Instant Pot Taco Soup (2024)

Instant Pot Recipes | Recipes | Soups | Weight Watcher Friendly

December 30, 2019March 4, 2024

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Our Instant Pot Taco Soup is packed with vibrant vegetables, savory spices, and tender meats, and topped with a dollop of creamy goodness, this hearty soup is the perfect fusion of Tex-Mex comfort and modern convenience. With the Instant Pot, you’ll have this crowd-pleasing dish ready to serve in no time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Get ready to savor every spoonful of this deliciously satisfying soup that’s sure to become a family favorite

Taco soup holds a special place as one of my guilt-free indulgences, especially since it’s zero points on Weight Watchers and bursting with flavor. I confess I’ve been known to devour an entire pot over a span of a few days. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; whether made with savory ground beef and beef broth or lean ground turkey and chicken broth, it always hits the spot. I’ve enjoyed it both ways, simply depending on my mood at the time.

What you’ll love about this recipe:

Bold Flavor: Taco soup is packed with robust, spicy, and savory flavors that tantalize the taste buds.
Easy Preparation: It’s a simple one-pot meal that requires minimal effort and time to prepare, perfect for busy days.
Versatility: You can tailor taco soup to your liking by adjusting ingredients like protein choice, vegetables, and spice levels.
Comfort Food: There’s something inherently comforting about a warm bowl of taco soup, making it ideal for chilly days or when you need a pick-me-up.
Nutritious: Loaded with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients from vegetables, taco soup offers a balanced and wholesome meal option.
Weight Watchers Friendly: For those on Weight Watchers or similar programs, taco soup can be enjoyed guilt-free, especially when made with zero-points ingredients.
Leftover Heaven: Taco soup tastes even better the next day, allowing you to enjoy it for multiple meals and reducing food waste.
Budget-Friendly: It’s an economical meal that makes good use of pantry staples and affordable ingredients, perfect for stretching your food budget.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served at family gatherings, potlucks, or game nights, taco soup is sure to impress and satisfy a diverse group of eaters.
Customizable Toppings: Personalize your taco soup with an array of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or crunchy tortilla strips, adding extra layers of texture and flavor.

Be sure to check out the full Printable recipe and ingredients at the bottom of the post

Just a few ingredients

1 pound lean ground chicken or turkey
1 Onion chopped
2 cloves garlic chopped
1 packet of taco seasonings
1 can of black beans
1 can of kidney beans
1 cup corn
2 cans Rotel tomatoes with chilis
3 cups chicken broth

Taco Soup Recipe

Place the Instant Pot on sauté mode.
Add ground turkey or chicken to the pot.
Cook on high until the meat is no longer pink.
Drain excess grease from the cooked meat.
Add minced garlic and diced onion to the pot.
Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the meat is crumbled and browned.
Add in the remaining ingredients such as beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth.
Seal the Instant Pot and set it to Pressure Cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
Once cooking is complete, perform a Quick Pressure Release.
Serve the taco soup with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Toppings Ideas for Taco Soup

Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado adds richness and a pop of color to each bowl.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous flavor that complements the spices in the soup.
Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds acidity and freshness to balance the flavors.
Salsa: Spoonfuls of your favorite salsa or pico de gallo add a punch of flavor and texture.
Jalapeños: Sliced or diced jalapeños bring heat and a bit of crunch to the soup.
Radishes: Thinly sliced radishes add a refreshing crunch and peppery flavor.
Black Olives: Sliced black olives offer a savory, briny contrast to the soup.
Shredded Lettuce: Crisp shredded lettuce adds freshness and a bit of crunch.
Cotija Cheese: Crumbled cotija cheese adds a salty, tangy flavor and crumbly texture.
Pickled Red Onions: Tangy and slightly sweet, pickled red onions add a vibrant burst of flavor.
Queso Fresco: Crumbled queso fresco adds a mild, creamy texture and subtle saltiness.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For an extra kick of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the top.
Sliced Radishes: Thinly sliced radishes add a refreshing crunch and a hint of peppery flavor.
Corn Chips: Crumbled corn chips or Fritos provide a satisfying crunch and additional corn flavor.
Diced Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes add juicy sweetness and a burst of freshness to each spoonful.

Tips & Tricks

Prep Ingredients Ahead: To streamline the cooking process, chop vegetables and measure out ingredients before starting.
Use Lean Proteins: Opt for lean ground turkey or chicken to keep the soup lighter while still adding plenty of flavor and protein.
Layer Flavors: Sautéing the garlic and onion before adding other ingredients helps to build a depth of flavor in the soup.
Adjust Spice Level: Customize the level of spiciness to your preference by adjusting the amount of chili powder, cumin, or other spices used.
Add Beans Last: To prevent them from becoming too mushy, add canned beans towards the end of cooking or use the Instant Pot’s “Bean/Chili” setting if available.
Consider Frozen Ingredients: Frozen corn or diced tomatoes can be used instead of fresh, making it convenient to prepare this soup year-round.
Allow Natural Release: While a Quick Pressure Release can speed up the process, allowing the pressure to release naturally for a few minutes before manually releasing the rest can help prevent splattering of hot liquid.
Double the Batch: Instant Pot Taco Soup freezes well, so consider making a double batch to have leftovers for busy days or quick meals.
Top with Fresh Ingredients: Fresh toppings like diced avocado, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, or shredded cheese add brightness and texture to the finished soup.
Experiment with Garnishes: Get creative with toppings! Try adding crushed tortilla chips, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of green onions for extra flavor and crunch.
Adjust Liquid Levels: If you prefer a thicker or thinner soup consistency, adjust the amount of chicken broth used accordingly.
Use Sauté Function for Finishing Touches: After pressure cooking, use the sauté function to simmer the soup for a few minutes if you prefer a thicker consistency or want to meld flavors further.
Season to Taste: Taste the soup before serving and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional spices as needed to suit your palate.

FAQs For Instant Pot Taco Soup

Yes, absolutely! Ground beef works just as well in this recipe. Feel free to use whichever protein you prefer or have on hand.

The pressure cooking time for taco soup in the Instant Pot is typically around 5 minutes, but keep in mind that it takes some additional time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure before cooking begins.

While you can use dried beans in taco soup, they will require soaking beforehand and a longer cooking time. If using dried beans, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly or consider pre-soaking them overnight.

Yes, taco soup freezes very well. Store any leftovers in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

You can easily adjust the spice level of taco soup by adding more or less chili powder, cumin, or other spices according to your preference. You can also control the heat by adding or omitting jalapeños or other hot peppers.

Yes, taco soup can be made in a slow cooker as well. Simply brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Absolutely! Taco soup is a great option for meal prep. You can make a large batch ahead of time and portion it out into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Leftover taco soup will typically keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

More Taco Inspired Recipes

Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
How To Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
Taco Dip
Taco Bell Crunchwrap – Copycat Recipe
Taco Pie

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Zero Point Instant Pot Taco Soup is a zero point Freestyle Weight Watchers recipe. But don’t let it fool you, this recipe is loaded with incredible and savory flavor.

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground chicken or turkey
1 Onion chopped
2 cloves garlic chopped
1 packet taco seasonings
1 can black beans
1 can kidney beans
1 cup corn
2 cans rotel tomatoes with chilis
3 cups chicken broth

Instructions

Place the Instant Pot on sauté mode.
Add ground turkey or chicken to the pot.
Cook on high until the meat is no longer pink.
Drain excess grease from the cooked meat.
Add minced garlic and diced onion to the pot.
Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the meat is crumbled and browned.
Add in the remaining ingredients such as beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth.
Seal the Instant Pot and set it to Pressure Cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
Once cooking is complete, perform a Quick Pressure Release.
Serve the taco soup with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Notes

Toppings for Taco Soup

low-fat sour cream
low-fat cheese
green onions
avocados
tortillas

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Adventures of a Nurse

Welcome to the place where my two passions—healthcare and culinary arts—merge. I’m Carla Bushey, and I’ve transitioned from a dedicated nursing career of over 25 years into the dynamic world of food blogging. This space is dedicated to bringing you a treasure trove of recipes, each a testament to the tastes and traditions that resonate with my soul. My home, the beautiful Upstate New York, serves as the backdrop to my culinary creations, often inspired by the rich cultural heritage and the classic Italian cuisine of my hometown, Utica. Dishes like the beloved Chicken Riggies and the comforting Utica Greens are more than just recipes—they are stories, shared from my kitchen to yours.