This Rotel Taco Soup is a quick and tasty treat! Packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and zesty Rotel tomatoes, it’s full of flavor and super easy to whip up.
Who doesn’t love a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day? I like to top mine with cheese and tortilla chips for an extra crunch. Perfect for cozy nights! 🥣🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein in the soup. For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken. If you’re looking for a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or a mixture of vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
Rotel Tomatoes: These canned tomatoes provide a zesty flavor. If you can’t find them, you could use diced tomatoes and add a bit of canned green chilies for a similar taste. Also, regular diced tomatoes work too, but the flavor will be milder.
Beans: While kidney and black beans are great, feel free to use pinto or white beans. If you’re short on canned beans, you can also use cooked dried beans. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time!
Taco Seasoning: You can use homemade taco seasoning if you prefer controlling the spices. A mix of chili powder, cumin, and paprika would work perfectly as a substitute.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Sautéed Onions and Garlic?
Getting the onions and garlic just right is key to building flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium heat to avoid burning.
- Add onions first. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until translucent before adding the minced garlic.
- Garlic burns quickly! Stir for just 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant, then add your taco seasoning.
This step enhances the overall flavor of your soup and sets a tasty foundation!
What’s the Best Way to Serve and Store This Taco Soup?
Serving this soup is fun! Load it up with toppings like cheddar cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips for texture. If you have leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens.
- Freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
It makes for a great meal prep option!
Rotel Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 3 cups beef broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, chopped cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup can be prepared in about 10 minutes of prep time and takes around 30 minutes to cook. Altogether, you’ll have a hearty and satisfying dish ready in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Make sure to cook it all the way through, about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s done, drain any excess fat from the pot so your soup doesn’t get greasy.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook them together until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This will add a wonderful flavor to your soup!
3. Add Seasoning:
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning mix and stir everything together, ensuring that the beef, onions, and garlic are well-coated with the spices. This step really brings the flavors alive!
4. Combine Soup Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the fun ingredients! Pour in the undrained Rotel tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, corn, tomato sauce, and the beef broth (or water). Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it’s bubbling, turn the heat down to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Taste and Adjust:
After simmering, taste your soup. If it needs a bit more kick, add salt and pepper to your liking. Adjusting seasoning is key to making every dish delicious!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, it’s time to serve! Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, and chopped cilantro if you’d like! Enjoy your hearty meal!
This flavorful and comforting soup packs a spicy kick from the Rotel that blends wonderfully with the hearty beans, corn, and taco-seasoned ground beef. Perfect served with a side of tortilla chips or warm cornbread!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to ground beef and will work perfectly in this soup. Just follow the same cooking instructions as you would with beef.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, you can replace the ground beef with lentils, chickpeas, or a mix of your favorite chopped vegetables. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for added flavor.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Just let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
What If I Don’t Have Rotel Tomatoes?
If you can’t find Rotel tomatoes, you can substitute with any canned diced tomatoes and add a few chopped green chilies to mimic the flavor. Regular diced tomatoes will work too but will give a milder taste.
