Taco Soup Recipe: A Hearty Delight for Chilly Evenings
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serving: Makes about 6 servings
Description
Taco Soup is the ultimate comfort dish to warm you up on a cold, snowy evening in New Hampshire or any damp, rainy night. This savory soup pairs perfectly with warm cornbread for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups dry red wine
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (15 oz each) dark red kidney beans, undrained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- Taco seasoning mix (use 3 tablespoons or adjust to taste)
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 363.2
- Total Fat: 12.8g
- Saturated Fat: 6.7g
- Cholesterol: 53.2mg
- Sodium: 699.4mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 33g
- Dietary Fiber: 9.7g
- Sugars: 7.1g
- Protein: 24.6g
Instructions
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Brown the Beef and Onion:
- In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, brown the lean ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks, stirring frequently until beef is no longer pink and onions are tender.
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Add Liquid and Tomatoes:
- Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat from the pot. Add water, dry red wine, diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, dark red kidney beans (undrained), and taco seasoning mix to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
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Simmer the Soup:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the beans are tender.
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Garnish and Serve:
- After simmering, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, sliced black olives, chopped green onions, and diced green chilies. These toppings add a burst of flavor and texture to each bowl.
Serving Tips
- Taco Soup is delicious on its own but is traditionally served with warm cornbread or tortilla chips on the side. The combination of soup and cornbread makes for a complete and satisfying meal, perfect for cold evenings.
Recipe Notes
- Customization: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less taco seasoning and green chilies.
- Storage: Taco Soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes beautifully. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Conclusion
Taco Soup is a fantastic choice for a quick and hearty meal, especially when the weather calls for something warm and comforting. With its blend of savory beef, beans, and tomatoes, topped with creamy cheese and sour cream, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this easy-to-make soup with friends and family, and embrace the cozy vibes it brings to any mealtime gathering.
