How To Cook: Taco Soup
How To Cook: Taco Soup is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 300 calories per serving. Recipe by Casual Cooking on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $13.27 total, $2.21 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef (lean or 80/20)
- 28 ounce Crushed Tomatoes (undrained)
- 4 ounce Diced Green Chilies (canned, undrained)
- 15 ounce Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed)
- 15 ounce Black Beans (drained and rinsed)
- 15 ounce Corn (drained)
- 2 cup Reduced Sodium Beef Broth (store‑bought)
- 4 clove Garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoon Chili Powder (as listed in video description)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin (as listed in video description)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (as listed in video description)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Mince the garlic, open all cans, drain and rinse the beans and corn, and measure the broth.
Time: PT5M
Cook Ground Beef
Place the large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
Time: PT8M
Add Tomatoes, Chilies, Beans, Corn, Broth, Garlic, and Seasonings
Stir in the undrained crushed tomatoes, diced green chilies, drained kidney beans, drained black beans, drained corn, beef broth, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, scraping the bottom of the pot to release browned bits.
Time: PT3M
Simmer Chili
Increase heat to bring the mixture to a low boil, then cover and reduce to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT20M
Thicken if Desired
If you prefer a thicker chili, remove the lid and continue cooking, stirring, until the desired consistency is reached (about 5‑10 minutes). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Time: PT10M
Serve
Ladle the hot chili into bowls and garnish with optional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 300
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 10g
- Fiber
- 8g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, High-Protein
Allergens: None
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground Turkey, Ground Chicken
- Instead of Crushed Tomatoes: Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce
- Instead of Reduced Sodium Beef Broth: Chicken Broth, Vegetable Broth
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle (optional)
- Measuring Cups
- Can Opener
- Cutting Board
- Knife
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Fully brown the ground beef before adding other ingredients
- Simmer for at least 20 minutes to develop flavor
- Adjust thickness by cooking uncovered if a thicker consistency is desired
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra depth, add a splash of dark beer or a teaspoon of cocoa powder while simmering.
- Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for brightness.
- Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
Troubleshooting
Chili is too watery
Continue simmering uncovered until excess liquid evaporates to your desired thickness.
Chili is too spicy
Add a splash of beef broth or a teaspoon of sugar to balance the heat, then stir and taste again.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly after cooling.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Make the chili a day ahead; flavors improve after refrigeration.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Hearty Beef Chili in American cuisine?
Beef chili is a staple of American comfort food, rooted in Tex‑Mex traditions and popularized during the Great Depression as an inexpensive, protein‑rich meal that could feed a crowd.
What are the traditional regional variations of beef chili in the United States?
In Texas, chili often omits beans and focuses on meat and chilies, while in the Midwest beans are common. Some regions add chocolate or coffee for depth, and others serve it over rice or with cornbread.
How is Hearty Beef Chili traditionally served in the American Southwest?
It is typically ladled into bowls and topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, and fresh cilantro, often accompanied by warm cornbread or tortilla chips.
What occasions or celebrations is Hearty Beef Chili traditionally associated with in American culture?
Chili is popular at casual gatherings, game‑day parties, potlucks, and outdoor cookouts because it can be made in large batches and kept warm for hours.
What makes Hearty Beef Chili special or unique in American comfort food cuisine?
Its combination of ground beef, beans, corn, and a balanced spice blend creates a hearty, protein‑rich stew that is both filling and flavorful, embodying the simplicity of one‑pot cooking.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Heaty Beef Chili?
Common errors include under‑browning the beef, skipping the simmering step, and adding too much liquid which results in a watery chili. Also, over‑seasoning early can make the final flavor too intense.
Why does this Hearty Beef Chili recipe use a 20‑minute simmer instead of a longer cooking time?
A 20‑minute simmer allows the flavors to meld while keeping the beans from breaking down too much, delivering a balanced texture and a quicker weeknight dinner.
Can I make Hearty Beef Chili ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the chili improves after a night in the refrigerator. Store it in airtight containers for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.
What does the YouTube channel Casual Cooking specialize in?
The YouTube channel Casual Cooking focuses on easy, everyday recipes that require minimal equipment and time, often featuring one‑pot meals and quick weeknight solutions for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Casual Cooking's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Casual Cooking emphasizes straightforward, no‑fuss techniques, using pantry staples and clear step‑by‑step narration, whereas many other channels may incorporate more elaborate plating or specialty ingredients.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
