Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained (fresh or frozen corn works too)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth (homemade broth makes a wonderful difference)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, avocado slices, sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where the onions would sizzle gently before the garlic joined the party.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if desired, just like my mom used to do when she wanted a lighter dish.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring the meat is well coated with the spices. This is where the soup starts to sing with bold flavor.
- Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, black beans, corn, and broth. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully, just like the sauces I learned to slow-cook in Italy’s countryside.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. I always remind Olivia and Isabella to give it a quick taste test before we ladle it out, since every batch can vary slightly depending on the ingredients.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings—cheese, avocado, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime are my go-to additions that bring the whole dish to life.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
