Rotel Taco Soup is a tasty mix of ground meat, beans, and tomatoes. It’s packed with flavor from zesty Rotel tomatoes and spices, making it a cozy, hearty meal!
Honestly, it’s one of my go-to recipes for busy nights. Just throw everything in a pot, let it simmer, and you’ve got a warm, delicious soup everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is the traditional choice, but you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer plant-based meals, try replacing it with lentils or a veggie burger crumbled up.
Rotel Tomatoes: The true star of the soup! If you can’t find Rotel, use diced tomatoes and add a bit of diced bell pepper and jalapeños for heat. You can also opt for fresh tomatoes if they’re in season.
Beans: I like white and black beans, but feel free to mix in pinto beans or kidney beans. Canned beans are convenient, but you can use cooked dried beans for a healthier twist. Remember to soak and cook them ahead of time.
Cheddar Cheese: While cheddar adds richness, other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack offer fantastic flavor too. Vegan cheese could be a great option if you’re going dairy-free!
How Do I Make Sure the Soup Has the Right Flavor?
Getting the flavor just right is key to a delicious Taco Soup. Here are some tips to enhance the taste!
- Brown the beef well to develop a deep flavor before adding other ingredients.
- Don’t skip on the taco seasoning; feel free to mix in some cumin, chili powder, or paprika to kick up the flavor.
- Let it simmer! This allows all the flavors to blend beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste test! Add salt, pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce to customize it just the way you like.
How to Make Rotel Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (mild or spicy based on preference)
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- Sour cream (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes of preparation time and an additional 20-30 minutes of cooking time. So you’ll have a delicious meal ready in less than an hour. Super quick and easy for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, place your ground beef over medium heat. Cook it until it’s fully browned, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. This step adds great flavor! Once done, drain any excess fat so your soup isn’t greasy.
2. Combine Ingredients:
Add in your Rotel tomatoes with their juice, white beans, black beans, corn, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, and beef broth (or water) to the pot with the cooked ground beef. Make sure to stir everything together well so it’s all mixed nicely.
3. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to blend the flavors, making sure nothing sticks to the bottom. This is where all the magic happens!
4. Final Touches:
Once the soup is thickened to your liking, do a quick taste test. Adjust any seasoning if needed! Now it’s time to serve this deliciousness.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Pour the hot soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a handful of crushed tortilla chips on top for crunch. Add some fresh cilantro or parsley if you want to make it pretty. Enjoy your hearty Rotel Taco Soup!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian alternative, try using lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute!
How to Adjust the Spice Level?
If you’d like to dial down the heat, opt for mild Rotel tomatoes. You can also adjust the amount of taco seasoning based on your spice preference, or add a spoonful of sugar to balance the heat if needed.
Can I Make This Soup in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare this soup a day ahead. Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving. The flavors might even deepen overnight!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
