Taco Soup Recipe

What type of broth is best to use as a base?

The ideal broth for taco soup depends on the type of protein you use in the recipe. Beef broth is the most popular option when using ground beef, as it intensifies the flavors and adds more depth to the dish. If you're making the chicken version, chicken broth is the best choice to maintain flavor consistency.

For a lighter version, you can use vegetable broth, which works especially well in vegetarian versions or when you want to reduce sodium content.

Recommended proportions:

For a standard recipe: 4 cups of broth per pound of meat.
For a thicker version: 3 cups of broth.
For a more liquid soup: 5-6 cups of broth.

How to achieve the perfect broth texture

The ideal broth texture in taco soup is achieved through a precise combination of ingredients and cooking techniques. The first step is to cook the ground beef until well-browned, which adds depth and flavor to the broth.

Techniques for perfect texture:

Cook onions and garlic until translucent before adding liquids.
Let the broth simmer for at least 20 minutes.
Add beans without draining completely to give body to the broth.

Consistency adjustments:

For a thicker broth: add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
For a lighter broth: increase the amount of broth by 1 cup.
For a silky broth: incorporate 1/2 cup of sour cream at the end of cooking.

Additional tips:

Stir frequently to prevent ingredients from sticking to the bottom.
Keep the lid partially covered during cooking.
Adjust salt at the end of cooking.

Common mistakes to avoid:

Not browning the meat enough.
Adding too much liquid at the beginning.
Cooking at too high a temperature.
Not allowing enough time for flavors to integrate.

Necessary Ingredients

To prepare a delicious traditional taco soup, you'll need the following ingredients that will serve 6-8 portions. Each element contributes a specific flavor and texture to the dish.

Ground beef: 1 pound - Adds body and protein to the soup, preferably 80/20 fat content.
Onion: 1 medium, diced - Provides base flavor and natural sweetness.
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced - Adds aroma and depth of flavor.
Black beans: 1 can (15 oz) - Provides texture and additional protein.
Sweet corn: 1 can (15 oz) - Adds sweetness and crunchy texture.
Diced tomatoes: 2 cans (14.5 oz) - Forms the broth base and adds acidity.
Beef broth: 4 cups - Main liquid base.
Taco seasoning: 1 packet (1.25 oz) - Contributes characteristic Mexican flavor.
Ranch dressing mix: 1 packet (1 oz) - Adds creaminess and unique flavor.
Chili powder: 2 tablespoons - Adds heat and depth.
Ground cumin: 1 tablespoon - Provides traditional earthy flavor.
Salt: 1 teaspoon - Enhances all flavors.
Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon - Adds warmth and mild heat.

How to Make Taco Soup from Scratch

This step-by-step recipe will guide you to create a delicious taco soup that serves 6-8 portions. Total preparation time is approximately 45 minutes.

Step 1: Initial Preparation

Finely dice 1 medium onion and 3 garlic cloves into uniform pieces for even cooking. Make sure the pieces are the same size to ensure uniform cooking.
Drain and rinse the corn and beans, but reserve the bean liquid to give body to the soup. This liquid will help naturally thicken the preparation.

Step 2: Browning the Meat

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the pound of ground beef. Make sure the pot is well heated before adding the meat.
Cook the meat until well browned, breaking up large pieces for uniform texture. This process will take approximately 8-10 minutes.

Step 3: Flavor Base

Add the diced onion and garlic to the browned meat, cook until translucent. The onion should be soft and aromatic.
Incorporate the taco seasoning packet and cumin, stir well to coat the meat. This step is crucial for developing base flavors.

Step 4: Building the Broth

Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. The broth should be hot to maintain cooking temperature.
Add chili powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to integrate all ingredients. Make sure to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 5: Adding Elements

Add black beans with some of their liquid to give body to the soup. The bean liquid will help naturally thicken the preparation.
Incorporate sweet corn and Ranch dressing packet, mixing gently. These ingredients will add texture and additional flavor.

Step 6: Final Cooking

Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Slow cooking allows flavors to develop fully.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, especially salt and spice. The flavor should be balanced and savory.

For best results, remember to keep the lid partially covered during cooking and stir frequently to prevent ingredients from sticking to the bottom. The soup is ready when the flavors have fully integrated and the broth has a uniform texture.

How to Make Taco Soup Creamier

To achieve a creamy and smooth texture in taco soup, there are several effective methods you can implement:

Main Techniques:

Add 3/4 cup of sour cream (Daisy) at the end of cooking, stirring gently.
Add black bean liquid during cooking to thicken naturally.
Use shredded cheese as a creamy element, incorporating 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese that will melt into the hot soup.

Additional Methods:

Blend a portion of black beans before adding them to the soup.
Reduce the broth over low heat for longer to concentrate flavors and thicken.
Add cream when the soup is off the heat to prevent curdling.

Ingredients that Add Creaminess:

Mashed avocado
Cream cheese
Mexican cream
Corn puree

Tips for Thickening or Thinning the Soup According to Preference

To achieve the perfect consistency of your taco soup, here are effective techniques to adjust its texture:

To Thicken the Soup:

Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and add it to the boiling soup, cook for 5 additional minutes.
Mash a portion of black beans and reincorporate them into the soup.
Add instant mashed potatoes, 2-3 tablespoons depending on desired thickness.

To Make the Soup More Liquid:

Add hot beef broth, 1 cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Gradually incorporate hot water, mixing well.
Keep the pot uncovered during cooking to prevent excess condensation.

Last-Minute Adjustments:

To thicken quickly: add shredded cheese that will melt naturally.
To thin: slowly add more hot broth.
Always adjust salt after modifying consistency.

How to Adjust the Spice Level

To achieve the perfect spice level in taco soup, it's important to follow specific control and adjustment techniques:

Preventive Techniques:

Start with small amounts of spicy seasonings and increase gradually.
Remove seeds and membranes from chilies before incorporating them.
Measure spices precisely using measuring spoons.

Adjustments During Cooking:

To increase heat: gradually add more chili powder or cayenne.
To reduce heat: incorporate more beef or chicken broth.
Add a touch of lemon juice to balance intensity.

Solutions if Too Spicy:

Add dairy products like sour cream or shredded cheese.
Incorporate more tomatoes to dilute the heat.
Add a small amount of sugar or honey to neutralize.

Control of Spicy Ingredients:

Chili powder: start with 1 tablespoon and adjust.
Jalapeños: use only half at first.
Cayenne pepper: start with 1/4 teaspoon.

Garnish and Toppings Options for the Soup

The right garnishes and toppings can transform a basic taco soup into a complete culinary experience. Here are the best options:

Traditional Toppings:

Sour cream or Mexican cream to add creaminess and soften the soup's heat, while adding a touch of acidity.
Shredded cheese (cheddar or cotija) that partially melts and adds a salty flavor and texture to the dish.
Diced or sliced avocado to add natural creaminess and a mild flavor that complements the spicy flavors.
Fresh chopped cilantro that adds a touch of freshness and characteristic aroma of Mexican cuisine.
Finely diced red onion that adds crunchy texture and a characteristic mild spicy flavor.
Fresh lime wedges to squeeze when serving and enhance all the soup's flavors.

Crunchy Elements:

Fried corn tortilla strips until golden and crispy, perfect for adding texture to each spoonful.
Crushed nachos that maintain their crunch and provide the characteristic toasted corn flavor.
Baked tortilla chips for a healthier but equally crunchy and satisfying option.
Fresh sliced jalapeños for those who want an extra touch of heat and freshness.
Fresh pico de gallo that combines tomato, onion, and cilantro for an explosion of fresh flavors.

Additional Complements:

Fresh or roasted sweet corn to add a touch of natural sweetness and texture to each bite.
Chopped green onions that add fresh flavor and a vibrant touch of color.
Thinly sliced radishes to add a spicy and crunchy touch plus color.
Pickled chilies that add acidity and heat for the more adventurous.
Hot sauce to taste to customize the spice level according to each diner.

How to Store and Freeze Taco Soup

To maintain the flavor and quality of your taco soup when storing, it's essential to follow proper storage processes and use the correct containers.

Packaging Tips:

Cool the soup completely using shallow containers for faster cooling.
Divide into individual or family portions according to your needs.
Use glass containers with airtight lids or food-grade plastic containers.
Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent oxidation.
Label each container with contents and preparation date.

In the Refrigerator:

Maintain a constant temperature between 32°F and 39°F (0°C and 4°C).
Place in the center of the refrigerator to maintain stable temperature.
Store for up to 3-4 days maximum.

For Freezing:

Leave 2-3 cm of space in the container for expansion.
Maintain a constant temperature at 0°F (-18°C).
Keep for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can you make taco soup without beans?

A: If you're not a fan of beans, you can easily omit them from the recipe. It's recommended to add more vegetables like diced potatoes, green beans, or bell peppers to add volume to the dish. You can also increase the amount of corn and meat to compensate.

Q: How can I make the soup less spicy?

A: To reduce the heat, you can omit the green chilies and jalapeños from the recipe. You can also add more broth or sour cream to soften the flavor. If it's still too spicy, shredded cheese and avocado help neutralize the heat.

Q: What's the difference between taco soup and chili?

A: Taco soup has a more liquid consistency than traditional chili and cooks in less time. While chili requires long, slow cooking, taco soup can be prepared in 30 minutes while maintaining all the Mexican flavors.

Q: Can you make a vegetarian version?

A: Taco soup can be easily adapted to a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and doubling the amount of beans. You can also use meat alternatives or add more vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms for texture.