Taco Tuesday gets a healthy makeover with The Best Taco Soup using ground turkey. This “dump-and-go” soup is incredibly easy, budget-friendly, and packed with protein and fiber. It captures all the zest and spice of a taco in a warm, comforting bowl. Loaded with beans, corn, tomatoes, and savory turkey, it is a hearty meal that feels much richer than it actually is. Perfect for meal prep, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Healthy & Light
By swapping beef for lean ground turkey, you cut down on saturated fat without losing flavor. The soup is heavily seasoned with taco spices and ranch seasoning, so the turkey tastes just as robust as beef. Plus, the addition of black beans and kidney beans ramps up the fiber content, making it a heart-healthy choice that keeps you full.
Pantry Staple Hero
This recipe is essentially a “can opener” meal. Aside from browning the meat and chopping an onion, you simply dump cans of beans, corn, and tomatoes into the pot. It’s the ultimate emergency dinner when you haven’t been to the grocery store but need a wholesome meal on the table in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (dry)
- 1 can (15oz) black beans, rinsed
- 1 can (15oz) kidney beans, rinsed
- 1 can (15oz) corn, drained
- 2 cans (14.5oz) diced tomatoes (or Rotel), undrained
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Brown ground turkey and onion in a large pot. Drain.
- Stir in taco and ranch seasoning.
- Add beans, corn, tomatoes (with juice), and broth.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Serve with toppings.
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
Ground Turkey: Lean and versatile.
Taco Seasoning: Homemade or store-bought packet.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: The secret ingredient that adds a creamy tang and depth.
Beans: Black beans and kidney beans (rinsed) for texture and nutrition.
Corn: Sweet corn adds a crunch and sweetness.
Tomatoes: Rotel (tomatoes with green chilies) adds a nice kick.
Smart Substitutions
You can use ground beef or chicken if you prefer. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the meat for an extra can of beans or lentils and use vegetable broth. You can make it creamy by stirring in a block of cream cheese at the end. Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot Rotel/taco seasoning.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Dice the onion. Rinse and drain the beans and corn.
Cooking Phase
In a large soup pot, brown the ground turkey and onion over medium-high heat until the meat is cooked through. Drain any liquid.
Sprinkle the taco seasoning and ranch seasoning over the meat and stir to coat.
Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), Rotel (undrained), beans, corn, and beef/chicken broth. Stir well.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes. That’s it! Serve with your favorite taco toppings.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
Don’t drain the canned tomatoes! The juices from the tomatoes and green chilies add essential flavor and acidity to the broth. However, do rinse the beans to remove excess sodium and starch. The ranch seasoning packet might sound odd, but don’t skip it—it brings the flavors together in a unique and delicious way.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is over-boiling. Once it hits a boil, turn it down. You just want to heat everything through. Another is under-seasoning; since turkey is mild, ensure your taco seasoning is robust.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 10g |
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
The soup is great, but the toppings make it a meal. Set out bowls of sour cream, shredded cheddar, tortilla chips, avocado, and lime wedges. Let everyone build their own bowl.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve with cornbread or cheese quesadillas for dipping. If you enjoy Mexican-inspired soups, try our Mexican Street Corn Soup (Light) for a creamy alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1? Can I freeze it?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Q2? Is it spicy?
It has a mild kick from the green chilies. Use mild taco seasoning and plain diced tomatoes to keep it kid-friendly.
Q3? Do I need broth?
Yes, otherwise it’s more of a chili. Add broth until it reaches your desired soup consistency.
Conclusion
The Best Taco Soup with turkey is a winner for nutrition, flavor, and convenience. It’s a hearty, healthy meal that feels like a fiesta in a bowl.
