This Instant Pot Beef Taco Soup is a warm and hearty dish packed with flavorful beef, beans, and tomatoes. It’s like a fiesta in a bowl, ready in no time!
I love how easy it is to whip this up after a long day—it cooks quickly and tastes amazing! Serve it with tortilla chips and some cheese, and you’re all set for a cozy meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This gives the soup its hearty flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or meat substitutes like textured vegetable protein.
Beans: Black beans add protein and fiber. If they’re not your favorite, you can substitute pinto beans or kidney beans. Canned beans are great for convenience, but dried beans work too; just soak and cook them beforehand.
Corn: Sweet corn balances the soup’s flavors. If corn is unavailable, frozen corn can work just fine. If you’re looking to cut carbs, you can skip it or add diced bell peppers instead.
Taco Seasoning: A taco seasoning packet simplifies things. Alternatively, mix your own using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. I find homemade versions often taste fresher!
How Do You Sauté in the Instant Pot Without Burning?
Sautéing is key to enhancing flavors in your soup. Start with the Instant Pot on the sauté mode. Here’s how to do it without burning:
- Heat the olive oil first before adding the onions.
- Keep stirring the onions to avoid browning too quickly—this helps release their natural sugars.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot; if making a large batch, sauté in batches.
- Monitor the heat; if it’s too high, lower it to avoid burning.
This technique ensures your soup has that great depth of flavor right from the start! Enjoy your cooking!
Instant Pot Beef Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or about 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges, tortilla chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, with an additional 5 minutes for natural pressure release. In just about 25 minutes, you’ll have a warm and hearty soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions and Ground Beef:
Start by turning on your Instant Pot to the sauté function and adding the olive oil. Once heated, toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it softens. Then, add the ground beef. Use a spoon to break it up and cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink. Be sure to drain any excess fat for a leaner soup!
2. Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic with the browned beef and onion mixture. Let it cook for about 30 seconds until you can smell the garlic, which brings a wonderful aroma to your soup.
3. Combine Remaining Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add the fun ingredients! Pour in the diced tomatoes (don’t drain them), black beans, corn, and beef broth. Add in that taco seasoning, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together to make sure the flavors can blend and mingle!
4. Pressure Cook:
Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once it’s done, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 5 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure. Open the lid and give your soup a good stir. Adjust any seasoning if necessary—more salt or pepper to your taste!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the beef taco soup hot! Top it with your choice of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime wedges for a burst of freshness, and crunchy tortilla chips. Enjoy this deliciously satisfying meal!
This hearty beef taco soup is packed with bold flavors and comes together quickly thanks to the Instant Pot! Enjoy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute and will still deliver a hearty flavor in the soup. Just ensure it’s browned thoroughly before adding the other ingredients.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with a mix of lentils or quinoa for protein. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to enhance the texture and flavor!
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes! This soup freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed for consistency.
What Toppings Pair Well With This Soup?
Some great toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and crunchy tortilla chips. They add texture and flavor to your soup!