Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, is known for her comforting and approachable recipes, and her taco soup is no exception. When you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy weeknight dinner, the Pioneer Woman taco soup recipe is a fantastic choice. My first impression looking at the ingredient list was how straightforward it all seemed. Much like her famous beef stew, the ingredients are pantry staples you can easily find at any grocery store.
But the real genius of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed. Drummond cleverly maximizes flavor while minimizing cooking time by using the liquids from canned beans and corn. Instead of draining and rinsing, you simply pour everything into the pot. This not only enhances the taste but also creates a naturally thicker and richer soup base. The recipe also smartly retains the flavorful beef drippings and relies on taco seasoning and hot sauce to quickly build a vibrant and spicy profile.
For busy weeknights when time is short but flavor is paramount, The Pioneer Woman’s taco soup truly delivers, solidifying her reputation for creating amazing comfort food that’s accessible to everyone.
Dive into Flavor: The Pioneer Woman Taco Soup Recipe
This recipe is incredibly simple and quick, perfect for those evenings when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to whip up this flavorful taco soup:
- 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 (store-bought or homemade)
- 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
- 2 cups vegetable stock
- Hot sauce, to taste (choose your favorite brand!)
For Delicious Garnishes (highly recommended):
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- Yellow corn chips or tortilla chips, for serving
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Your Taco Soup
Follow these easy steps to create a comforting bowl of taco soup:
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large 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 softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Don’t rush this step; allowing the onions and garlic to soften properly builds a flavorful base for your soup.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot with the softened onions and garlic. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Break up the beef with a spatula and cook until it’s fully browned, about 8-10 minutes. Ensure the beef is cooked through and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease if desired, though leaving a little adds flavor.
Stir in the tomato paste and taco seasoning. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to allow the tomato paste to caramelize slightly and the spices to become fragrant. This “blooming” of the spices enhances their flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Pour in the undrained black beans, undrained fire-roasted corn, and undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles directly into the pot. Add the vegetable stock and a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. Remember, you can always add more heat later, so start with a modest amount.
Stir everything well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the soup to thicken slightly. For a richer flavor, you can simmer for up to 20 minutes.
Ree’s Pro Tip: As Ree Drummond suggests, a “violent” boil for a short period really helps to quickly integrate the flavors in this shortcut soup.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot taco soup into bowls. Now for the best part – the toppings! Generously garnish each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro. For added texture and crunch, sprinkle crumbled yellow corn chips or tortilla chips over the top just before serving. Don’t forget to pass around extra hot sauce for those who like a spicier kick!
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Image: Close up of a bowl of Pioneer Woman taco soup garnished with cheese, sour cream and cilantro, served with corn chips.
Tips for Taco Soup Perfection
While this Pioneer Woman taco soup recipe is incredibly straightforward, here are a few tips to elevate your soup to the next level:
- Don’t Skimp on Sautéing: Taking a few extra minutes to properly sauté the onions and garlic really deepens the flavor of the soup. Look for them to become translucent and fragrant.
- Bloom the Tomato Paste and Spices: Cooking the tomato paste and taco seasoning with the beef for a minute allows their flavors to intensify, resulting in a richer and more complex soup.
- Quality Taco Seasoning Matters: Since taco seasoning is a key flavor component, choose a good quality brand or make your own homemade taco seasoning. Look for seasonings that are primarily spices, not just salt.
- Customize the Heat: Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of hot sauce. You can also use mild, medium, or hot diced tomatoes with green chilies to further customize the heat. For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- Get Creative with Toppings: The garnish options are endless! Consider adding avocado, diced red onion, olives, a squeeze of lime juice, or a dollop of guacamole.
- Make it Ahead: Taco soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal. The flavors actually develop and deepen overnight. Store it in the refrigerator and simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve.
- Freezing for Later: Taco soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It’s a great option for meal prepping or having a quick and easy meal on hand.
Why This Recipe Works
The Pioneer Woman taco soup recipe is a winner because it’s:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful and Hearty: Packed with robust taco flavors and satisfyingly filling.
- Pantry-Friendly: Uses mostly canned goods and common ingredients.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable to your taste preferences with toppings and spice levels.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleasing meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you can confidently make this delicious and comforting Pioneer Woman taco soup. Give it a try and experience the ease and flavor for yourself!
