In this week’s installment of our Seasonal Spoonful’s series, we’re bringing you a warm and comforting meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in or meal prepping for the week. This Taco Soup, shared by community member Sue Silvis VanSlyke, is an easy, flavorful dish that allows for plenty of flexibility. Whether you prefer it spicy or mild, with ground beef or turkey, or with different add-ins, this soup is a forgiving and delicious favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground meat (hamburger, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 chopped/diced onion
- 1 sweet bell pepper (optional)
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1 jar salsa (Sue suggests medium picante for a bit of zing)
- 1 container V8 juice (Sue suggests the zesty 64 oz)
- Crushed tortilla chips (for serving)
- Shredded cheese (for serving)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, brown the ground meat with the chopped onion and sweet bell pepper (if using).
- Once the meat is fully cooked, drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, and V8 juice).
- Simmer on low heat for at least 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Serve hot with crunched-up tortilla chips and/or shredded cheese on top.
Customization Tips:
- Adjust the level of spice by using mild or hot taco seasoning and salsa.
- Swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Experiment with different beans, corn, or additional veggies for a unique twist.
- How I made it: I used ground chicken, 48 oz of V8 juice for a thicker consistency, black bean and corn salsa, added a can of black beans, and a cup of frozen corn to bulk it up.
This simple and delicious Taco Soup is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Give it a try and make it your own!
We’d love to hear from you! Do you have a favorite healthy, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare? Share your favorite recipes with us, and they may be featured in our Seasonal Spoonful’s series!