Easy Taco Soup

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By the Gracious Vegan

Makes 7 servings

Put the following ingredients in the Instant Pot. Lock the lid. Make sure the knob is in the “sealing” position. Use the “Manual,” “Pressure Cook,” or “High” program and set for 13 minutes. After the pressure cooking is done, wait 10–15 minutes before moving the knob to “Venting” and releasing the remaining steam. Then open the lid.

  • 1 medium onion, diced (1½ cups)

  • 2 cans diced tomatoes with green chilis: your choice of Ro’tel (10 ounces) with mild green chilis, Muir Glen (14½ ounces) with medium green chilis, other brands, mix and match

  • 2 cups corn kernels (frozen or fresh)

  • 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, low sodium recommended, drained and rinsed

  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, low sodium recommended, drained and rinsed

  • 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, low sodium recommended, drained and rinsed

  • 1 (2¼-ounce) can sliced olives (California olives, not Greek olives) (optional)

  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water 

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder

  • 2 teaspoons cumin

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano or regular oregano

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • Optional salt or salt substitute (note that if the beans are not low-sodium, you may not need salt)

  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

The soup is ready to serve. Add more broth, tomato sauce, or tomato juice if needed. You can top the soup with any or all of the following toppings.

  • Baked tortilla crisps, diced avocado, guacamole, plant-based sour cream or crema, cilantro, green onions, chopped tomatoes

The soup will last in the refrigerator for about a week. You can also freeze it.

Stovetop directions

Water-sauté the onions in a Dutch oven or soup pot until the onions are tender and transparent, 8–10 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, partially cover it, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. You may need to add more water or broth. It is ready to serve once the texture is to your liking.