Description
A hearty and comforting Taco Soup filled with layers of fresh vegetables, smoky smoked turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and bold spices. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or sharing with friends, this soup offers a vibrant, nutritious, and customizable meal to warm your soul.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Meats
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
Vegetables and Legumes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- 1 lime, juiced, for garnish
Liquids and Sauces
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Spices
- 2 teaspoons chili powder (natural)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (natural)
- Optional: 1 jalapeño, chopped, for extra heat
Dairy and Alternatives
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese
Optional Garnishes
- Diced avocado slices
- Plant-based sour cream (natural)
- Crunchy tortilla strips
Instructions
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until it is crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot to flavor the vegetables in the next step.
- Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Bell Peppers: Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers to the pot with the bacon drippings. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to incorporate all the smoky flavors.
- Mix in Beans, Corn, and Spices: Add the drained black beans, corn kernels, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), chili powder (natural), ground cumin (natural), and any additional spices you prefer. Bring the soup to a simmer.
- Simmer and Let Flavors Combine: Let the soup simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld and the broth to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Finish with Plant-Based Cheese and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Just before serving, stir in the shredded plant-based cheese and the cooked smoked turkey bacon pieces to add creamy texture and savory flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh chili powder and cumin for better flavor.
- Sauté vegetables just until tender to preserve texture.
- Add spices gradually to balance heat and depth.
- Choose a rich vegetable broth for enhanced taste.
- Adjust soup consistency by adding more broth or simmer longer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Taco Soup, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, hearty soup, gluten free, comfort food