Taco soup stovetop secrets: how to cook it fast and flavorful

Taco soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to use up leftover taco meat, and it can also be made with ground beef or turkey. Best of all, taco soup is easy to make and can be cooked on the stovetop in just a few minutes.

How Long to Cook Taco Soup on the Stove

The cooking time for taco soup will vary depending on the ingredients you use and the stovetop temperature. However, as a general rule of thumb, taco soup will take about 30 minutes to cook on the stovetop.

Ingredients for Taco Soup

The following ingredients are needed to make taco soup:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream, for topping (optional)

Instructions for Cooking Taco Soup on the Stove

1. Brown the ground beef or turkey in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and water.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the soup has thickened.
5. Stir in the cheddar cheese and cook until melted.
6. Serve the taco soup with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes.

Tips for Cooking Taco Soup on the Stove

• To make the soup spicier, add more taco seasoning or a few dashes of cayenne pepper.
• To make the soup more mild, add less taco seasoning or omit it altogether.
• If you don’t have any leftover taco meat, you can use ground beef or turkey that has been browned in a skillet.
• You can also add other ingredients to your taco soup, such as diced bell peppers, chopped green chilies, or shredded cheese.
• Taco soup is a great make-ahead meal. Simply cook the soup according to the instructions and then let it cool completely. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the soup over medium heat until warmed through.

Variations on Taco Soup

There are many different ways to make taco soup. Here are a few variations:

• Vegetarian taco soup: Omit the ground beef or turkey and use black beans or kidney beans instead.
• White chicken chili: Use cooked chicken instead of ground beef or turkey and add white beans, corn, and diced green chilies.
• Beef and bean taco soup: Use a combination of ground beef and black beans or kidney beans.
• Loaded taco soup: Add your favorite toppings to the soup, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and avocado.

Benefits of Cooking Taco Soup on the Stove

There are many benefits to cooking taco soup on the stovetop. Here are a few:

• It is a quick and easy way to make a delicious and hearty meal.
• You can control the ingredients and the level of spiciness.
• It is a great way to use up leftover taco meat.
• Taco soup is a budget-friendly meal that can feed a crowd.

Conclusion

Taco soup is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is easy to make and can be cooked on the stovetop in just a few minutes. With so many variations to choose from, there is sure to be a taco soup recipe that everyone will love.

FAQ

Q: How can I thicken taco soup?
A: You can thicken taco soup by adding cornstarch or flour to the mixture. Start by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Then, add the slurry to the soup and cook over medium heat until the soup has thickened.

Q: Can I freeze taco soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze taco soup. Simply cook the soup according to the instructions and then let it cool completely. Store the soup in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the soup over medium heat until warmed through.

Q: What are some good toppings for taco soup?
A: Some good toppings for taco soup include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, avocado, and chopped green onions.