Taco Soup Recipe
Ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and corn come together in a gently simmered soup with warm cumin and pepper.
Add the legumes at the finish
Brown the ground beef until its liquid evaporates and it is lightly browned, then sauté the onion and pepper before adding the garlic, tomato paste, and spices. Simmer the tomatoes and beef stock gently rather than boiling rapidly. Drain and rinse the canned beans and corn, and add them only for the final 5 minutes so they heat through without breaking apart.
- Yield
- 6 bowls
- Servings
- 6 servings
- Total time
- 45 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 30 min
Ingredients for Taco Soup
Ingredients
How to Make Taco Soup
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01
Chop the vegetables
Dice the onion and pepper into small cubes; crush the garlic.
-
02
Brown the ground beef
Heat the oil in a pot; cook the ground beef over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes, until its liquid evaporates and it is lightly browned.
-
03
Add the aromatics
Add the onion and pepper to the ground beef and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the garlic, tomato paste, and spices, and stir for 1 minute.
-
04
Cook the soup
Add the tomatoes and beef stock. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently over low heat for 15 minutes.
-
05
Add the legumes
Add the drained beans and corn, and heat for 5 minutes more. Check the seasoning and serve hot.
Mastery Guide
Review the technical details, common mistakes and correct practices that determine the recipe result.
Critical Tips
Check the beans
This is a key point that determines the final result.
Best practice: Adding the beans and corn at the end keeps them from falling apart.
Keep the balance
When making Taco Soup, the quantities and steps should work together consistently.
Best practice: Measure the ingredients in advance and follow the steps in order.
Check the result
Times may vary slightly depending on the equipment and the temperature of the ingredients.
Best practice: In addition to the timing, check the appearance and consistency specified in the recipe.
Common Mistakes
Overchecking
This mistake affects the texture and flavor.
Best practice: Adding too much water dilutes the taco's rich character.
Maintain the balance
When making Taco Soup, the measurements and steps should work together as a whole.
Best practice: Measure the ingredients in advance and follow the steps in order.
Check the result
Times may vary slightly depending on the equipment and the temperature of the ingredients.
Best practice: In addition to the timing, check the appearance and consistency specified in the recipe.
Why Does This Happen?
Check the ground beef
The physical and chemical behavior of the ingredients affects the result.
Best practice: Browning the ground beef increases the Maillard reactions that create flavor on the surface.
Maintain the balance
When making Taco Soup, the measurements and steps should work together as a whole.
Best practice: Measure the ingredients in advance and follow the steps in order.
Check the result
Times may vary slightly depending on the equipment and the temperature of the ingredients.
Best practice: In addition to the timing, check the appearance and consistency specified in the recipe.
Mayana Tips
Check the serving
It improves the serving and preparation process.
Best practice: Serve the tortilla chips separately to keep them crisp.
Maintain the balance
When making Taco Soup, the measurements and steps should work together as one system.
Best practice: Measure the ingredients in advance and follow the order of the steps.
Check the result
Timing may vary slightly depending on the equipment and the temperature of the ingredients.
Best practice: In addition to the timing, check the appearance and consistency specified in the recipe.
Ingredients & Measurements
Check the canned ingredients
The ingredient's characteristics determine the recipe's balance.
Best practice: Drain and rinse the canned beans and corn, then check the saltiness.
Maintain the balance
When making Taco Soup, the measurements and steps should work together as one system.
Best practice: Measure the ingredients in advance and follow the order of the steps.
Check the result
Timing may vary slightly depending on the equipment and the temperature of the ingredients.
Best practice: In addition to the timing, check the appearance and consistency specified in the recipe.
Cooking Techniques
Control the soup's cooking
Controlling the heat and cooking process determines the final consistency.
Best practice: Cook the soup at a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil.
Maintain the balance
When making Taco Soup, the measurements and steps should work together as one system.
Best practice: Measure the ingredients in advance and follow the order of the steps.
Check the result
Timing may vary slightly depending on the equipment and the temperature of the ingredients.
Best practice: In addition to the cooking time, check the appearance and consistency specified in the recipe.
How to Store and Make Taco Soup Ahead
- Serving temperature
Serve at an appropriate temperature once cooking is complete.
- Best resting time
If the recipe requires resting or steeping, follow the stated time.
- Refrigerator storage
Do not leave it out for a long time before it has cooled completely; store it in a covered container below 4°C for 3–4 days.
- Room-temperature limit
Do not leave this perishable food at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Reheating
Reheat thoroughly and safely; aim for 74°C in the center of meat- or poultry-containing leftovers.
- Make-ahead steps
Measure and prepare the ingredients in advance to speed up the cooking process.
- Serving suggestion
Serve the recipe at its appropriate serving temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taco Soup
Why doesn’t taco soup reach the desired consistency?
Adding too much water dilutes the soup’s robust taco flavor. To prevent this, check the ingredient proportions and heat.
What is the most important tip for making taco soup?
Add the beans and corn toward the end to keep them from falling apart.
Can taco soup be prepared a day ahead?
You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time; store the cooked soup according to the recipe’s storage instructions.
How is taco soup served?
Serve the tortilla chips separately to keep them crisp.
What should you look for when choosing ingredients for taco soup?
Drain and rinse the canned beans and corn, then check the saltiness.
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