Beef Taco Soup
A hearty, flavorful beef taco soup with tender tortilla strips, perfect for cozy gatherings. Rich in spices and topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, cheese, and crispy tortillas.
Ingredients
- 3 (6-inch) corn tortillas ⓘ
- vegetable cooking spray
- 1 lb. ground round ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 3/4 tsp. dried whole oregano ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can no-salt-added whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can dark red kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 (13 3/4 oz.) can no-salt-added beef broth ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can no-salt-added tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chiles ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut tortillas into 1/2-inch-wide strips and then cut the strips in half crosswise.
- Place tortilla strips on an ungreased baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes until crisp. Set aside.
- Coat a Dutch oven with cooking spray and heat over medium until hot.
- Add ground round, chopped onion, and minced garlic; cook until beef is browned, stirring to crumble.
- Drain beef mixture and pat dry with paper towels.
- Wipe drippings from the pan with a paper towel and return beef mixture to the pan.
- Add chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper; stir well.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, tomato sauce, and chopped green chiles.
- Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Ladle soup into individual bowls.
- Top each with shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, shredded cheese, and crispy tortilla strips.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. If you prefer a spicier soup, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also substitute corn tortillas with tortilla chips for a crunchier texture. For a vegetarian option, replace the beef with lentils or black beans and use vegetable broth. This dish is versatile and can accommodate various ingredient swaps.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Beef Taco Soup with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro for freshness. It pairs beautifully with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and shredded cheese on top. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside crusty bread or a side of Mexican recipes like a fresh corn salad for added crunch and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup thickens, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Taco Soup contains roughly 263 calories, with 20g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (80% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), and calcium (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1097mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better as the flavors meld. Prepare the soup and let it cool before refrigerating. When ready to serve, simply reheat on the stove. Just be cautious with the tortillas, as they can lose their crispness if added too early.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To spice up the Beef Taco Soup, you can add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper during cooking. For an extra kick, consider serving it with sliced fresh peppers on the side. This is a great way to allow guests to customize their heat level.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup is hearty on its own but can be complemented with sides like tortilla chips, guacamole, or a fresh salad. A side of Tex-Mix Dip or Mexican Dip(Seven Layer Dip) would also enhance the meal. Additionally, consider serving cornbread for a delightful pairing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).