Description
This easy Taco Soup with Ground Beef is a cozy, flavorful meal packed with colorful vegetables, smoky spices, and a rich vegetable broth. It combines hearty protein, fresh ingredients, and a perfect balance of spice and smokiness in a one-pot dish that’s ideal for quick dinners, meal prep, or satisfying snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 ounces smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (natural, canned or fresh)
Liquids and Sauces
- 4 cups vegetable broth (plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (natural)
Spices and Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add diced smoked turkey bacon. Cook until crispy, then remove and set aside. Leave the rendered fat in the pot and sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until fully browned and cooked through, allowing the chili powder, cumin, and paprika to infuse into the meat.
- Build the Soup: Stir in diced bell peppers, black beans, corn kernels, and diced tomatoes. Pour in the vegetable broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent and stir well to help thicken the soup.
- Simmer and Season: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. This allows flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional spices as desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat. Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Ladle soup into bowls, then top with reserved crispy smoked turkey bacon. Serve with tortilla chips or warm bread on the side.
Notes
- Make sure to brown the ground beef in batches if necessary to get even browning and avoid steaming.
- Adjust chili powder and paprika quantity to suit your preferred spice level.
- Use the natural gelling agent sparingly for the perfect broth thickness without heaviness.
- Add fresh lime juice and cilantro at the end to maintain their bright fresh flavors.
- Crisp the smoked turkey bacon well before adding as garnish for texture contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: taco soup, ground beef soup, easy soup recipe, one pot meal, Mexican-inspired soup, healthy soup, quick dinner
