Weeknight dinners can often feel like a race against the clock. Between work, errands, and everything else life throws your way, spending hours in the kitchen simply isn’t always an option. That’s where The Pioneer Woman Taco Soup recipe comes to the rescue. Inspired by Ree Drummond’s knack for creating flavorful and fuss-free meals, this taco soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Forget complicated recipes and endless simmering – this is weeknight cooking at its finest.
Why We Love The Pioneer Woman Taco Soup
What makes this taco soup stand out from the rest? It’s all about embracing smart shortcuts without sacrificing flavor. Ree Drummond understands that busy cooks need delicious meals without lengthy prep times. This recipe perfectly embodies that philosophy. Instead of painstakingly building layers of flavor through long simmers, it cleverly utilizes the ingredients you already have on hand – canned beans and corn, undrained for extra richness and body. This simple trick not only saves time but also intensifies the soup’s overall taste. The recipe also leans heavily on taco seasoning and hot sauce to quickly infuse the soup with that signature taco flavor we all crave. If you’re seeking a comforting, hearty, and incredibly easy meal, look no further. The Pioneer Woman taco soup is your answer to weeknight dinner dilemmas.
The Pioneer Woman Taco Soup Recipe – Step by Step
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make this incredibly simple and satisfying taco soup:
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 (use your favorite brand or homemade)
- One 15-ounce can black beans, undrained – for extra flavor and thickness
- One 15-ounce can fire-roasted corn, undrained – adds a touch of sweetness and smoky depth
- One 15-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles – for a zesty kick
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- Hot sauce, to taste – for customizable spice
For Garnish (Optional but Highly Recommended):
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- Yellow corn chips or tortilla chips
Directions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Sautéing the onions and garlic longer than the original recipe suggests helps to build a deeper flavor base for the soup.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
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 spoon and cook until it is fully browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease, if desired. Browning the beef properly is crucial for adding a rich, savory flavor to the soup.
Stir in the tomato paste and taco seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Letting the tomato paste cook briefly enhances its sweetness and depth of flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Pour in the undrained black beans, undrained fire-roasted corn, and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Add the vegetable stock and a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. Stir everything together well and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly. Ree Drummond emphasizes a “violent” boil for this step, which helps the flavors come together quickly. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more hot sauce for extra spice or salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the Pioneer Woman taco soup into bowls. Garnish generously with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of corn chips right before serving. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal!
Close-up of Pioneer Woman Taco Soup in a bowl with garnishes.
A bowl of Pioneer Woman Taco Soup, garnished with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cilantro, ready to be served.
Tips for the Best Taco Soup
Want to take your Pioneer Woman taco soup to the next level? Here are a few helpful tips based on our testing and experience:
- Don’t skimp on sautéing: As mentioned earlier, taking a few extra minutes to properly sauté the onions and garlic at the beginning will significantly enhance the overall flavor of your soup. Look for the onions to become translucent and fragrant.
- Brown the tomato paste: Cooking the tomato paste with the beef and taco seasoning for a minute allows it to caramelize slightly, adding a richer, deeper flavor to the soup base.
- Quality taco seasoning matters: Since taco seasoning is a primary flavor component in this recipe, choose a good quality brand or make your own homemade taco seasoning. Look for seasoning blends that are primarily spices rather than just salt.
- Customize your spice level: Hot sauce is a key ingredient for adding a kick to this taco soup, but you can easily adjust the amount to your preference. Start with a few dashes and add more to taste. You can also offer extra hot sauce at the table for those who like it extra spicy.
- Get creative with garnishes: While cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and corn chips are classic garnishes, feel free to experiment! Consider adding diced avocado, sliced green onions, a sprinkle of pickled jalapeños, or a dollop of guacamole for extra layers of flavor and texture.
- Chip choice is important: The original reviewer noted that classic yellow corn chips are the way to go for this soup. Their sturdy texture holds up well to the soup and provides a satisfying crunch. While tortilla chips are also tasty, corn chips offer a more traditional taco soup experience.
Final Thoughts
The Pioneer Woman taco soup recipe is a weeknight dinner winner for a reason. It’s incredibly quick, easy to make, and packed with comforting taco flavor that the whole family will love. By embracing Ree Drummond’s smart shortcuts and adding a few of our own tips, you can create a truly delicious and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. Give this recipe a try and discover why it’s a go-to for busy home cooks everywhere!
