Best Taco Soup

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When it comes to hearty, satisfying meals that hit the spot, few dishes can rival the comforting warmth of taco soup. With its rich, spicy flavors and hearty texture, taco soup is a classic favorite for family dinners, meal preps, or even cozy nights in.

Taco soup is a beloved dish for good reason. It combines the best elements of tacos—bold spices, savory beans, and tangy tomatoes. Unlike traditional tacos, which can get messy, taco soup offers all the flavor in a convenient bowl. It’s the ultimate comfort food, adaptable for a quick weeknight dinner or a slow-simmering weekend feast.

Customizing your Plant Based Taco Soup

One of the joys of taco soup is its versatility. Here are some ways to customize your plant-based taco soup:

• Heat Level: Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of chili powder, adding more jalapeños, or including a dash of hot sauce.
• Texture: For a chunkier soup, leave the vegetables and beans as-is. For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.
• Toppings: Top with crushed tortilla chips, dairy-free sour cream, or a dollop of guacamole and cilantro.
• Grains: Add quinoa, rice, or farrow for extra heartiness.
• Seasonal Veggies: Incorporate seasonal vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a unique twist.

Meal Prep and Storage

Taco soup is ideal for meal preppers. It’s easy to make in large batches, stores well, and reheats beautifully. Here are some tips for storing and serving:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s thickened.

Pairing Suggestions

While taco soup can certainly stand on its own, pairing it with complementary dishes can elevate your meal:

• Cornbread: A slice of warm, vegan cornbread is the perfect side.
• Salad: A crisp green salad with avocado and lime dressing balances the richness of the soup.
• Dips: Serve with a side of the Best Faux Cheese Sauce or guacamole and tortilla chips.

How to Make the Best Taco Soup

Ingredients

• half an onion, diced (red, white or yellow onion all work)
• 3-4 minced garlic cloves, or a Tablespoon of the refrigerated minced garlic in water.
• 1 jalapeno, diced
• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can red beans, drained and rinsed (pinto beans work too)
• 1 can yellow corn, drained
• 1 can petite diced tomatoes
• 1 8 oz can of tomato sauce
• 1 8 oz can of El Pato (find it in the Latin food section, it’s like a spicy tomato sauce)
• 1 cup dry red lentils
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 5 Tablespoon of my Veggie Broth Mix
• Water

Instructions

Step 1 – Sauté

Begin by sautéing the onions, garlic and jalapeños.

Step 2 – Prep Cans and Spices

While they are sautéing, open all your cans, drain and rinse when needed. Premeasure spices.

Step 3 – Add Ingredients

Once the onions are translucent, add all the canned items, the lentils, and the remaining spices, then stir it all together.

Step 4 – Fill with Water

Fill the pot with water until all ingredients are covered by at least an inch of water, maybe about 5-6 cups, we eyeball it. Then stir again.

Step 5 – Simmer

Allow the soup to simmer for about 30 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to develop and the lentils time to cook. The lentils almost disappear into the soup, but I love their addition.

Creative Serving Ideas

Here are some plant-based ways to serve taco soup, ensuring variety and creativity:

• Bread bowls – Hollow out crusty vegan bread for a cozy serving option.
• Lettuce wraps – Serve a thickened taco soup as a filling.
• Stuffed bell peppers – Fill roasted peppers with taco soup for a fun presentation.
• Loaded baked potatoes – Top a baked potato with taco soup and garnish with toppings.
• Over polenta or grits – Use as a base to soak up the soup’s flavors.

A fun variation for a crowd is to set up a DIY station with toppings for everyone to customize their own bowl.

More Plant Based Soup Recipes

If you like this soup, you’ll love these recipes too:

• Spicy Black Bean Soup
• Tortilla Soup
• Instant Pot Lentil Stew – No Oil
• Easy Red Lentil Chili
• Potato Kale Soup

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