7 Can Taco Soup Recipe Easy: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner!
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Craving a warm, comforting, and incredibly easy dinner? Look no further! This 7 Can Taco Soup recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s packed with flavor, requires minimal effort, and is completely customizable to your taste preferences. Forget slaving over a hot stove for hours; this soup comes together in minutes, using pantry staples you likely already have. It’s a budget-friendly, family-friendly, and utterly delicious way to satisfy your taco cravings in soup form. Get ready to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal that will become a regular in your dinner rotation!
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of this 7 Can Taco Soup lies in its simplicity and efficiency. Here’s why it’s a winner:
- Minimal Prep Time: Seriously, it takes about 5 minutes to open the cans and dump everything into a pot. That’s it!
- Pantry Staple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are canned goods, which means you can keep them on hand for a last-minute dinner solution.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Want it spicier? Add more chili powder or a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Vegetarian? Skip the ground beef (or use a plant-based alternative).
- Budget-Friendly: Canned goods are generally inexpensive, making this a very affordable meal option.
- Freezer-Friendly: This soup freezes beautifully, so you can make a big batch and have leftovers for future meals.
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash! Need we say more?
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves taco soup! It’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 (15 ounce) can of black beans, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can of kidney beans, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can of pinto beans, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can of corn, undrained
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 ounce) can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained (or use regular diced tomatoes and add a pinch of cayenne pepper)
- 1 packet of taco seasoning (about 1 ounce)
- Optional: 1 pound ground beef or turkey, cooked and drained (can substitute with plant-based crumbles)
- Optional Toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, tortilla chips, green onions
Instructions
- If using ground beef (or turkey): Brown the ground beef (or turkey) in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes and green chilies (or regular diced tomatoes), and taco seasoning to the pot with the browned ground beef (if using). If you are not using meat, simply add all ingredients to the pot.
- Simmer: Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor will be!
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, tortilla chips, and green onions.
- Enjoy! Savor the delicious and easy taco soup.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to ensure your 7 Can Taco Soup is a resounding success:
- Don’t Drain the Cans (Except the Meat): The liquid from the canned goods adds flavor and helps to create the soup base.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder soup, use regular diced tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes and green chilies. You can also add a dollop of sour cream to each bowl to cool it down. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Brown the Meat (if using): Browning the ground beef or turkey adds depth of flavor to the soup. Make sure to drain off any excess grease to avoid a greasy soup.
- Simmer, Simmer, Simmer: The longer the soup simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Don’t rush the simmering process.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Toppings are key to adding texture and flavor to the soup. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorites.
- Consider Adding Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped onions, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor. Add them when browning the ground beef (if using) or directly to the pot with the other ingredients.
- Use Low-Sodium Ingredients: If you are watching your sodium intake, use low-sodium canned goods and taco seasoning.
Storage Instructions
To Store: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To Reheat: Reheat the soup in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
To Freeze: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, absolutely! Brown the ground beef (if using) and then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Yes! Simply omit the ground beef (or turkey) and add an extra can of beans or a cup of chopped vegetables.
Q: Can I use different types of beans?
A: Yes, feel free to use any combination of beans you like. Great Northern beans or cannellini beans would also work well.
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes in place of the canned diced tomatoes. You may need to add a little extra liquid (such as water or vegetable broth) if the soup seems too thick.
Q: Is this soup spicy?
A: The spice level of this soup depends on the taco seasoning and the diced tomatoes and green chilies you use. If you are sensitive to spice, use a mild taco seasoning and regular diced tomatoes. You can always add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to increase the spice level.
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Conclusion
This 7 Can Taco Soup recipe is a true lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, affordable, and incredibly delicious. With its customizable nature and freezer-friendly qualities, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. So, gather your ingredients, grab a can opener, and get ready to enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of taco soup that the whole family will love. Happy cooking!
