This Turkey Taco Soup is a warm and tasty dish that brings together ground turkey, beans, and corn, all spiced up with taco seasoning. Perfect for cozy nights!
I love how hearty and filling it is, and it comes together in one pot—less mess for me! A dollop of sour cream on top is my secret weapon for extra goodness.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the main protein source. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground chicken works well too. For a vegetarian version, try swapping it for lentils or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein.
Beans: Black beans provide great flavor and fiber. If black beans aren’t your favorite, kidney beans or pinto beans are good alternatives. Just make sure to rinse them to reduce sodium!
Broth: Chicken broth enhances the flavor, but you could use vegetable broth for a veggie-friendly option. Homemade broth adds a personal touch but store-bought is always a quick fix.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought taco seasoning is convenient, but homemade is super easy! Mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for a fresh take. Adjust the spices to your taste!
How Do You Make Sure Your Soup is Full of Flavor?
Building flavor in your soup is all about cooking your ingredients in stages. Start by sautéing the onions and garlic first—this develops a great base. Make sure to cook the ground turkey until fully browned before adding spices. This unlocks the flavors!
- Cook the onions and garlic in oil until soft—don’t rush through this!
- Brown the turkey, breaking it apart—this adds depth to the soup.
- Mix in spices for a minute before adding liquids to let them bloom.
- Simmer your soup long enough for everything to meld. Flavors get better the longer they combine!
Turkey Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or about 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Jalapeño slices
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Turkey Taco Soup will take about 10 minutes for preparation and around 30 minutes to cook, making the total time approximately 40 minutes. It’s a quick meal that packs flavor in every bite!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Cook the onion until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This forms the base of our flavor.
2. Adding Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook for another 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can turn bitter!
3. Browning the Turkey:
Add the ground turkey into the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Make sure it’s browned and fully cooked through, which should take around 6-8 minutes.
4. Mixing in the Spices:
Once the turkey is cooked, stir in the taco seasoning, ground cumin, chili powder (if desired), salt, and pepper. Let the spices cook for about a minute to release their flavors fully before proceeding.
5. Adding the Remaining Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth to the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine it well.
6. Simmering the Soup:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer. Allow the soup to simmer for about 20-25 minutes. This will let all the flavors meld together beautifully!
7. Adjusting the Taste:
Before serving, taste your soup, and adjust the seasoning if you think it needs more salt or pepper. Just a pinch can make a big difference!
8. Serving the Soup:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each bowl with your favorite toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, jalapeño slices, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions.
9. Enjoy!
Serve your Turkey Taco Soup hot, alongside some crunchy tortilla chips or warm bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef will give the soup a richer flavor. Just make sure to drain excess fat after browning it, especially if you use a fattier cut.
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes very well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove or in the microwave.
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken Broth?
If you prefer a vegetarian option or don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth works perfectly as a substitute. It will still give the soup a nice depth of flavor without the meat.
How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also increase the chili powder or even add some cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
