Santa Fe Soup (Taco Soup) Recipe

If you’re searching for a bold, comforting, and zesty bowl of goodness, look no further than the Santa Fe Soup (Taco Soup). This flavorful soup combines a hearty mix of ground beef, beans, and spices that come together perfectly in one pot. Rich with Southwest-inspired ingredients, this soup offers a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and savory notes that warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re chasing chilly evenings or feeding a crowd, Santa Fe Soup (Taco Soup) never fails to hit the spot with its vibrant colors, varied textures, and absolutely crave-worthy taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines thanks to a handful of simple ingredients that each play a special role. Ground beef brings meaty richness, while the variety of beans adds protein, creaminess, and hearty texture. Rotel tomatoes infuse a subtle spicy kick, and the taco plus ranch seasonings layer in that signature Santa Fe flavor. Every ingredient works in harmony to create a soup that’s as satisfying as it is colorful.

• 1 pound ground beef: The base protein giving the soup its savory, meaty backbone.
• 1 cup onion, diced: Adds a sweet and aromatic depth when softened.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers that essential pungent, garlicky aroma.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors making each bite pop.
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
• 1 10-ounce can Rotel: Chopped tomatoes with green chilies for brightness and mild spice.
• 1 16-ounce can pinto beans, drained: Creamy and soft, adding gentle earthiness.
• 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained: Brings sleek texture and mild flavor contrast.
• 1 16-ounce can kidney beans, drained: Their firm bite balances the soup beautifully.
• 1 can corn kernels, drained: Sweetness and slight crunch to brighten every spoonful.
• 1-ounce pack taco seasoning: Loads of smoky and spicy taste essential to the Santa Fe Soup (Taco Soup) profile.
• 1-ounce pack ranch seasoning: Adds a creamy tang that rounds out the spices perfectly.
• 2 cups beef broth: The flavorful liquid base that melds all ingredients.

How to Make Santa Fe Soup (Taco Soup)

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onion

Start by placing your ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook it until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. This is where your soup’s base flavor begins to develop. Once browned, drain off any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily. Next, add the diced onion to the pot. Let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions soften and become fragrant. This step builds a sweet and savory foundation for the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Once your onions are tender, stir in the minced garlic, salt, and ground black pepper. Let it cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. This brief cook time allows the garlic to release its aroma without burning. Then mix in both the taco seasoning and ranch seasoning packets. These seasonings are crucial: the taco seasoning brings smokiness and just the right amount of spice, while the ranch seasoning adds a creamy, herbaceous layer to keep the soup well-rounded.

Step 3: Combine Beans, Corn, Tomatoes, and Broth

Add the Rotel tomatoes, the drained pinto, black, and kidney beans, and the drained corn kernels right into the pot. Pour in the beef broth, then stir everything together thoroughly. This colorful mixture creates the heart of the Santa Fe Soup (Taco Soup). The beef broth ties all ingredients together while the beans and corn create wonderful textures and flavor variety in every bite.

Step 4: Simmer for Flavor Harmony

Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let your soup simmer gently for about 30 minutes. This simmer allows all the flavors to mingle and intensify, thickening the soup slightly. The ingredients soften together and the spices penetrate beautifully, resulting in a comforting and hearty Southwestern classic that’s impossible to resist.

How to Serve Santa Fe Soup (Taco Soup)

Garnishes

Top your steaming bowl of Santa Fe Soup (Taco Soup) with fresh, vibrant garnishes. A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese adds creaminess and richness. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream for cool balance, some diced avocado for buttery texture, or chopped fresh cilantro to brighten the dish. A squeeze of lime can add a refreshing pop of acidity that lifts every spoonful.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crispy tortilla chips for scooping or a warm, soft tortilla on the side for wrapping. Consider serving it alongside a simple green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette to add freshness. For a heartier meal, cornbread or garlic bread rounds out the meal perfectly and soaks up every drop of this delicious soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Santa Fe Soup (Taco Soup) in individual bread bowls, making your meal extra cozy and ready to dig right in. You can also turn it into a stuffed baked potato topping or spoon it over cooked rice or quinoa for added texture. Layering your soup in clear glasses with garnishes on top makes a colorful, inviting presentation perfect for casual dinners or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Santa Fe Soup (Taco Soup) tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld fully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool the soup completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead option. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly without drying out. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. Use a microwave-safe bowl for quick reheating, stopping to stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I make Santa Fe Soup (Taco Soup) vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add more beans or even some diced veggies like zucchini or bell peppers to keep it hearty and flavorful.

What can I substitute if I don’t have ranch seasoning?

If ranch seasoning isn’t available, you can use a mix of dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of dill to replicate a similar flavor. It won’t be exactly the same but still delicious.

How spicy is Santa Fe Soup (Taco Soup)?

This soup has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the Rotel tomatoes with mild green chilies and taco seasoning. You can adjust the heat by choosing mild or spicy Rotel and taco seasoning versions to suit your taste.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner alternative and will still deliver plenty of flavor when paired with the seasonings and other ingredients.

Is Santa Fe Soup (Taco Soup) gluten-free?

Most of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but it’s important to check the labels on taco seasoning and ranch seasoning packets as some brands may contain gluten. There are plenty of gluten-free versions available to keep the soup safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something incredibly satisfying about cozying up with a bowl of Santa Fe Soup (Taco Soup). Its vibrant, bold flavors, balanced textures, and super easy preparation make it a true kitchen favorite for every occasion. I promise once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to meals for warming up and bringing smiles around the dinner table. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your home!

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