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Kid-Approved 5-Ingredient Ground Beef Taco Soup

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A quick and easy taco soup made with just five main ingredients plus water. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot meal is hearty, flavorful, and loved by even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
  • 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn (no need to thaw)
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium beef broth

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef: Place a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). Do not drain the fat unless using a very fatty blend.
  2. Add the taco seasoning: Sprinkle the entire packet over the cooked beef. Stir well to coat and let cook for about 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  3. Add the tomatoes, beans, and corn: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained and rinsed black beans, and frozen corn. Stir to combine.
  4. Add the liquid: Pour in 2 cups of water or low-sodium beef broth. Stir. For a thinner soup, add another 1/2 cup liquid; for thicker, stick with 2 cups.
  5. Bring to a boil, then simmer: Turn heat to high and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soup thickens slightly.
  6. Taste and adjust: After 15 minutes, taste and add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lime juice if needed. Add a dash of cumin for deeper flavor if desired.
  7. Serve and top: Ladle into bowls and let everyone customize with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

For meal prep, let soup cool completely before storing in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if too thick. For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered longer or mash some beans against the pot. For a vegetarian version, skip the beef and add an extra can of beans or meatless crumbles.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco soup, ground beef soup, easy weeknight dinner, one-pot meal, kid-friendly, 5-ingredient recipe, quick dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/kid-approved-5-ingredient-ground-beef-taco-soup/