This Rotel Taco Soup is a quick and tasty meal that’s packed with flavor! It combines ground beef, beans, corn, and the zesty kick from Rotel tomatoes.
This soup is perfect for busy days when you want something warm and filling! I love serving it with tortilla chips for that extra crunch. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually use lean ground beef for a healthier option, but you can swap in ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a meat substitute for protein.
Ro*Tel Tomatoes: This is a key ingredient for that tangy flavor! If you can’t find it, diced tomatoes with green chilies work well too. You can also use plain diced tomatoes and add a pinch of chili flakes for some heat.
Black Beans: These beans add protein and fiber. Feel free to substitute with kidney beans or pinto beans if you have those on hand. Canned beans are a great time saver!
Taco Seasoning: Pre-packaged seasoning is convenient, but you can easily make your own with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Adjust to your spice preference!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Ground Beef?
Cooking ground beef properly can make all the difference in your dish! Here are the steps for perfect beef in your soup:
- Start by heating a little oil in your pot over medium heat. This helps keep the beef from sticking.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic first. Sauté them for a couple of minutes until they’re soft, which adds depth to your flavor.
- Then add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. You want it browned, not gray.
- Once browned, drain excess fat before adding spices and other ingredients to keep the soup from being greasy.
Following these tips will ensure your ground beef is tasty and well-cooked! Enjoy your cooking!
Delicious Rotel Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (10 oz) Ro*Tel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn kernels, drained if canned
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 4 cups beef broth or water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, sliced avocado
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Rotel Taco Soup is quick to prepare! You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. So, in just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, warming soup for your family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté The Onions and Garlic:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they are softened and fragrant. This base brings wonderful flavor to your soup.
2. Brown The Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the pot and cook it while breaking it up with a spoon. Keep cooking until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep your soup nice and light.
3. Mix In The Seasoning:
Now it’s time for the taco seasoning! Sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the cooked beef and stir until the meat is evenly coated. This step is where all the yummy flavors start to come together!
4. Combine The Remaining Ingredients:
Add the undrained Ro*Tel tomatoes and green chilies, black beans, corn, and beef broth to the pot. Stir everything together, making sure to combine the ingredients well.
5. Bring It To A Boil:
Turn the heat up and bring the soup to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. This helps all those delicious flavors meld together into a harmonious soup.
6. Season To Taste:
After the soup has simmered, taste it! Add salt and pepper as needed to adjust the flavor to your liking. It’s your soup, so make it delicious!
7. Serve And Enjoy:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and have fun adding your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, some crushed tortilla chips, or even slices of avocado. Each bite is sure to make you smile!
This hearty Rotel Taco Soup is packed with zesty flavors and satisfying ingredients, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. Enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and makes the soup a bit leaner. Just cook it the same way you would the ground beef, ensuring it’s fully browned before adding the seasoning and other ingredients.
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also skip the cheese and sour cream or use vegan versions for topping.
How Long Does This Soup Last in the Fridge?
Leftover soup will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Freeze Rotel Taco Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes wonderfully! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. If it thickens too much in the freezer, add a little broth or water when reheating to bring it back to your desired consistency.
