Cozy Taco Soup: A Family Favorite for Chilly Nights

When the weather turns crisp and the air carries that cozy chill, there’s one meal my family asks for again and again—taco soup! This hearty, flavor-packed soup is loaded with delicious veggies, savory beef, and just the right amount of spice. It’s the perfect one-pot wonder for busy nights and the best part? Everyone gets to customize their bowl with their favorite toppings.

We love to pile on shredded cheese, creamy avocado slices, and crunchy tortilla chips at our house. Sometimes, we even add a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime juice. No matter how you top it, this taco soup will warm you up from the inside out!

Taco Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 1/4 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 medium sweet onion, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp)
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans of diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 (14 oz) can low-sodium beef broth
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 3/4 tsp ground paprika
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1 1/2 Tbsp dry ranch dressing mix
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
• 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes until softened. If using jalapeño, add it in now for extra heat.
3. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and ranch mix (or cilantro and lime juice). Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in corn, black beans, and pinto beans. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve hot with your favorite toppings—cheese, avocado, chips, sour cream, cilantro or fresh lime juice!

This taco soup is a game-changer for chilly nights, and I love how easy it is to throw together. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day! Try it out, and let me know how your family personalizes their bowls.

Enjoy and stay warm! 🌮🍲💛
-Melissa