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Creative Taco Soup

This taco soup combines a variety of beans, smoky spices, and unexpected ingredients cooked together to create a hearty, flavorful dish. It features simmered ground meat, sautéed vegetables, and a rich broth that thickens slightly, resulting in a chunky, rustic soup with a vibrant, inviting appearance.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey or other ground meat
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz
  • 2 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can pinto beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 cup local craft beer or water for extra depth (optional)
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Heat the large pot over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the ground meat to the pot and break it apart with your spoon or spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes, until the meat develops a rich aroma.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. The mixture should smell deliciously savory and the garlic will turn slightly golden.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld for about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the drained black beans and pinto beans, then sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cinnamon, and chili powder. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly throughout the soup.
  6. Pour in the craft beer or water, then adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors deepen.
  7. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a pinch more chili powder or salt. Squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice for brightness if desired. The soup should be thick, chunky, and bursting with aromatic spices.
  8. Serve the taco soup hot in bowls, garnished with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or avocado slices for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

Feel free to customize the beans or add corn kernels for extra sweetness. Toast the spices briefly before adding liquids for a richer flavor or stir in some hot sauce for more spice.