The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is well-known for her delicious and approachable recipes, especially when it comes to comforting family meals. Her taco soup recipe is no exception – it’s celebrated for being incredibly easy to make with minimal fuss, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. When you first glance at the ingredient list for The Pioneer Woman Taco Soup Recipe, you might think it’s a standard grocery run, similar to her famous beef stew. However, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed, proving that Ree Drummond truly understands how to create flavorful meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
What makes this taco soup stand out is Ree’s clever shortcuts that significantly cut down on cooking time without sacrificing taste. Instead of meticulously draining and rinsing canned beans and corn, she incorporates them directly into the pot with their liquid. This not only enhances the overall flavor profile but also naturally thickens the soup to a satisfyingly rich consistency. The flavorful drippings from browning the ground beef are intentionally kept in the pan, adding depth, and she relies on taco seasoning and hot sauce to quickly build robust flavor and spice. For anyone seeking a fast, flavorful, and comforting dish, The Pioneer Woman taco soup recipe is a fantastic option, particularly when you’re craving classic comfort food without the lengthy preparation.
The Pioneer Woman Taco Soup Recipe: Ingredients & Directions
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds ground beef
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 heaping tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 heaping tablespoon taco seasoning
- One 15-ounce can black beans, undrained
- One 15-ounce can fire-roasted corn, undrained
- One 15-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained (like Rotel)
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- Hot sauce, to taste (such as Tabasco or your favorite brand)
For Garnish (optional):
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- Yellow corn chips or tortilla strips
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics – Onion and Garlic
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and soften, approximately 5 minutes. Allowing the onions and garlic to properly sauté at this stage is crucial for building a flavorful base for the soup.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Increase the heat slightly to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Break up the beef with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue to cook until the beef is fully browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Ensure the beef is nicely browned as this adds depth of flavor to the final soup. Drain off excess grease if desired, although for extra flavor, some cooks prefer to leave a bit of the beef drippings in the pot.
Step 3: Build Flavor – Tomato Paste and Taco Seasoning
Stir in the tomato paste and taco seasoning to the browned ground beef. Cook for about 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste slightly darkens and the spices become fragrant. Toasting the tomato paste and spices in this step intensifies their flavors and enhances the overall richness of the soup.
Step 4: Combine Soup Ingredients and Simmer
Pour in the undrained black beans, undrained fire-roasted corn, and undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles into the pot. Add the vegetable stock and a few dashes of hot sauce to taste. Remember, you can always add more hot sauce later, so start with a conservative amount if you are spice-sensitive. Stir everything together well to combine all the ingredients.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the soup to thicken slightly. Ree Drummond emphasizes letting the soup reach a “violent” boil initially to help the flavors develop quickly in this shortcut recipe. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, taco seasoning, or hot sauce to your preference.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the Pioneer Woman taco soup into bowls and let everyone customize their serving with their favorite toppings. Popular garnishes include shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro leaves, and crumbled yellow corn chips for added crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy this hearty and flavorful taco soup! For another delicious soup option, consider trying this easy-to-make chicken taco soup.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Taco Soup
Bowl of Pioneer Woman Taco Soup with toppings
Image: A close-up shot of a bowl of Pioneer Woman Taco Soup, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and corn chips, showcasing the rich texture and appetizing presentation of the dish.
To elevate your Pioneer Woman taco soup and ensure it’s packed with flavor, consider these helpful tips:
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Don’t Rush the Sauté: While the recipe is designed for speed, taking a few extra minutes to properly sauté the onions and garlic will significantly enhance the base flavor of your soup. Cook them until they are softened and fragrant, even allowing them to develop a slight golden color for deeper flavor.
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Brown the Tomato Paste: As mentioned in the directions, briefly sautéing the tomato paste with the spices is a crucial step. Browning the tomato paste for about a minute removes its raw taste and intensifies its sweetness and umami, contributing to a richer, more complex soup.
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Choose Quality Taco Seasoning: Since taco seasoning is a primary flavor component in this recipe, opt for a good quality brand or consider making your own homemade taco seasoning. Check the ingredient list and aim for seasonings that are primarily spices rather than fillers or excessive salt. You have more control over the salt level when you start with a spice-forward seasoning. For store-bought options, our Test Kitchen recommends these best taco seasoning brands.
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Corn Chips are Key: While tortilla chips might seem like a reasonable substitute, for an authentic Pioneer Woman taco soup experience, stick with classic yellow corn chips as a topping. Their sturdy texture and slightly corny flavor complement the soup perfectly.
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Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Beyond the classic cheddar, sour cream, cilantro, and corn chips, consider adding diced avocado, salsa, pickled jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime juice to customize your taco soup to your liking.
The Pioneer Woman taco soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, delivering a satisfying and flavorful meal in minimal time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion when you crave a comforting, Tex-Mex inspired dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
