Rotel Taco Soup is a hearty and tasty meal that mixes ground beef, beans, corn, and those famous Rotel tomatoes. It’s like tacos in a bowl, so comforting and delicious!
This soup is my go-to for busy nights! Just throw everything in a pot, and you’ve got a warm meal in no time. Perfect with some cheese on top—yum! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like to use lean ground beef for this soup to keep it healthier. If you want a lighter option, turkey or chicken works well too. For a vegetarian choice, substitute with lentils or a mix of different beans!
Rotel Tomatoes: These tomatoes add a nice kick with the green chilies. If you can’t find Rotel, feel free to use regular diced tomatoes and add a pinch of chili powder to get that extra flavor.
Beans: Black and kidney beans are my favorites for this recipe, but you can also use pinto beans or chickpeas instead. Just make sure to rinse them well, especially if you use canned ones.
Broth: Beef broth gives a deep flavor, but vegetable broth or even water works if you want to keep it lighter. Sometimes, I mix half beef broth and half water for a milder taste.
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor in My Soup?
The magic of this soup comes from caramelizing the onions and properly seasoning the ground beef. Here’s how to do it:
- Cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink; this helps avoid any greasy texture. Drain as needed.
- Cook the diced onions with the beef to bring out their sweetness. This step takes about 3-4 minutes if done right.
- Don’t skip the mixing step with taco seasoning! Cooking it for a minute before adding liquids helps unlock all those tasty spices.
Let it simmer to deepen the flavors. The longer it cooks, the better it is!
Rotel Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Soup:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Toppings (Optional):
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Fritos corn chips
- Chopped cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This awesome Rotel Taco Soup will take roughly 10 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook, making it a quick and satisfying meal in about 40 minutes total. Perfect for a busy night or a cozy weekend cooking session!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the ground beef over medium heat. Cook until the beef is fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once it’s done, drain any excess grease to keep your soup from being too oily.
2. Sauté the Onion:
Add the diced onion to the pot with the cooked beef. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until the onion has softened and is translucent. This step adds a lovely flavor base to your soup!
3. Add the Seasoning:
Next, stir in the taco seasoning mix and cook for another minute. This helps to release all the fantastic spices in the seasoning and gives the beef an extra kick!
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Add in the undrained Rotel tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, corn, tomato sauce, and beef broth or water. Stir everything together well so all those yummy ingredients blend nicely.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Bring your soup to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. This simmering time helps to meld the flavors together nicely, making your soup even more delicious.
6. Final Seasoning:
After simmering, taste your soup. Feel free to adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your liking. Just a pinch can make a big difference!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot in bowls. Top it with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkling of Fritos for some crunch. If you like, toss on some chopped cilantro for a fresh finish. Enjoy this comforting, zesty Taco Soup that captures all the flavors of tacos in each comforting spoonful!
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great substitute for the beef. Just be mindful to cook it until it’s fully browned and ensure the flavors are well-seasoned since poultry can be a bit milder in taste.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-friendly container!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this soup vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with a mix of your favorite beans, lentils, or even sautéed mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it flavorful!
What Toppings Work Best with This Soup?
Some popular toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and crispy tortilla chips. You can also add fresh cilantro or diced avocado for an extra burst of freshness!