Warm Up with Hearty WW Core Taco Soup

The first time I made taco soup, I was a broke college student craving something flavorful and filling. My roommate and I pooled our meager resources – a can of this, a packet of that – and simmered up a pot of pure magic. The aroma alone filled our tiny apartment with such inviting warmth, and that first spoonful tasted like a hug on a cold day. Even now, years later, the simple act of stirring a pot of taco soup brings back those happy memories of shared meals and budget-friendly creativity.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Dietary Type: Weight Watchers Core Plan

Ingredients

• 1 large onion
• 1 ¼ ounce package taco seasoning mix (any brand)
• 2 cups whole kernel corn, drained if canned
• 1 (10 ½ ounce) can chicken broth
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, do not drain
• 1 (15 ounce) can white beans, do not drain
• 1 (15 ounce) can fat-free refried beans
• 1 (10 ½ ounce) can diced Rotel tomatoes
• 1 (10 ½ ounce) can diced tomatoes

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Large soup pot

Instructions

1. Begin by prepping the onion. Finely chop it.
2. Heat a large skillet. Spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until it is softened and translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
4. While the onion is sautéing, prepare the large soup pot. Add the diced tomatoes and Rotel tomatoes to the pot.
5. Next, add the fat-free refried beans to the pot.
6. Pour in the chicken broth.
7. Add the black beans and white beans to the pot. Remember, do not drain either of these beans. The liquid adds flavor and helps to thicken the soup.
8. Add the drained corn to the pot. Draining the corn prevents the soup from becoming too watery.
9. Sprinkle in the entire package of taco seasoning mix. Any brand will work, so use your favorite!
10. Once the onion is softened, add it to the soup pot.
11. Stir all the ingredients in the pot thoroughly until well combined.
12. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. A simmer is when small bubbles gently rise to the surface.
13. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the soup to simmer for at least 1 hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together, creating a richer and more delicious soup.
14. Check the soup periodically and stir to prevent sticking. If the soup becomes too thick, you can add a little water or additional chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Spice It Up: If you like a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the pot during the simmering process. You can also use a hot taco seasoning mix or add a chopped jalapeño.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Taco soup is even better the next day! Make it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will have more time to develop.
• Thicken It Up: If you want an even thicker soup, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon while it simmers. This releases starch and thickens the broth.
• Versatile Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Add them during the last 30 minutes of simmering so they don’t become too mushy.
• Salt Savvy: Taste the soup before adding any salt. The taco seasoning and canned ingredients often contain a good amount of salt already.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the WW Core Taco Soup hot. You can garnish it with a dollop of plain nonfat Greek yogurt or light sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped green onions, or a few fresh cilantro leaves. For a bit of added crunch, consider adding a few crushed baked tortilla chips (use sparingly to keep the points low).

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage – up to 2-3 months. Be sure to cool the soup completely before freezing. To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen) and then heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	175.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	9 g	6%
Total Fat	1.1 g	1%
Saturated Fat	0.2 g	1%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	500.6 mg	20%
Total Carbohydrate	34.2 g	11%
Dietary Fiber	7.5 g	30%
Sugars	3.3 g	N/A
Protein	9.9 g	19%

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a completely vegetarian option.
• Spicy Southwest Twist: Add a can of fire-roasted tomatoes or a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy flavor.
• Creamy Dreamy: Swirl in a tablespoon of light cream cheese or cashew cream at the end for a creamier texture. Remember to adjust points accordingly if following WW.
• Turkey Time: Substitute ground turkey (browned and drained) for the beans for a higher-protein option. Add it along with the other ingredients at the beginning of the simmering process.
• Slow Cooker Simplicity: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes in place of the canned diced tomatoes. You may need to add a little extra liquid, such as chicken broth or water, if the soup becomes too thick.

Q: Is it necessary to drain the corn if I’m using frozen corn?
A: No, if using frozen corn, you do not need to drain it. Just add it directly to the pot.

Q: Can I add ground beef to this soup?
A: Yes, you can add browned ground beef (or turkey) for extra protein. Brown it separately, drain off any excess grease, and add it to the pot along with the other ingredients.

Q: How can I make this soup less salty?
A: Use low-sodium chicken broth and be mindful of the salt content in your taco seasoning. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice at the end to brighten the flavors and reduce the need for salt.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, taco soup freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Final Thoughts

This WW Core Taco Soup is a wonderfully versatile and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. It’s simple enough for beginner cooks, yet flavorful enough to impress seasoned palates. Feel free to adapt it to your own tastes and dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and toppings. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your creations and feedback. Pair it with a light side salad or a slice of whole-wheat bread for a complete and nourishing meal. Happy cooking!