Taco soup is one of those comforting, hearty dishes that perfectly blends the bold flavors of a taco with the soothing warmth of a soup. It’s a recipe that checks off all the boxes: quick, delicious, filling, and, let’s be honest, a complete crowd-pleaser. You might have heard of Pioneer Woman’s Taco Soup Recipe-a version so loved and highly praised that it has become a staple for busy families, cozy gatherings, and weeknight dinners alike.
The beauty of this dish lies in how versatile it is, while still delivering that signature taco taste we all crave. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or someone who’s just looking to throw something together for dinner, this recipe is simple to make, but the depth of flavor it packs will have your taste buds jumping for joy. What’s more, this taco soup can be made in a big batch and is perfect for freezing, which is ideal for meal prepping!
Let’s dive into the recipe and all the juicy details that make Pioneer Woman’s Taco Soup such a hit.
Pioneer Woman Taco Soup Recipe
The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is known for creating recipes that are approachable and designed for the modern home cook. Her taco soup recipe is a true reflection of this, combining the richness of beef, the zest of taco seasonings, and the freshness of veggies into a one-pot wonder that will surely become a family favorite.
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out?
- Layered flavors: The beef, beans, and corn are all combined with a mix of savory and spicy seasonings that make each bite burst with flavor.
- Simplicity: While packed with flavor, the ingredients are easy to find and the cooking process is minimal.
- Adaptable: You can tweak the recipe based on your dietary preferences or what you have in your pantry.
Ingredients Needed
To make this taco soup, you don’t need to go on a wild goose chase for obscure ingredients. Most of these items are ones you likely already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground beef (1 lb): A good base for the soup. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option.
- Onion (1 medium): A must-have for depth and sweetness. The onion is sautéed with the beef, creating a flavorful base.
- Garlic (2-3 cloves, minced): For that extra punch of flavor that enhances the overall profile of the soup.
- Taco seasoning (1 packet): The star of the show! You can use store-bought or homemade taco seasoning, but a packet of pre-made seasoning is a quick and easy choice.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): Adds some acidity and freshness to balance the richness of the beef.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 8 oz): Contributes to the depth of the soup’s texture, giving it that smooth, hearty consistency.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): This adds the liquid base to the soup and keeps it from being too thick.
- Black beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): Packed with fiber and protein, these beans add heartiness to the dish.
- Kidney beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): Adds a nice contrast to the black beans in both texture and color.
- Corn (1 can, drained): Sweet, tender corn kernels are a perfect complement to the savory beef and beans.
- Sour cream (for serving): A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the spiced soup.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish): Because who can resist melted cheese on top of a taco-inspired dish?
- Tortilla chips (for serving): A crunchy topping that adds the finishing touch to each bowl of soup.
Cooking Instructions
Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these straightforward steps to whip up a pot of Pioneer Woman’s Taco Soup that will have your kitchen smelling incredible in no time:
- Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up as it cooks, stirring occasionally. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Stir frequently and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add the seasonings: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir to coat the beef and onions. This will infuse the meat with all those classic taco flavors.
- Pour in the liquids and tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the beans and corn: Now, add the black beans, kidney beans, and corn to the pot. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. The soup should thicken up slightly, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier soup.
- Serve: Ladle the taco soup into bowls and top with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for crunch. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.
Ingredient Insights
- Ground beef: While ground beef is the traditional choice for taco soup, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. The key is to have something with a bit of fat content to keep the soup rich and flavorful.
- Taco seasoning: Taco seasoning typically includes a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and sometimes a hint of cayenne pepper. You can make your own by combining these spices or buy a packet for convenience. Homemade seasoning gives you control over the heat level!
- Beans: Beans are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, making this soup filling and nutritious. The black beans and kidney beans work well here because they hold their shape during cooking and add nice texture.
- Corn: The sweetness of the corn is an unexpected yet perfect addition to the savory flavors in the soup. It provides a subtle contrast, balancing out the richness of the beef and beans.
Expert Tips
- Make it spicy: Want more heat? Add some chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce when you’re sautéing the onions and garlic. For an even bolder kick, use spicy taco seasoning or throw in some chipotle powder.
- Use bone broth: For a deeper, richer flavor, swap out regular chicken broth for bone broth. It gives the soup a velvety texture and packs in some extra nutrients.
- Add some veggies: If you want to sneak in more vegetables, consider adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to the mix. These vegetables will soften as they cook and blend right into the soup.
- Serve with cornbread: To really round out the meal, pair your taco soup with a side of buttery cornbread. The sweetness of the cornbread complements the spicy soup beautifully.
Recipe Variations
Pioneer Woman’s taco soup is delicious as-is, but one of the joys of this recipe is its adaptability. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Vegetarian Taco Soup: Skip the meat entirely and use extra beans and vegetables like corn, bell peppers, and zucchini. You can also add tofu crumbles or tempeh for a protein boost.
- Low-carb version: Omit the beans and use cauliflower rice in place of regular rice or tortilla chips for a keto-friendly twist. The soup will still be satisfying, and you’ll get a great low-carb version.
- Cheesy taco soup: If you’re a cheese lover, you can stir in a handful of shredded cheese while the soup simmers. This gives it a creamy texture and a gooey, cheesy consistency.
- Chicken taco soup: Swap the ground beef for shredded chicken. Use leftover rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut!
Final Words
This taco soup recipe is a perfect example of why Ree Drummond’s meals are so popular: it’s simple, packed with flavor, and can be customized to fit any dietary preference. Whether you make it with beef, chicken, or go vegetarian, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. It’s a great meal for the whole family, and if you have any leftovers, they only get better the next day!
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For The Pioneer Woman Taco Soup Recipe?
The Pioneer Woman taco soup recipe typically requires ground beef, onion, garlic, taco seasoning, ranch dressing mix, black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and chicken broth.
Can I Make Pioneer Woman Taco Soup With Ground Turkey Instead Of Ground Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in the Pioneer Woman taco soup recipe for a lighter option. The flavor will remain similar, though turkey may be slightly milder in taste.
How Long Does It Take To Make The Pioneer Woman Taco Soup?
The Pioneer Woman taco soup typically takes around 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Is The Pioneer Woman Taco Soup Recipe Spicy?
The recipe itself is moderately spicy due to the taco seasoning and green chilies. However, you can adjust the level of spice by using a mild taco seasoning or omitting the green chilies.
Can I Make Pioneer Woman Taco Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can adapt the Pioneer Woman taco soup recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the meat and onions first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
What Can I Serve With Pioneer Woman Taco Soup?
Pioneer Woman taco soup pairs well with tortilla chips, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. You can also serve it with cornbread or a simple side salad.
Can I Freeze Leftover Pioneer Woman Taco Soup?
Yes, Pioneer Woman taco soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I Make Pioneer Woman Taco Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Pioneer Woman taco soup by replacing the ground beef with a plant-based protein such as crumbled tofu, tempeh, or additional beans like pinto or black beans.
Is Pioneer Woman Taco Soup Gluten-free?
Yes, the Pioneer Woman taco soup is naturally gluten-free, as long as you ensure that the taco seasoning, ranch dressing mix, and other ingredients are free from gluten. Double-check ingredient labels for any hidden gluten.
What Kind Of Beans Can I Use In Pioneer Woman Taco Soup?
The recipe traditionally calls for black beans and kidney beans, but you can swap them for other beans like pinto beans, garbanzo beans, or even white beans depending on your preference.