Glady'S Taco Soup
A hearty and flavorful taco soup featuring ground beef, vegetables, and classic Mexican seasonings, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 or 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 to 3 stalks chopped celery ⓘ
- pinch of garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 envelope taco seasoning ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped, mild green chilies ⓘ
- 1 (7 oz.) can green salsa ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans
- 1 (15 oz.) can dark kidney beans ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, chopped onions, chopped green pepper, and chopped celery together in a large pot.
- Add garlic powder and the taco seasoning envelope to the browned mixture.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped green chilies, green salsa, pinto beans, and kidney beans.
- Pour in the water and stir to combine.
- Simmer the soup for approximately 20-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Serve hot with shredded cheese and chips as toppings.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or using spicy taco seasoning. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you have leftover vegetables, feel free to toss them in for added nutrition. This recipe is versatile and can easily be adapted to include other beans or corn. Explore more Mexican recipes for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the taco soup hot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips for added crunch. It pairs beautifully with Mild Spanish Rice or can be enjoyed alongside Tostadas(Baked Casserole) for a hearty meal. Consider adding fresh cilantro or avocado slices for extra flavor and freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, or use the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. This soup also freezes well; just thaw and heat before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Glady'S Taco Soup contains roughly 607 calories, with 23g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 962mg per serving (42% 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 taco soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein like lentils or crumbled tofu. You can also add extra beans and vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture while keeping it filling.
How can I thicken the soup if it's too watery?
If your taco soup is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the soup, cooking until it thickens.
Is there a way to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the ground beef and vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows flavors to develop even more, making it a delicious option for busy days.
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).