Vegetable Taco Soup Recipe
This Vegetable Taco Soup is a hearty and flavorful plant-based dish packed with vibrant vegetables, protein-rich beans, and wholesome quinoa. It’s seasoned with a blend of taco spices and tomato paste to deliver a savory and comforting meal that is both nutritious and easy to prepare. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner or meal prep, this soup is vegan, gluten-free, and full of texture and bold flavors.
- Author: Sienna
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning (or store-bought taco seasoning, low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
- 1 1/2 cups frozen corn (no need to defrost)
- 1/4 cup minced cilantro
Grains & Legumes
- 1/2 cup dry quinoa (rinsed in a fine mesh sieve)
- 1 (14 ounce) can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 (14 ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
Liquids & Seasoning
- 3 cups vegetable broth (or more to thin, as needed)
- Salt to taste (optional)
- Heat the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and taco seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for 1 minute to release their flavors. Then add the tomato paste and cook, stirring frequently for 3 minutes to enrich its taste and deepen flavor.
- Add remaining base ingredients: Stir in the can of Rotel, frozen corn, rinsed quinoa, and vegetable broth. Mix well to combine.
- Mash pinto beans: Place the drained and rinsed pinto beans in a bowl and mash roughly using a mini potato masher or the back of a fork. You want the beans partially mashed to thicken the soup but still have texture.
- Simmer the soup: Stir the mashed pinto beans into the soup. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low or medium so the broth gently simmers. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender.
- Add black beans and finish cooking: Stir in the drained black beans and cook uncovered for another 5 minutes to heat through.
- Final touches and serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt or seasonings if needed. Stir in the minced cilantro just before serving for a fresh burst of flavor. Serve hot.
Notes
- Rotel substitution: If you don’t have Rotel, substitute with a 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes mixed with 1-2 chopped green chilies or jalapeños for a similar flavor.
- Frozen corn: No need to thaw frozen corn; it can be added directly from the freezer to the soup.
- Broth adjustment: Add more vegetable broth if you prefer a thinner soup consistency. Adjust the quantity as needed during cooking.
- Taco seasoning: Use a low sodium store-bought blend or homemade seasoning to control salt content.
- Serving suggestion: Garnish with avocado slices, shredded cheese (or vegan cheese), and tortilla chips for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 250 ml)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Vegetable taco soup, vegan taco soup, Mexican vegetable soup, quinoa soup, healthy soup recipe, bean soup, easy vegan dinner