I can still remember the first time my mom made her famous 7 Can Taco Soup. I was just a little kid, maybe 8 or 9 years old, and the tantalizing aroma of simmering spices and savory broth would fill the entire house. It was one of those meals that always brought the family together, no matter how busy our schedules were. We’d all gather around the table, bowls in hand, and savor every last drop of that comforting, flavor-packed 7 Can Taco Soup. To this day, the smell of it transports me right back to those cozy family dinners, full of laughter, love, and plenty of seconds!
Why This 7 Can Taco Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect 7 Can Taco Soup
What makes this 7 Can Taco Soup recipe truly special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s not just a simple dump-and-go soup – there’s a secret technique that takes it to the next level. By sautéing the aromatics and spices before adding the canned goods, you build a deep, complex base that infuses every bite with mouthwatering flavor. And the blend of diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and taco seasoning creates a symphony of southwestern goodness that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Ground beef: This provides the hearty, protein-packed foundation for the 7 Can Taco Soup.
– Onion: Sautéing the onion is key for developing that rich, caramelized flavor.
– Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for adding depth and dimension to the soup.
– Taco seasoning: This seasoning blend is the secret weapon that gives the 7 Can Taco Soup its signature taste.
– Diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add juiciness and acidity to balance out the other ingredients.
– Black beans: Protein-packed black beans lend heartiness and texture to the soup.
– Corn: Sweet corn kernels provide a delightful pop of sweetness.
– Beef broth: The broth serves as the flavorful liquid base for the 7 Can Taco Soup.
Step-by-Step 7 Can Taco Soup Instructions
Preparing Your 7 Can Taco Soup
This 7 Can Taco Soup comes together in a snap, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or game day feast. With just a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes of hands-on time, you’ll have a cozy, comforting meal that the whole family will love.
1- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, making sure to crumble it as it cooks.
2- Once the beef is cooked through, add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
3- Toss in the minced garlic and taco seasoning, stirring to coat the beef and onion.
4- Pour in the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more taco seasoning or a pinch of salt and pepper.
6- Ladle the 7 Can Taco Soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced avocado.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your 7 Can Taco Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
– Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of beans – kidney beans or pinto beans also work great.
– For an extra creamy texture, you can blend a portion of the soup before returning it to the pot.
– Customize the heat level by adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
– Make it ahead of time – the flavors only get better as the soup sits.
Serving and Storing Your 7 Can Taco Soup
Perfect Pairings for 7 Can Taco Soup
This 7 Can Taco Soup is the ultimate comfort food, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and beverages. For a heartier meal, serve it with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or a side of cilantro-lime rice. And don’t forget the classic toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and crispy tortilla strips. As for drinks, it’s hard to beat an ice-cold cerveza or a refreshing margarita to complement the southwestern flavors.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about 7 Can Taco Soup is that it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal. Simply let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also freeze the 7 Can Taco Soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for 7 Can Taco Soup
Creative 7 Can Taco Soup Variations
While the classic 7 Can Taco Soup is a tried-and-true favorite, there’s plenty of room for creativity. Try swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken for a leaner protein option. You can also experiment with different bean varieties, like pinto or kidney beans, or add in some diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies. And for a flavor twist, try incorporating a splash of lime juice or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
Making 7 Can Taco Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this 7 Can Taco Soup recipe more diet-friendly, there are a few simple swaps you can try. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free taco seasoning. To make it vegan or vegetarian, replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. And for a low-carb adaptation, you can skip the corn and serve the 7 Can Taco Soup over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of bean in the 7 Can Taco Soup?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for black beans, you can easily substitute kidney beans, pinto beans, or even a combination of different beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if the beans have a different texture.
Q: How long does 7 Can Taco Soup take to make?
A: From start to finish, this 7 Can Taco Soup recipe takes about 30 minutes. The hands-on prep time is just 15-20 minutes, with the remaining time spent simmering the soup to allow the flavors to meld.
Q: Can I make 7 Can Taco Soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, this soup is a great make-ahead meal! Once it’s cooled, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Q: How many servings does this 7 Can Taco Soup recipe make?
A: This 7 Can Taco Soup recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings, depending on the portion size. It’s a hearty, filling soup, so you can easily feed a crowd or have leftovers for the week.
Q: What if my 7 Can Taco Soup turns out too thick?
A: If your 7 Can Taco Soup ends up a bit too thick for your liking, simply add a splash of beef broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency. The soup will thicken up as it simmers, so you can adjust the amount of liquid as needed.
7 Can Taco Soup
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 6
Description
This 7 Can Taco Soup is a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal that requires minimal effort. With just a few pantry staples, you can have a hearty, flavorful soup on the table in no time.
Ingredients
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 can corn, drained
– 1 can tomato sauce
– 1 packet taco seasoning
Instructions
1. – In a large pot, combine all the canned ingredients.
2. – Stir in the taco seasoning and mix well.
3. – Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
4. – Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. – Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
Notes
– For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans or let the soup simmer for longer.
– Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or diced onions for more texture and nutrition.
– This soup freezes well, so you can make a double batch and enjoy it later.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of 7 Can Taco Soup to warm you up on a chilly day or satisfy your craving for comforting, flavor-packed cuisine. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite, with its easy preparation, versatile ingredients, and undeniably delicious results. So grab those cans, fire up the stove, and get ready to ladle up a heaping helping of this irresistible 7 Can Taco Soup. Your taste buds (and your loved ones!) will thank you.
