If you’re in the mood for a warm, comforting meal that’s easy to whip up, nutritious, and full of flavor, look no further than Paula Deen’s Taco Soup recipe. Known for her down-home Southern cooking, Paula Deen has perfected the art of creating dishes that are both satisfying and delicious. Taco soup is one of those recipes that combines the best aspects of a hearty stew and the bold, zesty flavors of tacos.
This dish is ideal for cold weather or when you just need something filling after a busy day. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a one-pot wonder that requires minimal prep and can be customized to fit various dietary preferences or ingredient substitutions. Plus, it can be made in advance, which is always a win when it comes to weeknight meals.
Let’s take a deep dive into how to make this simple yet sensational dish.
Paula Deen Taco Soup Recipe
Paula Deen’s Taco Soup combines the savory elements of tacos-like seasoned beef, beans, and vegetables-with the comforting, hearty consistency of a soup. It’s got the perfect balance of richness and spiciness, and you can serve it with your favorite taco toppings. This recipe is truly a cozy classic!
This recipe is quick to make and gives you all the flavors you love in tacos, but in a soup form that’s even easier to enjoy. With its filling texture and a delightful mix of beans, corn, and spices, it’s like getting all the best parts of a taco in one spoonful.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you need to make Paula Deen’s Taco Soup a reality in your kitchen:
- Ground Beef – About 1 pound. This is the hearty base for the soup. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
- Taco Seasoning – One packet. This is where the flavor magic happens. You could make your own taco seasoning blend using chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and paprika.
- Onion – 1 medium, diced. The onion adds depth to the soup and balances the spices.
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic helps to amplify the flavors and brings that savory richness to the dish.
- Tomato Sauce – 1 can (8 oz). It adds a thick, rich base to the soup, enhancing the depth of flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 oz). You’ll need tomatoes for acidity, texture, and freshness.
- Black Beans – 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed. This is one of the key ingredients that give the soup its heartiness and an extra punch of protein.
- Kidney Beans – 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed. Just like the black beans, they contribute to the filling quality of the soup.
- Corn – 1 can (15 oz). Corn adds a subtle sweetness and texture contrast to the soup.
- Beef Broth – 1 can (15 oz). This brings richness to the base of the soup, helping to create a delicious broth.
- Chili Powder – 1 tablespoon. For a little extra kick, chili powder amps up the spice level and contributes to the overall flavor profile.
- Cumin – 1 teaspoon. Cumin’s earthy, warm flavors work perfectly with the other spices in this recipe.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste. These are the essentials to balance all the flavors.
- Toppings (optional) – Sour cream, shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, jalapeños, or avocado. You can add whatever you like to make it your own!
Cooking Instructions
Making Paula Deen’s Taco Soup is so easy! Here’s how you can do it step-by-step:
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Brown The Ground Beef
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
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Season The Meat
- Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir to coat the beef and vegetables. If you’re using homemade seasoning, add the chili powder, cumin, and any other spices you like at this stage.
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Add The Liquids And Beans
- Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
- Add the black beans, kidney beans, and corn. Stir again to incorporate everything evenly.
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Simmer The Soup
- Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for at least 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Taste And Adjust
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add salt, pepper, or extra chili powder for more heat.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with your choice of toppings. Enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
Here’s a deeper look at some of the ingredients in this recipe and why they work so well together:
- Ground Beef: The choice of ground beef (or turkey/chicken) is crucial for the soup’s rich, savory flavor. Beef provides that depth of taste that makes the dish so comforting, but the leaner meats offer a healthier alternative without sacrificing much in the flavor department.
- Beans: Both the black beans and kidney beans are packed with fiber and protein, making the soup filling and satisfying. Beans also help to balance out the soup’s rich flavors with their earthy, hearty textures.
- Taco Seasoning: A staple in many Southwestern dishes, taco seasoning is a blend of spices that create the unmistakable “taco” flavor. It’s a shortcut to big flavor, combining cumin, chili powder, garlic, and other spices.
- Tomatoes and Corn: The tomatoes add acidity and balance the richness of the meat and broth, while the corn brings in a sweet pop that contrasts beautifully with the savory elements. It adds freshness to the soup’s flavor profile.
Expert Tips
Want to make this soup even better? Here are some expert tips to take it up a notch:
- Make it Ahead: Taco soup is actually better the next day, as the flavors have had more time to meld together. Make a big batch, store it in an airtight container, and enjoy it the next day!
- Spice Control: If you prefer a milder flavor, cut back on the chili powder or use a milder taco seasoning. On the other hand, if you want a soup that really packs a punch, add in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use Quality Beef: If you can, try using grass-fed beef for a richer flavor and better nutritional profile. You could also go for a leaner cut to reduce fat content.
- Top with Fresh Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herby note that cuts through the richness of the soup. It’s a simple addition that can elevate the entire dish.
Recipe Variations
One of the best parts about taco soup is how adaptable it is. Here are some variations you can try:
- Vegetarian Taco Soup: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like crumbled tempeh or tofu. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added texture.
- Add Heat: If you’re a fan of spice, try adding a few diced jalapeños or even a couple of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky kick.
- Creamy Taco Soup: To make the soup creamier, stir in a little heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking. You could also add a dollop of sour cream into the soup bowl before serving.
- Low-Carb Taco Soup: For a keto-friendly version, replace the beans and corn with extra vegetables like cauliflower, shredded zucchini, or bell peppers.
Final Words
Taco soup is one of those meals that everyone can get excited about. It’s comforting, satisfying, and full of flavor-all while being incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or bringing it to a gathering, this Paula Deen-inspired recipe is sure to be a hit.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can switch up the toppings, adjust the spices, or even swap in different proteins to make it your own. Plus, the leftovers are amazing, so you’ll have something to look forward to tomorrow!
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Paula Deen’s Taco Soup?
The main ingredients for Paula Deen’s Taco Soup include ground beef, onion, taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, diced tomatoes, corn, kidney beans, black beans, and a can of green chilies. You will also need some optional toppings such as sour cream, cheese, and tortilla chips.
Can I Make Paula Deen’s Taco Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, Paula Deen’s Taco Soup can easily be adapted to a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and onions first, then combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Is Paula Deen’s Taco Soup Spicy?
Paula Deen’s Taco Soup is mildly spicy but can be adjusted to your heat preference. You can control the spice level by using a mild taco seasoning or opting for a less spicy variety of green chilies or beans.
Can I Make Paula Deen’s Taco Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make Paula Deen’s Taco Soup vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with plant-based meat or simply using more beans (such as pinto beans or black beans) and additional vegetables for texture.
Can Paula Deen’s Taco Soup Be Frozen?
Yes, Paula Deen’s Taco Soup freezes well. Once the soup has cooled down, store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat on the stove.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Paula Deen’s Taco Soup?
Cooking Paula Deen’s Taco Soup typically takes about 30-40 minutes on the stovetop. If using a slow cooker, it will take around 4-6 hours on low heat.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Meat For Paula Deen’s Taco Soup?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a combination of sausage and beef for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to brown the meat first before adding it to the soup.
What Can I Serve With Paula Deen’s Taco Soup?
Paula Deen’s Taco Soup is often served with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or avocado. It pairs well with tortilla chips or cornbread for a hearty meal.
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead Of Canned For Paula Deen’s Taco Soup?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned, but you’ll need to chop them finely and add some tomato paste or extra seasoning to achieve the same rich flavor as canned tomatoes.
Is Paula Deen’s Taco Soup Gluten-free?
Paula Deen’s Taco Soup can be made gluten-free by ensuring you use gluten-free taco seasoning and ranch seasoning. Most canned beans and vegetables are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always good to check the labels for cross-contamination warnings.