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Paula Deen Taco Soup Recipe

Paula Deen Taco Soup Recipe

This Paula Deen taco soup recipe features seasoned ground beef, pinto beans, kidney beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasoning in a hearty, flavorful soup. Serve it warm with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, and crunchy corn chips for an easy family dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 1 can 15 ounces pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 15 ounces kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 15 ounces whole-kernel corn, drained
  • 1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
  • 1 can 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 can 14.5 ounces Mexican-style diced tomatoes
  • 1 packet about 1 ounce taco seasoning mix
  • 1 packet about 1 ounce ranch dressing mix
  • 1 cup water or low-sodium beef broth as needed
  • ½ cup sliced black or green olives optional

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or stockpot
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp kitchen knife
  • Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
  • Can opener
  • Colander
  • Measuring cup
  • Meat thermometer
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef: Place a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.
  2. Cook until done: Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Drain excess grease carefully.
  3. Add the canned ingredients: Stir in the pinto beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomatoes with green chilies, and Mexican-style tomatoes.
  4. Season the soup: Add the taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings throughout the mixture.
  5. Adjust the liquid: Add water or low-sodium beef broth as needed to achieve your preferred soup consistency. Start with a small amount and add more gradually.
  6. Bring to a simmer: Heat until the mixture begins to bubble gently, then reduce the heat to low.
  7. Let the flavors develop: Cover partially and simmer for about 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  8. Add optional olives: Stir in sliced black or green olives during the final few minutes if you enjoy their briny flavor.
  9. Check the consistency: Add a splash of broth if the soup is too thick, or simmer uncovered briefly if it is too thin.
  10. Serve warm: Ladle into bowls and offer shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, jalapeños, and corn chips as toppings.

Notes

  • Control the salt: Taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix can both contain significant sodium. Taste before adding extra salt.
  • Adjust the spice: Use mild tomatoes with green chilies for a gentler flavor, or add jalapeños for more heat.
  • Make it thicker: Simmer uncovered for a few minutes, stirring regularly.
  • Make it ahead: Refrigerate promptly in shallow containers and reheat thoroughly before serving.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and use within 3–4 days. Freeze in airtight containers for approximately 2–3 months for best quality.