When it comes to finding a meal that is both easy to make and delicious to eat, the classic taco soup recipe from Pioneer Woman certainly fits the bill. This hearty dish is perfect for any cozy night at home with family or friends. Not only is it quick and simple to prepare, but it’s also packed with flavor. With all of the ingredients already likely to be in your kitchen, this recipe is quick and cost-effective as well. What makes this soup special, though, is the addition of cheese and cream, which take the flavors to a whole new level. This one-pot taco soup pioneer woman recipe is ready in just 30 minutes and fills your bowl with all of your favorite taco tastes. By simmering ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and homemade taco seasoning together, Pioneer Woman has created an ultimate soothing and hearty soup.
Why You’ll Love This Taco Soup Recipe:
The Taco Soup Recipe You’ll Love:
- This Taco Soup is perfect for a quick and convenient weekday supper. Simply dump the ingredients into the pot and let them boil. It’s so easy to scale up the recipe for larger groups too.
- Taco soup has always been a favorite, loved by people all over the world. But the version with cheese is truly exceptional and my personal top choice.
- Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a dish you can prepare ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it. Alternatively, you can keep it on low heat or use a slow cooker set to a warm setting.
What Is Taco Soup?
Taco Soup is a flavorful and hearty soup that incorporates ingredients similar to those found in a taco. It typically consists of ground beef, tomatoes, chopped green chilis, onions, corn, beans, and a packet of taco seasoning. Vegetarian variations of this dish substitute beans for ground beef. With its delicious blend of flavors and versatility, Taco Soup is a popular choice for those craving a satisfying meal.
Where Does Taco Soup Come From?
Taco Soup’s origin may be shrouded in mystery, but it is widely known that the flavorful dish originated in the bustling Mexico City metropolitan area. This delectable soup combines chicken broth with a harmonious blend of roasted tomatoes, onions, garlic, chili peppers, and crispy tortilla strips, carefully added to create a traditional and authentic pot of tortilla soup.
What’s The Difference Between Tortilla Soup And Taco Soup?
Taco soup can be made with either chicken or ground beef, catering to personal taste. It boasts a stew-like consistency, complemented by the flavors of Rotel, beans, and corn. Conversely, tortilla soup relies on a broth base and offers a lighter, yet satisfying, option among various types of soups.
What Ingredients To Make Pioneer Woman Taco Soup?
To create Pioneer Woman Taco Soup, you’ll need these key ingredients:
- Lean ground beef: Be sure to choose lean ground beef or consider the alternative options listed below.
- Onion: If you prefer, you can replace the onion with one teaspoon of onion powder.
- Garlic cloves: Alternatively, you can skip the garlic and use 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic powder.
- Seasoning for Homemade Tacos: Our homemade taco seasoning combines chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in perfect proportions, delivering a flavorful punch. An alternative is to use one packet of taco seasoning (around two tablespoons) and adjust the spices according to your taste.
- Canned Mild Diced Green Chilies: Choose mild green chilies to prevent your soup from becoming too spicy. By using mild green chilies, you’ll add a refreshing sour flavor without overwhelming heat.
- Salsa: Rather than simply using chopped tomatoes, we add our salsa to elevate the taste profile. Select your favorite salsa to replace diced tomatoes. Keep in mind that using mild salsa is recommended to avoid an overly spicy soup, but you can always adjust the heat level to your liking.
- Canned black beans: Feel free to substitute black beans with other varieties like pinto beans, kidney beans, cannellini beans, or whichever beans suit your preferences.
- Canned kidney beans: While a combination of kidney beans and black beans adds a delightful textural contrast, you can increase the number of black beans if desired.
- Canned Sweet Corn: For convenience, I suggest using canned sweet corn. However, fresh corn cut directly from the cob or frozen corn can be used too. If using frozen corn, add it towards the end of the cooking process, ensuring it warms up completely.
- Enchilada Sauce: Feel free to substitute our recommended enchilada sauce with your favorite homemade version.
- Chicken Broth: Be cautious with the sodium content of the chicken broth you choose.
Equipment
- Measuring cups.
- Dutch oven pan.
How To Make Pioneer Woman Taco Soup Recipe?
- First, warm one tablespoon of olive oil in a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the meat with onions for a cooked and flavorful base.
- Next, add all the spices, ingredients, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sprinkle in the flour and continue cooking for three minutes while stirring continuously.
- Now, it’s time to mix in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, green chilies, salsa, enchilada sauce, and chicken broth until everything is evenly distributed.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring periodically, until the sauce thickens.
- Once the heat is on low, add cream cheese and melt it completely.
- After that, blend in the pepper jack and cheddar cheese until fully melted.
- If you prefer a thinner consistency, feel free to add milk to achieve it. And for an extra kick, season with more salt, pepper, or spicy sauce according to your taste.
- To serve, garnish with your favorite toppings and enjoy with tortilla chips or tots.
Recipe Tips
- To reduce the saltiness of the meal, make sure to drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the dish, especially if you follow a low-salt diet. Another option is to omit the ranch seasoning altogether.
- After browning the meat, don’t forget to remove the fat from the flesh, enhancing the flavor of the soup.
- While a combination of pinto beans and white beans makes for a delicious taco soup if you can only find one type of bean. Your taco soup will still have incredible flavor.
Taco Soup Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Information:
- Calories: 278
- Total Fat: 8.6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 38mg
- Sodium: 586mg
- Potassium: 740mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 33g
- Dietary Fiber: 7.2g
- Sugars: 8.6g
- Protein: 20g
- Vitamins: Vitamin A: 13%; Vitamin C: 42%
- Calcium: 6%
- Iron: 20%
How Do You Thicken Taco Soup?
To achieve a thicker consistency for your taco soup, you can experiment with these methods:
- Simmer and Reduce: Let the soup simmer uncovered for an extended period, allowing some liquid to evaporate naturally. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Create a smooth paste by combining 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of water or broth. Gradually incorporate the slurry into the simmering soup, cooking it for a few more minutes until it thickens.
- Roux: Prepare a roux by melting equal parts of butter or oil and flour in a separate pan over medium heat. Constantly stir the mixture until it turns golden brown and becomes a smooth paste. Add the roux to the soup, stirring well, and cook for a few more minutes to thicken.
- Mashed Beans or Vegetables: Take a portion of the cooked beans or vegetables from the soup and mash them using a fork or blender. Return the mashed mixture to the soup, stirring well to release starch, resulting in a thicker consistency.
- Tortilla Chips or Tortilla Strips: Add a handful of crushed tortilla chips or tortilla strips to the soup. As they soften and break down, they will absorb liquid and contribute to thickening. Give the soup a few minutes to allow the tortilla pieces to incorporate.
Enjoy your deliciously thickened taco soup!
How To Make Taco Soup Without Beans?
Indulge in this tantalizing recipe for bean-free taco soup, crafted with an array of delectable ingredients that will leave your taste buds craving for more:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 diced onion
- 2 minced cloves of garlic
- 1 diced bell pepper
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (4 ounces) of diced green chilies
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, tortilla chips
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Remember to break it into crumbles while cooking. Drain any excess fat, if needed.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced green chilies. Give it a good stir to blend all the flavors.
- Add the beef or chicken broth, taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are perfectly combined.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld deliciously.
- Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preferences.
- Serve the piping hot taco soup and garnish it with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, or tortilla chips.
- Customize your soup even more by adding corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, or additional spices to suit your taste.
Prepare to savor this exquisite bean-free taco soup.
How To Make Pioneer WomanTaco Soup In The Crock Pot Or Slow Cooker?
Here’s how to make it:
- Start by spraying the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray, then add chicken to it.
- In a skillet, brown the beef with the onions, spices, seasonings, red bell pepper, and garlic. Cook the mixture for three minutes and then add the flour.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker and add the remaining Taco Soup ingredients, except for the cheese. Cook on low for 8 hours.
- After 4 to 6 hours on the low setting, stir or whisk the mixture until the cream cheese has completely melted. Then, add the pepper jack and cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add milk. Also, feel free to season with extra salt, pepper, or spicy sauce according to your taste.
Enjoy.
How Do You Make Creamy Pioneer Woman Taco Soup?
Create a delicious taco soup bursting with cheesy goodness by following these steps:
- Towards the end of the cooking process, melt 4 ounces of softened cream cheese while swirling constantly until it becomes smooth and velvety. This technique, which I also use for Corn Chowder, always yields amazing results.
- For an extra creamy twist, add melted pepper Jack cheese and robust cheddar cheese directly into the taco soup.
- If cream cheese is not available, you can substitute two cups of chicken stock with a mixture of heavy cream or half-and-half combined with one tablespoon of cornstarch.
- To infuse the soup with a tangy creaminess, feel free to incorporate sour cream directly into the mix.
Enjoy!
How Long Does Leftover Pioneer Woman Taco Soup Last In The Fridge?
The Pioneer Woman Taco Soup develops an even more delightful flavor when refrigerated overnight. It can maintain its quality in the refrigerator for up to five days when tightly sealed in an airtight container. Reheating the soup may require adding a few splashes of water to thin it out, so keep that in mind.
How To Freeze Leftover Pioneer Woman Taco Soup?
To freeze leftover Pioneer Woman Taco Soup, follow these steps:
- Skip adding cream cheese and shredded cheese as they may separate and create an odd texture when frozen. It is possible to freeze Taco Soup without these ingredients.
- Once you’ve followed the recipe up until the point where you would add cream cheese, allow the soup to cool down.
- Transfer the taco soup to an airtight container or a suitable freezer-safe bag.
- Remove any excess air from the container, seal it completely, and place it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to three months.
- When you’re ready to enjoy the soup, defrost it by placing the frozen container in the refrigerator.
- To warm the soup, transfer it to a soup pot or Dutch oven and heat it on the stove.
- Once the soup is heated, add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Then, incorporate the shredded cheeses, stirring until they are melted and well blended.
How To Reheat Pioneer Woman Taco Soup?
How to Reheat Taco Soup in the Oven
To prepare the leftover taco soup, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Pour the soup into an oven-safe bowl.
- Cover the bowl with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
- Reheat the soup for 15 to 20 minutes until it reaches a safe temperature of 165°F.
- Serve and savor the deliciousness.
Additional serving suggestion: Enhance your culinary experience by pairing the leftover taco soup with warmed tortillas, crispy tacos, or crunchy chips.
How to Reheat Taco Soup in the Microwave:
- Transfer the remaining taco soup to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Set the microwave for 2 minutes of heating time.
- Periodically stir every 30 seconds to ensure even warming.
- Serve and savor the deliciousness.
Note: Remember to avoid using aluminum foil in microwaves. Reheat the taco soup without covering it.
How to Reheat Taco Soup in a Skillet:
To reheat leftover taco soup, follow these simple steps:
- Pour the taco soup into a skillet set over medium heat.
- Heat the soup for 5 to 10 minutes or until it reaches a safe temperature of 165 F.
- If the soup appears too thick, add more vegetable broth to achieve the desired consistency.
- Finally, serve and savor the deliciousness of your reheated taco soup.
Note: Keep in mind that if you add extra broth or water, it may take longer to heat the taco soup in the skillet.
How to Reheat Frozen Taco Soup
To properly reheat frozen taco soup, it’s important not to skip the defrosting step.
- Start by thawing the soup in the fridge for 24 hours (recommended) or use a warm water bath for about 2 to 3 hours.
- Once the soup has thawed completely, you can then proceed to reheat it using any of the methods mentioned above.
Recipe Variations
Instant Pot Taco Soup:
- Cook the ground beef in the Instant Pot using the sauté option until fully cooked. Discard the excess oil.
- Add the remaining ingredients, along with an additional cup of broth. Mix thoroughly.
- Set the Instant Pot to the manual setting at high pressure and cook for three minutes.
- Allow the pressure to naturally release for fifteen minutes before gently removing the cover.
Crock Pot Taco Soup:
- In a skillet, brown the ground meat and transfer it to a slow cooker.
- Combine the cooked ground beef with the rest of the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low heat for four to six hours.
- Serve with your preferred toppings.
Vegetarian Taco Soup: Increase the number of beans and omit ground beef to make a flavorful vegetarian taco soup.
Chicken Taco Soup: Substitute shredded chicken for ground beef to create a delicious Chicken Taco Soup.
Spices: Alternatively, you can use a package of taco seasoning as a substitute for individual spices.
What To Serve With Pioneer Woman Taco Soup?
Set up a toppings bar and let everyone load up with their favorites from this list:
- Tortilla Strips: Use these crispy strips made from tortillas to make taco shells for the soup.
- Cheese: Even though the soup is already creamy and cheesy, a little extra cheese can take it to the next level. For the best flavor and melting ability, grate the cheese fresh.
- Sour Cream: In my opinion, sour cream is a must. Its tanginess cuts through the rich flavors while adding creaminess. If you prefer, you can use fat-free sour cream or Greek yogurt instead.
- Cilantro: Add chopped mint for a lively and tangy flavor that enhances the dish.
- Avocado: Diced or sliced avocado adds a delightful smoothness. I prefer chopped avocado to savor more of its goodness in each bite.
- Tomatoes: These contribute a luscious and tangy quality to the dish.
- Pico de Gallo: Although not necessary, a dollop of pico de gallo adds an extra dimension of freshness. You can also use fresh chopped tomatoes.
- Sliced Jalapenos: If you like a bit of spice, sliced jalapenos make a delicious topping.
- Lettuce: Shredded lettuce brings a wonderful texture to the mix, reminiscent of including cabbage in soup.
FAQs of taco soup pioneer woman
Who invented taco soup?
The popular taco soup recipe is credited to the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. Drummond is a renowned food blogger and New York Times best-selling author who created her taco soup recipe as an easy and delicious meal. The original Taco Soup recipe calls for ground beef, canned tomatoes, chili beans, corn, and seasoning as its key ingredients.
When was taco soup invented?
The taco soup recipe was created by Ree Drummond in 2013. Since then, it has become a household favorite and can be found in multiple variations on her website.
What goes well with taco soup?
Taco soup is often served with a variety of toppings such as shredded cheese, diced onions, fresh cilantro, sour cream, and guacamole. This makes for a flavorful meal that can be customized to suit individual tastes. Other accompaniments such as crackers or tortilla chips are also popular choices. Additionally, the Pioneer Woman suggests serving the soup with a side of cornbread or tortillas for an extra-satisfying meal.
Why is my taco soup so watery?
If your taco soup is too watery, it could be due to the specific ingredients used. For example, canned tomatoes can contain more liquid than freshly diced tomatoes and this can cause the soup to become too thin. To ensure a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of broth or increase the number of beans in the recipe. Additionally, adjust the cooking time if necessary so that the soup has a chance to thicken.
Can I Use Milk In Taco Soup Instead Of Cream?
Yes, milk can be used in place of cream in taco soup. Milk will provide a milder flavor than cream and is also lower in fat. If you are looking for a creamy texture without the added fat, consider using Greek yogurt together with milk to achieve your desired result. When using a dairy-free alternative, cashew or almond milk are good choices. Be sure to adjust the amount of liquid used in the recipe depending on your preference and desired consistency.
Can I Substitute Beef With Other Meats?
Yes, if you do not want to use beef in your taco soup, other meats such as ground turkey or chicken can be substituted. For a vegetarian option, consider adding plant-based proteins such as lentils or tofu. Additionally, black beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber and can also be used in the recipe for added flavor and texture.
Do You Put Tomato Sauce In Pioneer Woman Taco Soup?
Yes, tomato sauce is an important ingredient in Pioneer Woman’s taco soup recipe. It provides a rich and flavorful base for the dish and helps to balance out the other ingredients. Additionally, feel free to adjust the amount of tomato sauce depending on your preference. You can also substitute with canned diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes if desired.
How Spicy Is This Pioneer Woman Taco Soup Recipe?
The Pioneer Woman taco soup recipe is mildly spiced. It calls for a small amount of cayenne pepper, diced jalapenos, and chili powder which adds a subtle heat to the soup. If you prefer more spice, feel free to add additional chili powder or cayenne pepper until you achieve your desired level of heat. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder soup, omit the jalapenos and reduce the amount of chili powder used.
Conclusion: taco soup pioneer woman
After reading this blog post, it’s clear that the Pioneer Woman’s taco soup recipe is a must-try for any taco soup lover. It’s flavorful, hearty, and full of all the essential ingredients for an amazing spicy soup. Plus, it only takes 30 minutes or less to prepare from start to finish. With its combination of zesty flavors and simple preparation instructions, this delicious dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. As always, be sure to shop local for your ingredients and support your local economy when preparing this meal.
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I'm Osbert Presley – an enthusiastic chef passionate about culinary exploration. Since childhood, cooking has brought me immense delight, and it's been my mission to share the joys of food and drinks with everyone around me.
