This hearty Rotel Taco Soup is packed with tasty ground beef, beans, corn, and zesty Rotel tomatoes. It’s like a fiesta in a bowl that’s super easy to whip up!
I love how it’s perfect for those chilly days when you just want something warm. Plus, it makes great leftovers—if there are any left! 🌮🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This provides a hearty base for the soup. If you prefer a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken instead. For a vegetarian version, substitute it with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or keep it simple with extra beans.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes: These tomatoes come in various levels of heat. If you’re not a fan of spice, opt for the mild version. You can also use regular diced tomatoes and add your own chopped green chilies for flavor.
Beans: Black beans and pinto beans are great for protein and fiber. Chickpeas or kidney beans are acceptable substitutes too. If you need a lower-carb option, skip the beans altogether or use a smaller amount.
Broth or Water: Beef broth adds depth to the flavor, but vegetable broth or chicken broth works fine too. You can even use water if you prefer, though the taste won’t be as rich.
Taco Seasoning: A packet is convenient, but homemade seasoning is easy—combine cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste. Tweak it to your liking!
How Do I Get the Beef Just Right For My Soup?
Getting the beef nicely browned really sets the flavor for the soup. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Start with a preheated pot over medium heat. This helps enhance the browning.
- Add the ground beef in small batches if your pot is small, to allow for proper browning.
- Break up the meat into smaller pieces with a spoon as it cooks and let it sit for a minute between stirs to develop a nice crust.
- Drain any excess fat after browning to keep the soup from being greasy.
With these tips, you’ll get flavorful, well-cooked ground beef that enhances your lovely taco soup! Enjoy!
How to Make Rotel Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
- Optional: sour cream and tortilla chips for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Rotel Taco Soup can be ready in about 40 minutes! You’ll spend about 10 minutes on prep and 30 minutes cooking and letting the flavors blend together. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat. Use a spoon to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s extra fat, carefully drain it out to keep your soup nice and healthy.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Stir them in and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and transparent. This adds a lovely flavor to your soup!
3. Mix in the Taco Seasoning:
Now, sprinkle in the taco seasoning. Make sure you mix it well so it coats the beef and onions evenly, bringing all those tasty flavors together.
4. Combine with the Other Ingredients:
Next, add in the undrained Rotel tomatoes, tomato sauce, drained corn, rinsed black beans (or pinto beans), and beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined!
5. Let It Simmer:
Bring your soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it gently simmer for 20-30 minutes. This will let all the flavors mingle and create a deliciously hearty soup. Give it a taste, and add salt and pepper as desired.
6. Serve and Garnish:
When the soup is ready, serve it hot. Top each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and flavor! For an extra touch, add sour cream and enjoy with crunchy tortilla chips on the side.
Enjoy this flavorful, easy-to-make Rotel Taco Soup that’s perfect for taco lovers and soup enthusiasts alike! 🍲🌮
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to ground beef. Just follow the same steps, and you’ll still get a deliciously satisfying soup.
How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
If you love a kick, try using hot Rotel tomatoes instead of mild or add chopped jalapeños for extra heat. A pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce can also do the trick!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and add extra beans, such as kidney or chickpeas, for protein. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to enhance the flavor and texture.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it’s thickened up too much.
