Taco Tuesday just got an upgrade! This Instant Pot Taco Soup is the perfect answer to busy weeknights, delivering a flavorful and hearty meal in record time. It’s a simple dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite, perfect for any time of year.
The Instant Pot makes quick work of this cozy soup. Throw everything in, set it, and walk away. Dinner will be ready before you know it! In under 30 minutes, you can have a wholesome and delicious dinner waiting for you, complete with all the fixings.
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick and Easy: This soup is ready in under 30 minutes, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot! Perfect for those busy weeknights.
- Hearty and Flavorful: Packed with delicious ingredients and spices, this soup is both satisfying and comforting.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is a great way to stretch your budget without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your preferences, you can add or subtract ingredients to create your perfect bowl of taco soup.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this flavorful and easy-to-eat soup.
Instant Pot Taco Soup
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Instant Pot Taco Soup is a quick and easy weeknight meal, ready in under 30 minutes. It’s packed with flavor and easily customizable to your family’s preferences. A hearty and budget-friendly option perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground meat or chicken breast
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium jalapeño, diced (optional)
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups frozen or canned corn
- 2 cups cooked brown rice (optional)
- 1/4 cup taco seasoning
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Vegetables: Preheat your Instant Pot using the Sauté function. When the display reads HOT, add the ground meat, onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the ground meat is browned and the vegetables have softened.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the vegetable broth, corn, cooked rice (if using), taco seasoning, tomato paste, and tomato sauce to the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Pressure Cook: Place the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the pressure knob is in the SEALING position. Select the MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK function, high pressure, and set the timer for 5 minutes.
- Quick Release: Once the cooking time is complete and the Instant Pot beeps, carefully switch the pressure knob from SEALING to VENTING to perform a quick pressure release. Be cautious of the hot steam.
- Serve: Once the pressure has fully released, open the lid and give the soup a good stir. Ladle into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce along with the taco seasoning. If using frozen corn, no need to thaw it before adding it to the pot. For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup after cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Soups
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredient Lowdown
Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing soup:
- 1 pound ground meat or chicken breast: I usually use ground beef, but ground turkey or chicken breast work great too.
- 1 large onion, diced: Adds a savory base to the soup.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced: For sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 medium jalapeño, diced (optional): A kick of heat. You can omit if you don’t like spicy food.
- 3 cups vegetable broth: The foundation of the soup. Homemade broth is awesome, but store-bought works fine.
- 2 cups frozen or canned corn: Adds sweetness and texture. No need to thaw if using frozen.
- 2 cups cooked brown rice (optional): Makes the soup heartier. You can use white rice or quinoa as well.
- 1/4 cup taco seasoning: Your favorite brand will do! Or check out our recipe for homemade taco seasoning.
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste: For richness and depth of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce: Adds brightness and a touch of acidity.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Vegetables
Preheat your Instant Pot using the Sauté function. When the display reads HOT, add the ground meat, onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the ground meat is browned and the vegetables have softened.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Add the vegetable broth, corn, cooked rice (if using), taco seasoning, tomato paste, and tomato sauce to the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Place the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the pressure knob is in the SEALING position. Select the MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK function, high pressure, and set the timer for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Quick Release
Once the cooking time is complete and the Instant Pot beeps, carefully switch the pressure knob from SEALING to VENTING to perform a quick pressure release. Be cautious of the hot steam.
Step 5: Serve
Once the pressure has fully released, open the lid and give the soup a good stir. Ladle into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Better-Than-Grandma Tips
- For a deeper flavor, brown the ground meat really well before adding the other ingredients. This adds a rich, savory base to the soup.
- If you like a thicker soup, use less broth. If you prefer it thinner, add more. You can also blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture.
- Don’t overcook the soup! Five minutes in the Instant Pot is perfect. Overcooking can make the vegetables mushy. For more helpful tips, check out our Dessert section.
Flavor Twists
- Vegetarian Taco Soup: Substitute the ground meat with 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans or pinto beans, rinsed and drained. You can also add a cup of chopped mushrooms for a heartier texture.
- Chicken Taco Soup: Instead of ground meat, use 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Shred the chicken after cooking.
- Creamy Taco Soup: Stir in a can of cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup after cooking. This creates a richer, creamier soup. Find more easy recipe ideas on our Lunch page.
- Spicy Taco Soup: Add an extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Feel free to experiment with other spices and ingredients to create your own signature taco soup!
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño, or even using a milder pepper like poblano. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Can I make this soup without an Instant Pot?
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can easily make this soup on the stovetop. Simply brown the meat and vegetables in a large pot, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Can I add other ingredients?
This recipe is incredibly versatile! You can add other vegetables like diced carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also add beans, lentils, or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
How to Serve
This soup is wonderful on its own, but here are some ideas to make it a complete meal:
- Toppings: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a creamy coolness. Shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, and crushed tortilla chips add flavor, texture, and crunch.
- Sides: Serve with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for dipping. Cornbread muffins or tortilla chips are also great options. Check out our Breakfast ideas too.
That’s a Wrap
This Instant Pot Taco Soup is a weeknight wonder, a comforting bowl of deliciousness that’s ready in minutes. With simple ingredients and pantry staples, it’s budget-friendly and easily adaptable to your preferences. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner fix or a hearty lunch, this soup will become a new family favorite! Check out our Dinner category for other delicious Korean recipes. Connect with us on Pinterest and Facebook\ for more inspiration. We love seeing your creations, so tag us on Instagram\! Share the love and spread the word about this fantastic soup.
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