Taco soup is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines the best elements of tacos and soup. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. But what goes well with taco soup to make your meal complete? From sides to drinks, we’ll explore the best pairings to elevate your taco soup experience.
What Goes Well with Taco Soup?
What Sides Complement Taco Soup?
Sides can make your taco soup meal more satisfying and diverse. Let’s dive into some delicious options.
Cornbread
Cornbread, with its slightly sweet flavor and crumbly texture, is a classic side that pairs perfectly with the spicy, savory notes of taco soup.
| Side Dish | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cornbread | 1 loaf | Freshly baked |
Cornbread’s sweetness balances the soup’s heat, creating a harmonious flavor profile. Plus, it’s great for dipping!
Tortilla Chips
Crispy tortilla chips are a must-have with taco soup. They add a satisfying crunch and are perfect for scooping up every last bit of soup.
Mexican Rice
Mexican rice, with its rich tomato and spice flavors, complements taco soup beautifully. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
What Toppings Enhance Taco Soup?
Toppings can take your taco soup to the next level, adding flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Here are some favorites:
Shredded Cheese
A sprinkle of shredded cheese melts into the hot soup, adding a creamy, savory element that’s hard to resist.
| Topping | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shredded cheese | 1 cup | Cheddar or Jack |
Sour Cream
A dollop of sour cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy soup, balancing the flavors perfectly.
Avocado
Slices of ripe avocado provide a creamy, buttery texture and a mild flavor that pairs well with the bold spices of taco soup.
What Drinks Pair Well with Taco Soup?
The right drink can enhance your taco soup meal, complementing its flavors and refreshing your palate. Let’s look at some great options.
Margarita
A classic margarita, with its tangy lime flavor and refreshing kick, is an excellent match for taco soup.
| Drink | Suggested Pairing |
|---|---|
| Margarita | Classic lime, frozen |
| Mexican Beer | Corona, Modelo |
| Non-Alcoholic | Limeade, sparkling water |
Mexican Beer
A cold Mexican beer, like Corona or Modelo, pairs wonderfully with taco soup. The light, crisp flavor of the beer balances the spicy, hearty soup.
Limeade
For a non-alcoholic option, try limeade. Its tart, refreshing flavor complements the bold spices of taco soup beautifully.
How to Make the Perfect Taco Soup?
Classic Taco Soup Recipe
Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe for making the perfect taco soup.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb | Lean |
| Onion | 1 | Chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Minced |
| Black beans | 1 can | Drained and rinsed |
| Corn | 1 can | Drained |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can | With green chilies |
| Taco seasoning | 1 packet | |
| Beef broth | 4 cups |
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic in a large pot.
- Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and beef broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado.
Tips for Perfect Taco Soup
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more or less taco seasoning depending on your spice preference.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor.
What Are Some Variations of Taco Soup?
Chicken Taco Soup
For a lighter version, try chicken taco soup. Substitute the ground beef with shredded chicken breast and use chicken broth instead of beef broth.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shredded chicken | 2 cups | Cooked |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups | |
| Black beans | 1 can | Drained and rinsed |
| Corn | 1 can | Drained |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can | With green chilies |
| Taco seasoning | 1 packet |
Vegetarian Taco Soup
For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add extra beans and vegetables. Kidney beans, pinto beans, and bell peppers are great additions.
Seafood Taco Soup
For a unique twist, try seafood taco soup. Use shrimp or a mix of seafood, and adjust the seasoning to complement the seafood flavors.
What Desserts Go Well with Taco Soup?
Finish your meal on a sweet note with these delicious dessert options.
Churros
Churros, with their crispy exterior and soft, cinnamon-sugar-coated interior, are a delightful end to a taco soup meal.
| Dessert | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Churros | 12 pieces | Freshly fried |
| Chocolate sauce | 1/2 cup | For dipping |
Flan
Flan, a creamy caramel custard, offers a smooth, sweet contrast to the spicy taco soup.
Tres Leches Cake
Tres leches cake, soaked in three types of milk, is rich, moist, and utterly delicious. It’s a perfect dessert to round off your meal.
Conclusion
Taco soup is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be paired with a variety of sides, toppings, and drinks. Whether you stick to traditional accompaniments or experiment with new pairings, the possibilities are endless. Use these suggestions to create a memorable dining experience and enjoy every delicious bite.
FAQs
What sides go well with taco soup?
Cornbread, tortilla chips, and Mexican rice are excellent sides that complement taco soup.
What toppings are best for taco soup?
Shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado are popular toppings that enhance the flavors of taco soup.
What drinks pair well with taco soup?
Margaritas, Mexican beer, and limeade are great drink options to enjoy with taco soup.
Can taco soup be made in different variations?
Yes, chicken taco soup, vegetarian taco soup, and seafood taco soup are delicious variations to try.
What desserts go well with taco soup?
Churros, flan, and tres leches cake are delightful desserts that pair well with taco soup.
Taco soup, with its rich flavors and comforting warmth, is a dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Use these pairings and recipes to create a delightful meal every time!