Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This ground turkey taco soup recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with deliciousness, brimming with healthy ingredients, and surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Get ready to experience a taste of homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips
Instructions:
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Brown the turkey: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground turkey over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the soup: Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), black beans, corn, Rotel (undrained), and chicken broth. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
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Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, and tortilla chips.
Tips for the Best Taco Soup:
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder soup, omit it entirely. For extra heat, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them along with the onions.
- Make it a slow cooker recipe: This soup is also perfect for slow cookers! Simply brown the turkey as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Thicken it up: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before serving. Alternatively, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water.
Variations:
- Chicken Taco Soup: Substitute 1 lb of cooked and shredded chicken for the ground turkey.
- Beef Taco Soup: Use 1 lb of ground beef instead of ground turkey.
- Vegetarian Taco Soup: Omit the meat and add 1 cup of cooked quinoa or lentils for extra protein.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This delicious and easy ground turkey taco soup is a perfect example of a healthy meal that doesn't compromise on flavor. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying and comforting dish perfect for the whole family. Enjoy this best recipe and share it with your friends and family!