This Black Bean Taco Soup is hearty and bursting with flavor! Packed with black beans, tomatoes, and spices, it’s a warm hug in a bowl.
Perfect for chilly days or when you want something quick. I love adding a dollop of sour cream and some crunchy tortilla chips on top—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the base of the soup and adds richness. You can easily swap it for ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles if you want a lighter or vegetarian option. I often use ground turkey for a healthier twist!
Black Beans: They’re packed with protein and fiber. If you don’t have black beans, kidney beans or pinto beans work well too. Canned beans are convenient, but dried beans also provide great texture when cooked.
Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes: These add a smoky flavor to your soup. If you can’t find them, regular diced tomatoes will do, but you might want to add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for that extra flavor boost.
Taco Seasoning: This seasoning blend is key for flavor. If you want to make your own, use a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. A store-bought mix is quicker, but homemade is more customizable!
How Do I Get My Onions and Garlic to Taste Great?
Cooking the onions and garlic properly sets the stage for a flavorful soup. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your pot to medium and add olive oil before adding onions. This helps them soften nicely.
- Cook the onions until they’re translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This means they’re sweet and ready to add depth to the soup.
- Add the minced garlic next and stir. Just a quick 30 seconds on the heat is enough—overcooking can make garlic bitter.
These steps ensure a tasty base for your Black Bean Taco Soup!
How to Make Black Bean Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Optional Toppings:
- Diced avocado
- Sour cream
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Tortilla chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Black Bean Taco Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. So, you’ll have it ready in about 40 minutes total. Perfect for a quick dinner any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Pot:
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to the pot. This will help to cook the ingredients without sticking.
2. Sauté the Onion:
Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This adds a nice sweetness to the soup.
3. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. You want it to become fragrant but not browned because it can turn bitter.
4. Cook the Ground Meat:
Now it’s time to add the ground beef. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon until it’s brown. If there’s a lot of grease, you can drain some off.
5. Season the Meat:
Add the taco seasoning and ground cumin to the pot. Stir it all together and cook for 1 minute to really bring out the flavors.
6. Add the Rest of the Ingredients:
Now, add in the black beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with all the juices), corn, tomato sauce, and beef broth. This is where the soup gets its heartiness!
7. Bring It to a Boil:
Stir everything well to combine and increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low.
8. Simmer the Soup:
Leave the soup uncovered on low heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. This allows all the delicious flavors to meld together!
9. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Yum!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Don’t forget to serve it with crunchy tortilla chips on the side for some extra fun!
Now, enjoy your hearty and flavorful Black Bean Taco Soup!
Can I Use Canned Black Beans Instead of Dried Beans?
Absolutely! Canned black beans are convenient and ready to use. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup to reduce the sodium content and improve the taste.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian! Just replace the ground beef with additional beans or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. It will still be hearty and delicious!
What Can I Serve with Black Bean Taco Soup?
This soup is fantastic on its own, but you can serve it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a light salad. For more toppings, avocado, cheese, and sour cream add extra creaminess and flavor!
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, you can freeze leftover Black Bean Taco Soup! Just let it cool completely, portion it into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
