Taco Soup is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings all the flavors of tacos in a convenient bowl. This recipe combines extra-lean ground beef, onions, green bell peppers, Mexican seasoning, vegetable juice, and salsa to create a hearty and flavorful soup that will please both young and old. With its customizable toppings, Taco Soup can be personalized to suit individual tastes and preferences.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound (455 g) extra-lean ground beef
- 1 cup (160 g) chopped onion
- 1 cup (150 g) chopped green bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons (15 g) Salt-Free Mexican Seasoning (see recipe in Chapter 2)
- 4 cups (950 ml) low-sodium vegetable juice
- 1 cup (260 g) low-sodium salsa (see recipe in Chapter 2)
PREPARATION:
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the extra-lean ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- In a slow cooker, combine the cooked ground beef, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, Salt-Free Mexican Seasoning, low-sodium vegetable juice, and low-sodium salsa.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.
YIELD:
- 6 servings
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- 285 g water; 235 calories (50% from fat, 27% from protein, 23% from carb)
- 16 g protein; 13 g total fat; 5 g saturated fat; 6 g monounsaturated fat; 1 g polyunsaturated fat
- 14 g carb; 3 g fiber; 8 g sugar; 160 mg phosphorus; 43 mg calcium; 2 mg iron; 245 mg sodium
- 737 mg potassium; 2732 IU vitamin A; 0 mg ATE vitamin E; 67 mg vitamin C; 52 mg cholesterol
TOPPING SUGGESTIONS:
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Tortilla strips
Taco Soup is a delightful and crowd-pleasing dish that brings all the beloved flavors of tacos into a comforting and convenient soup format. It is an excellent option for taco lovers who want to enjoy the flavors and textures of tacos in a different and satisfying way.
To prepare Taco Soup, start by browning extra-lean ground beef until fully cooked, and then drain any excess fat. In a slow cooker, combine the cooked ground beef with chopped onions, chopped green bell peppers, Salt-Free Mexican Seasoning, low-sodium vegetable juice, and low-sodium salsa. Let the soup simmer on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.
One of the highlights of Taco Soup is its versatility when it comes to toppings. Just like with traditional tacos, you can customize the soup by adding your favorite taco toppings. Some popular choices include lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and tortilla strips. These toppings add freshness, creaminess, and texture to the soup, enhancing the overall taco experience.
Nutritionally, Taco Soup offers a balanced combination of macronutrients, with 27% of calories from protein, 23% from carbohydrates, and 50% from fat. It is also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and potassium. With its lower sodium content and use of lean ground beef, this recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional taco dishes without sacrificing flavor.
Taco Soup is a versatile and convenient option for family meals, potlucks, or casual gatherings. It is an excellent choice for busy weekdays when you want a satisfying and flavorful meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The slow cooker method allows for easy preparation and long, slow cooking, resulting in tender meat and well-infused flavors.
In conclusion, Taco Soup offers a delicious and creative twist on traditional tacos, bringing their flavors and appeal to a comforting and easy-to-make soup. With its customizable toppings, balanced nutrition, and convenience, Taco Soup is sure to be a hit with both young and old. So gather your favorite taco toppings, simmer a pot of Taco Soup, and enjoy the flavors of tacos in a warm and comforting bowl.
