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Hearty Beef Taco Soup Recipe Easy Homemade with Crispy Tortilla Strips

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A comforting and hearty beef taco soup with bold spices, black beans, corn, and crispy tortilla strips, perfect for busy nights and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (150 grams) corn kernels, fresh or frozen
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 4 cups (960 ml) beef broth, low sodium preferred
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle powder (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4–5 corn tortillas cut into thin strips (for crispy tortilla strips)
  • Optional garnishes: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tortilla strips: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat a frying pan with a couple tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Cut 4-5 corn tortillas into thin strips. For baking, spread on a baking sheet, lightly brush with oil, and bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. For frying, cook strips in hot oil until crisp and golden, then drain on paper towels. Set aside.
  2. Brown the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink and nicely browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add onions and garlic: Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until onions soften and become translucent.
  4. Season the beef: Sprinkle in taco seasoning and chipotle powder (if using). Stir well to coat the meat and onions evenly, cooking for about 1 minute to toast the spices and deepen flavor.
  5. Add liquids and veggies: Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes with juice, black beans, and corn kernels. Stir everything together.
  6. Simmer the soup: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Taste and adjust: Add salt and pepper as needed. For more spice, add extra chipotle powder or hot sauce.
  8. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy tortilla strips and optional garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado slices, and lime wedges.

Notes

Brown the beef properly to develop rich flavor and drain excess fat to avoid greasiness. Toast spices briefly with meat and onions to enhance aroma. Rinse canned beans well to remove excess sodium and preservatives. For crispy tortilla strips, baking is a healthier alternative to frying. Add garnishes just before serving to keep fresh. If soup is too thick, add more broth or water to loosen.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef taco soup, hearty soup, taco soup recipe, crispy tortilla strips, easy soup, weeknight dinner, comfort food, Mexican soup

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/hearty-beef-taco-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-with-crispy-tortilla-strips/