When you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to prepare, the 7 can taco soup, especially The Pioneer Woman’s version, is a recipe that consistently comes up. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and reliance on pantry staples, making grocery trips minimal and cooking time a breeze. If you appreciate recipes like The Pioneer Woman’s beef stew for their comforting nature but are looking for something even quicker, this taco soup is your answer.
Why This 7 Can Taco Soup Recipe is a Weeknight Winner
The genius of Ree Drummond’s taco soup recipe isn’t just in its flavor – it’s in its efficiency. The “7 can” concept emphasizes convenience, utilizing canned goods to minimize prep time and maximize flavor. Instead of lengthy simmering to develop depth, this recipe smartly uses the undrained liquids from canned beans and corn. This not only enriches the soup’s taste but also creates a naturally thicker, more satisfying texture. Combined with the robust flavors of taco seasoning and a dash of hot sauce, you get a hearty and flavorful soup ready in under 30 minutes, proving once again that The Pioneer Woman excels at creating delicious comfort food for busy families.
Pioneer Woman 7 Can Taco Soup Ingredients – What You Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this effortless and flavorful 7 can taco soup, inspired by The Pioneer Woman:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds ground beef
- Kosher salt and 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 tomatoes with green chiles
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- Hot sauce, to taste
For Garnish:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- Yellow corn chips
Easy Steps to Make Pioneer Woman’s 7 Can Taco Soup
Follow these simple steps to create a comforting bowl of 7 can taco soup, Pioneer Woman style:
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes, allowing them to develop flavor.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add ground beef, season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, breaking the beef apart with a spatula, until fully browned, approximately 8 minutes. Drain excess grease if desired, though for richer flavor, leaving some beef drippings enhances the soup.
- Build Flavor Base: Stir in tomato paste and taco seasoning, ensuring the beef is well coated. Cook for about 1 minute, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize slightly and deepen the flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in undrained black beans, undrained fire-roasted corn, and undrained tomatoes with green chiles. Add vegetable stock and a few dashes of hot sauce to taste.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. This “violent” boil, as Ree Drummond suggests, helps the flavors meld together and the soup to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the 7 can taco soup into bowls. Garnish generously with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and crumbled yellow corn chips for added texture and flavor.
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Taste & Tweaks: Enhancing Your 7 Can Taco Soup
This Pioneer Woman 7 can taco soup recipe delivers on its promise of a quick and satisfying meal. The combination of ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes creates a hearty base, while the taco seasoning and hot sauce provide a flavorful kick. The use of undrained canned goods is a smart shortcut, contributing to both flavor and texture.
To elevate this recipe further, consider these minor tweaks:
- Deeper Flavor Development: While the recipe is designed for speed, browning the onions and garlic for a few extra minutes at the beginning, until they are lightly golden, can significantly enhance the base flavor. Similarly, allowing the tomato paste to cook and darken slightly before adding other ingredients adds richness.
- Spice Customization: Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preference. Start with a small amount and add more to taste. You can also offer a variety of hot sauces on the side for individual customization.
- Homemade Taco Seasoning: For a more personalized flavor profile and to control sodium levels, consider using homemade taco seasoning. This allows you to tailor the spice blend to your exact liking.
- Garnish Variety: Feel free to experiment with garnishes. Avocado, chopped jalapeños, a squeeze of lime juice, or a dollop of guacamole can add extra layers of flavor and texture to your 7 can taco soup.
Conclusion: Your Go-To Weeknight 7 Can Taco Soup
The Pioneer Woman’s 7 can taco soup is a testament to the fact that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s a perfect recipe for busy weeknights, offering a warm, comforting, and flavorful dinner with minimal effort. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this 7 can taco soup is sure to become a family favorite, providing a satisfying and fuss-free meal any night of the week.
