Instant Pot Taco Soup is one of those recipes that never gets old. It’s quick, hearty, flavorful, and most importantly, ridiculously easy to make. Packed with ground beef (or turkey), beans, tomatoes, and a variety of delicious seasonings, this soup has all the comforting elements of a taco without all the fuss. It’s the kind of dish you’ll crave after a long day but don’t have the energy to make anything complicated.
Why The Instant Pot?
- The Instant Pot takes the guesswork out of cooking, offering a one-pot solution that locks in flavor, reduces cooking time, and keeps cleanup minimal.
- It allows you to get the best flavors in less time than traditional stove-top methods.
- It’s like a magical kitchen tool that combines multiple cooking functions into one, from pressure cooking to slow cooking and sautéing.
With this recipe, you can make a meal that’s satisfying, filling, and packed with all the best taco flavors, but without the hassle.
Instant Pot Taco Soup Recipe
If you’re ready to get started, you’ll be pleased to know this recipe requires minimal prep and is practically foolproof. Here’s how to whip up a delicious bowl of Instant Pot Taco Soup that your taste buds will thank you for.
Ingredients Needed
For this taco soup recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (you can use store-bought or homemade)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning (this adds a creamy depth of flavor)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), undrained
- 1 can green chilies (4 oz), undrained
- 1 can corn (15 oz), drained
- 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a milder flavor)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, jalapeños, cilantro, lime wedges
Cooking Instructions
Now that we’ve got all the ingredients gathered, let’s talk about how to make this taco soup in your Instant Pot. Don’t worry, it’s super easy:
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Sauté The Beef & Onion
- Turn on the Instant Pot and set it to the Sauté function.
- Add the olive oil and let it heat up.
- Add the diced onions and cook for about 2 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
- Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
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Season It Up
- Once the beef is browned, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and ranch seasoning. Stir well to ensure the meat is evenly coated in the spices.
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Add The Remaining Ingredients
- To the seasoned meat, add the diced tomatoes, green chilies, corn, black beans, kidney beans, beef broth, and water. Stir everything to combine, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pot to avoid burning.
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Pressure Cook
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to “Sealing”.
- Select the Manual or Pressure Cook function and set the timer for 10 minutes on high pressure.
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Release The Pressure
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully switch the valve to ’Venting’ for a quick release. Be cautious of the steam.
- Open the lid once the pressure has fully released.
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Final Stir
- Give everything a good stir, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
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Serve & Top
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, or a squeeze of lime.
Ingredient Insights
- Ground Beef vs. Ground Turkey: While ground beef adds a rich, savory flavor, ground turkey is a leaner alternative. Both options are great, so it’s really up to your preference or dietary needs. Ground chicken or even plant-based crumbles can also be used as alternatives.
- Beans: Beans are a great source of fiber and protein, and they help thicken the soup, making it more filling. Black beans are a classic, but kidney beans, pinto beans, or even white beans can be substituted depending on your taste.
- Taco Seasoning: You can absolutely use a homemade taco seasoning if you prefer to avoid store-bought packets. A simple mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a bit of salt works wonders.
- Broth & Water: Using beef broth gives the soup a hearty, rich flavor, but chicken broth can lighten it up. You can adjust the broth-to-water ratio based on how thick or thin you want your soup.
Expert Tips
To take this Instant Pot Taco Soup to the next level, try these expert tips:
- Sauté the Seasonings: When cooking the ground meat and onion, sautéing the taco seasoning with the meat helps deepen the flavor. Don’t skip this step, as it really enhances the dish.
- Use Rotel or Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: If you want more heat and depth, consider using a can of Rotel tomatoes or fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead of regular canned tomatoes. This adds a smoky undertone and extra kick.
- Add Extra Veggies: If you’re looking to bulk up the soup with more veggies, throw in some bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. These will absorb the flavors and make the soup even more hearty.
- Thicken It Up: If you prefer a thicker soup, add a tablespoon of cornstarch or masa harina (corn flour) mixed with a little water towards the end of cooking. This will create a smoother, thicker texture.
- Make It Spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to kick up the heat. For an even spicier kick, use spicy taco seasoning or a few dried chili flakes.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Taco Soup: Simply replace the meat with extra beans, lentils, or even a plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ve got a hearty vegetarian version.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the beans and corn and opt for cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb but still satisfying. You can also use zucchini noodles to mimic a noodle-like texture.
- Cheesy Taco Soup: For a creamy, cheesy twist, add a cup of cream cheese or a couple of handfuls of shredded cheese during the final steps of cooking. Stir it in to create a richer, creamier soup.
- Slow Cooker Version: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can easily make this in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and onions in a skillet first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Final Words
This Instant Pot Taco Soup is not only comforting and delicious, but it’s also super versatile. You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home or what fits your taste buds. With the Instant Pot, you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying meal ready in no time-perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For An Instant Pot Taco Soup Recipe?
For a basic Instant Pot taco soup recipe, you will need ground beef (or chicken), onion, garlic, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, beef broth, and optional toppings like cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips.
Can I Make Instant Pot Taco Soup Without Meat?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Instant Pot taco soup by using beans (black beans, pinto beans), corn, and vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can substitute the meat with plant-based protein or tofu if desired.
How Do I Cook Instant Pot Taco Soup?
To cook Instant Pot taco soup, start by sautéing onions and garlic in the Instant Pot. Add your ground meat (if using), cook until browned, then stir in taco seasoning. Add the remaining ingredients, including broth, beans, tomatoes, and corn. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 5-10 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally or quickly, depending on your preference.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Instant Pot Taco Soup?
It takes about 10 minutes of cooking time under high pressure, plus the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and the pressure to release. Overall, the total time is typically around 25-30 minutes.
Can I Use Frozen Meat For Instant Pot Taco Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen meat for Instant Pot taco soup. Simply increase the cooking time to about 10-15 minutes for frozen ground beef or chicken. Make sure to break apart the meat after cooking if necessary.
What Toppings Are Best For Taco Soup?
Popular toppings for taco soup include shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, tortilla chips, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime wedges. You can customize based on your personal preferences.
Can I Use Homemade Taco Seasoning For Instant Pot Taco Soup?
Yes, you can use homemade taco seasoning in your Instant Pot taco soup. Simply combine spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences.
Can I Make Instant Pot Taco Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, Instant Pot taco soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth to reach your desired consistency.
Is Instant Pot Taco Soup Spicy?
The spice level of Instant Pot taco soup can be adjusted based on your preferences. Use mild or medium salsa, and control the amount of chili powder or hot sauce you add. For a spicier version, add jalapeños or a spicier salsa.
Can I Use A Slow Cooker Instead Of The Instant Pot For Taco Soup?
Yes, you can make taco soup in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.