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Spiced Taco Soup with Cocoa

This taco soup is made with ground meat, beans, and vegetables simmered in a savory broth that features a subtle hint of unsweetened cocoa powder. The dish achieves a hearty, thick consistency with a rich, layered flavor profile, finished with aromatic spices and a touch of depth from the cocoa. It is typically served hot, garnished with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pound ground beef or turkey or other ground meat
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
  • 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder unsweetened
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering, then add the chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until the garlic releases a rich aroma and is just starting to turn golden.
  3. Increase the heat slightly and crumble in the ground meat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue until the meat is browned all over, about 7-8 minutes.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  5. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and cocoa powder, allowing the spices to coat the meat and vegetables well. Let them cook together for 2 minutes, releasing fragrant spices.
  6. Pour in the broth and add the kidney beans and corn, stirring to combine everything evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  7. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the soup thickens slightly.
  8. Taste the soup and adjust salt or spices if needed, then remove from heat.
  9. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, and serve with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs for added flavor.

Notes

For a smokier flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika. To make it vegetarian, replace the ground meat with sautéed diced vegetables or plant-based protein. The cocoa powder adds depth but can be skipped if preferred.