Description
This Easy Taco Soup recipe is a comforting and hearty meal bursting with savory spices, smoked turkey bacon, and fresh vegetables. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines rich taco flavors, beans, and veggies to warm your soul and satisfy your appetite. Perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or anytime you crave a quick, nutritious bowl of warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (mixed colors)
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
Liquids and Bases
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons chili powder (natural)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (natural)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (natural)
- Salt, to taste
Texture and Acidity
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Plant-based sour cream (optional)
- Diced avocado (optional)
- Plant-based cheese, shredded (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the smoked turkey bacon and aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until crisp. Remove and set aside. In the same pot, add diced onions, minced garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Build the soup base: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Return the cooked smoked turkey bacon to the pot and mix well.
- Season and add beans: Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Then add the drained and rinsed black beans and corn. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer and thicken: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Towards the end, stir in the natural gelling agent to achieve a smooth, luscious texture.
- Finish with acidity and freshness: Stir in the apple cider vinegar for brightness. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving. Optionally, top with plant-based sour cream, diced avocado, and shredded plant-based cheese.
Notes
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor intensity.
- Do not skip the apple cider vinegar as it balances the richness elegantly.
- Cook smoked turkey bacon until crisp for a pleasant texture contrast.
- Simmer the soup gently to meld flavors deeply without overcooking vegetables.
- Adjust the spice level gradually to suit your personal heat preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: taco soup, quick soup, easy dinner, smoked turkey bacon, vegetarian adaptable, plant-based, gluten free, comfort food
