Smoky Taco Soup with Chipotle Black Beans

Taco Soup gets a bold upgrade with chipotle peppers and black beans — a smoky, spicy twist on a classic. The combination of smoky adobo heat and hearty beans transforms a simple soup into a flavor-packed bowl that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo (finely chopped) + 2 tbsp adobo sauce
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen or canned)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Avocado slices, tortilla chips (for serving)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, sauté 4–5 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in garlic, chipotle and adobo sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add black beans and corn, stir gently. Simmer 15–20 minutes to let flavors meld.
5. Stir in lime juice, then season with salt & pepper.
6. Serve in bowls, garnished with cilantro, avocado slices, and tortilla chips.

Health Benefits

• High in plant protein and fiber from black beans
• Low in saturated fat (if using lean broth)
• Rich in antioxidants from tomatoes, peppers, and spices
• Chips and avocado provide healthy fats and texture contrast

Tips & Variations

• Stovetop vs Crockpot: You can sauté onion, garlic, peppers first then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low 4–6 hours.
• Ranch packet twist: Add 1 tsp ranch seasoning near the end for a creamy ranch flavor without overpowering the chipotle.
• Chicken version: Stir in shredded cooked chicken for added protein (makes it more like a taco-chicken soup).
• Thicker version: Mash a few beans in the pot or partially blend to achieve a creamier consistency.

Conclusion

This Taco Soup packs bold smoky flavor, satisfying texture, and healthy ingredients — perfect for cozy nights, meal prep, or sharing with friends. Whether you keep it vegetarian or add shredded chicken, it’s versatile, warming, and unforgettable. Bookmark this recipe and enjoy every hearty bowl.

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