This Instant Pot Beef Taco Soup is a warm, comforting dish packed with beefy goodness, black beans, corn, and plenty of spices. It’s a fiesta in a bowl!
Making this soup is a breeze! Just toss everything in the Instant Pot, and in no time, you have a hearty meal. Add your favorite toppings, and you’re ready to enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could substitute ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or a mix of beans!
Black Beans: Canned black beans are a quick and easy choice. However, you can substitute with pinto beans or kidney beans if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember to rinse them well!
Taco Seasoning: While a store-bought packet is convenient, homemade seasoning is easy to make. Mix chili powder, paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne for heat. Adjust to your spice preference!
Broth: Beef broth gives great flavor, but you can use chicken broth or even vegetable broth for a lighter taste. Just make sure to choose a low-sodium option to control the saltiness of your soup.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Instant Pot Taco Soup?
To enhance the flavors in this soup, start by properly browning the beef and onions before adding other ingredients. This caramelization adds depth and richness to your soup.
- Set to “Sauté” and allow the pot to heat before adding the beef. This helps the meat brown instead of steam.
- Add the minced garlic after the beef is browned to keep its flavor strong. Garlic can burn easily, so watch it closely!
- After all ingredients are combined, taste your soup before serving. Add more salt, pepper, or even lime juice for freshness if needed.
Following these tips helps ensure you’ll have a delicious, comforting taco soup every time!
Instant Pot Beef Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn kernels
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or about 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips or strips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Instant Pot Beef Taco Soup requires about 30 minutes in total, including 10 minutes for pressure cooking and some prep time for chopping and browning the ingredients. It’s a quick and easy dish that your family will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef and Onions:
Start by setting your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook them together, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Make sure to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks for an even texture.
2. Add the Garlic:
After the beef is browned, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. This will release the delicious garlic aroma, but be careful not to let it burn!
3. Combine All Ingredients:
If there’s any excess grease in the pot, you can drain it. Then, add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, beef broth, taco seasoning, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
4. Pressure Cook the Soup:
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting and set the timer for 10 minutes. Let the Instant Pot work its magic!
5. Release the Pressure:
When the cooking time is up, carefully turn the valve to venting for a quick release of the pressure. Once the steam has escaped and the pin drops, you can open the lid safely.
6. Final Touches:
Stir the soup well and taste it to adjust any seasoning. If it needs a little kick, feel free to add more salt or pepper.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish the hot taco soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips for an extra crunch. Enjoy your delightful, homemade beef taco soup!
Enjoy a hearty and flavorful taco soup made quickly and easily in your Instant Pot!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef?
Yes! You can use frozen ground beef, but you’ll need to adjust your cooking time. Simply sauté the beef directly in the Instant Pot until it’s partially cooked, breaking it apart as it thaws, before adding other ingredients.
How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
If you prefer a spicier soup, consider adding diced jalapeños or an extra packet of taco seasoning. You can also stir in some hot sauce or chili powder to taste after cooking.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with a mix of lentils, cooked quinoa, or additional beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. This soup freezes well too—just allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container!