Easy Taco Soup

 This is an easy, hearty soup.  When you serve it up you may add some extra taco toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chunks of avocado, or anything you like on a taco.  It is so chunky you can dip crackers or even shreds of roasted tortilla. When served with warm cornbread or a fresh salad and you have a whole meal.

As found on YouTube: Wyse Guide

Ingredients

• ▢1 medium onion diced
• ▢2 jalapeños seeds removed and diced or any hot pepper to taste
• ▢1 tsp kosher salt
• ▢1 tbsp chili powder
• ▢¾ tsp ground cumin
• ▢1 tsp dried oregano
• ▢1 lb ground beef (turkey)
• ▢2 14 ½-oz cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• ▢1 28-oz can of puréed tomatoes
• ▢1 ½ cups chicken stock
• ▢1 15-oz can of black beans rinsed and drained
• ▢2 cups frozen corn thawed

Instructions 

• In a 6-quart Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp of neutral oil over medium heat. Once the oil is heated, add the onion, jalapeños, and salt. Sauté until the onion is softened and translucent, 4-6 minutes.
• Add the chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Stir the spices until they are bloomed and heated through, 1 minute.
• Add the ground beef. Cook and break the beef into small pieces until it is fully browned, 6-8 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes with any remaining juices, tomato purée, chicken stock, black beans, and corn. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
• Once the soup is boiling, turn the heat down to a simmer. Cover and simmer the soup until it is heated through, 20-30 minutes. The soup can be simmered for longer if necessary or kept warm until ready to serve. Serve with garnishes, such as avocado, cilantro, cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, and more.

Notes

• If adverse to spice, make sure to remove the pith and seeds of the jalapeño. This is where the majority of the spice resides. When removed, the spice level decreases, but the flavor of the actual jalapeño remains.
• Take the time to fully allow the spices to bloom in the onion and jalapeño mixture. This will bring out the essential oils from the spices, allowing their full flavors to be realized.
• If you cannot find puréed tomatoes, tomato sauce can be used in place. The consistency will be slightly thicker with tomato sauce but will provide the same flavor.