Taco Soup

here's my recipe for "you'd swear it was from the old el paso packet but it's not" taco seasoning, if anyone would like it. 1T masa* 3t chili powder (i like spice classics brand) 3t cumin 1t (heaping) paprika 1t onion powder 1t (scant) garlic powder 1t salt (using diamond crystal kosher) 1/4t cayenne 1/4t oregano use in this recipe, or w 1-1.5lbs ground beef & 2/3c water for the classic taco preparation. *if you don't have masa, use 2t cornstarch. you'll need a bit more water this way.

Julie - see the description of the description on top: "You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the meat and using an extra can of beans or subbing in a meat substitute."

I have a friend who adds a packet of powdered ranch dressing, along w the taco seasoning packet, to add more depth of flavor. If making your own, measure out an ounce from your mix: ¼ cup buttermilk powder (coconut cream powder for vegetarian/vegan 1½ tablespoons onion powder ½ tablespoon dried chives ½ tablespoon dried parsley ½ tablespoon dried dill ½ tablespoon garlic powder 2 teaspoons kosher salt

I make a version of this soup regularly in the fall and winter. I also dice up a couple of corn tortillas and throw in to add flavor and thickness. Freezes great and is a family favorite.

To make vegetarian, add textured vegetable protein (TVP), or one of the plant-based burger products, or even sautéed mushrooms for an umami flavor, or just another can of beans -maybe some garbanzos drained, rinsed, and smashed a little to change the texture? There are so many options! With all the beans and corn, it will still be hearty even if you just leave out the meat.

Is there a way to make this vegetarian while still being a hearty soup?

I used 4 cups of grated, fresh tomatoes instead of canned (because our garden has plenty). One whole jalapeno with seeds. One tbsp tamari instead of tomato paste. Added shredded rotisserie chicken right before serving. It's the best tortilla soup I've made!

You could simply eliminate the ground meat. I feel the beans would still make it hearty.

"You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the meat and using an extra can of beans or subbing in a meat substitute. "

My kids love this. Pretty much the same recipe except without the hot peppers. It’s a great slow cooker meal.

As it says at the beginning: "You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the meat and using an extra can of beans or subbing in a meat substitute".

This soup is fantastic! my family devoured the whole pot. While the soup itself is the star, don't skip on the toppings.!

I’d just leave the meat out & get some umami in there with miso or something similar. You could also use some tempeh or one of the beyond meat type products. When I was vegetarian I made chili that way, except that was long ago before faux meats had become edible.

I made this last night and really enjoyed it. We have an abundance of jalapeños in our garden, so I used those instead of green chilis. I also used fresh corn because it is in season. The big suggestion I’d make is to add a can of beer—doesn’t have to be anything fancy; I used Miller Lite—as part of the liquid component, reducing the chicken stock to 1.5 cups. It adds a deeper, more complex flavor.

The instructions suggest omitting the meat or using a meat substitute - making it vegetarian!