fridge overnight or using the microwave’s defrost setting. Once thawed, treat it the same as fresh ground beef in the recipe!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and replace the beef broth with vegetable broth. You can add more beans, like kidney or pinto beans, or toss in some diced vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This soup also freezes well, so feel free to portion it out and freeze for up to 3 months!
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Soup?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach can be added to boost the nutrition and flavor of your soup. Just sauté the vegetables along with the onion and garlic at the beginning for the best results!
