Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 package (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, tortilla chips
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion, red and green bell peppers, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and taco seasoning mix. Stir to combine.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot with optional toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and tortilla chips.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Simmer over low heat
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 1300mg
Total Carbohydrates: 27g
Dietary Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 24g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Any color bell pepper can be used or omitted.
- Canned diced tomatoes with jalapenos can be used instead of diced tomatoes and green chilies.
- Any type of shredded cheese can be used instead of cheddar cheese.
Variations:
- Add a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Use a can of fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
- Add a tablespoon of adobo sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use a can of Rotel instead of diced tomatoes and green chilies for a different flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the ground beef while cooking.
- Drain any excess fat after browning the ground beef to reduce the fat content of the soup.
- Use a cheese grater to shred the cheese if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze leftover soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat soup in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the soup in individual bowls with optional toppings on the side for guests to customize their own soup.
- Garnish the soup with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
Pairings:
- Serve the soup with a side of warm cornbread or tortillas.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mexican rice
- Grilled vegetables
- Caesar salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover soup in the refrigerator or freezer within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
- The origins of taco soup are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the southern United States as a way to use up leftover taco ingredients.
Flavor profiles:
- This soup has a savory and slightly spicy flavor from the ground beef, taco seasoning, and diced tomatoes and green chilies. The addition of cheddar cheese adds a creamy and cheesy element to the soup.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the soup as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
- This soup is perfect for a cozy night in or for serving a crowd at a party or gathering.
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