This Instant Pot Loaded Taco Soup is packed with flavor and is oh-so-easy to make! With ground beef, beans, and lots of tasty spices, it warms you right up.
The best part? You can top it with cheese, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips for extra yum! It’s like a taco in a bowl, and who doesn’t love that? 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds richness to the soup. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken can work just as well. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or plant-based ground meat.
Beans: Black beans bring fiber and protein. You can swap them for pinto beans or kidney beans based on what you have available. Canned beans save time, but if you prefer, dried beans can be used (just soak and cook them beforehand!).
Vegetables: Besides onion and garlic, feel free to add bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies. They can enhance the flavor and nutrition. Get creative with whatever veggies you enjoy!
Beef Broth: You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer a lighter flavor. If you’re watching sodium intake, low-sodium broth is a great choice!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Taco Soup?
The key to a flavorful soup lies in building layers of taste. Start by cooking the ground beef until it’s nicely browned—this gives a great depth of flavor. Make sure to sauté the onions and garlic until they’re fragrant before adding other ingredients.
- Don’t rush the sautéing step; it’s essential for flavor.
- Add spices like taco seasoning and cumin after sautéing the garlic to toast them slightly, enhancing their flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning after cooking—adding a little more salt or pepper can really brighten up the soup!
With these tips, you’ll make the most delicious Loaded Taco Soup! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Instant Pot Loaded Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small 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 (with juices)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or about 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Toppings:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Crushed tortilla chips
Time Needed:
This delicious Loaded Taco Soup takes about 10-15 minutes to prep, and 10 minutes to cook in the Instant Pot, plus a little time for pressure release. Overall, you can have a warm, hearty meal in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Beef and Onion:
Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spoon until it’s browned and the onions are softened. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.
2. Add Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently until it’s fragrant. You want to bring out all the flavors!
3. Mix in the Spices:
Stir in the taco seasoning, cumin, and a little salt and pepper. Mix everything together until the beef is well coated with the spices.
4. Combine All Ingredients:
Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot. Give it a good stir to combine everything nicely.
5. Cook in the Instant Pot:
Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to sealing. Cook on manual/high pressure for 10 minutes. This cooking time will make the flavors mingle beautifully.
6. Release Pressure:
Once the cooking cycle finishes, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to settle, then use the quick release to release any remaining pressure. Be careful of the steam!
7. Stir and Adjust Seasoning:
Open the lid and give the soup a good stir. Taste it and adjust seasoning if you like; feel free to add more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your taste!
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, and chopped fresh cilantro. Each bite will be packed with flavor—enjoy every spoonful!
Now you have a delightful Instant Pot Loaded Taco Soup that’s perfect for any meal. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute that works just as well in this recipe. Just follow the same steps, and you’ll have a lighter version of the taco soup!
How Can I Make This Vegetarian?
You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the ground beef. Substitute it with extra beans, lentils, or even crumbled tofu for protein. Just ensure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth!
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave!
What Toppings Work Best?
While the recipe suggests cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and tortilla chips, feel free to customize your toppings! Avocado, jalapeños, or sliced green onions are also tasty additions. Get creative!