WW Core Taco Soup: A Hug in a Bowl

There are some dishes that just feel like a warm embrace, a culinary hug that chases away the chill and soothes the soul. For me, WW Core Taco Soup is precisely that. I first encountered this recipe during a time when I was actively exploring healthier, point-friendly meals, and it quickly became a weeknight hero. The magic lies in its simplicity and the way humble ingredients transform into a symphony of savory, slightly spicy flavors. It’s the kind of soup that makes you feel good from the inside out, proving that delicious and mindful eating can absolutely go hand-in-hand.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: Approximately 8 cups
• Dietary Type: Core Plan friendly (2 points per cup)

Ingredients

This hearty soup brings together a delightful medley of pantry staples and fresh produce for a satisfying meal.

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 ¼ ounces taco seasoning mix (one full package, any brand)
• 2 cups whole kernel corn, drained if using canned
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can chicken broth
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans), undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can fat-free refried beans
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can diced Rotel Tomatoes (original or mild, with chilies)
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

Equipment Needed

To create this comforting soup, you’ll primarily need a few essential kitchen tools:

• A large skillet
• A large soup pot or Dutch oven
• A spoon for stirring

Instructions

Crafting this flavorful taco soup is wonderfully straightforward, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.

1. Begin by sautéing the chopped onion in a skillet that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Cook over medium heat until the onions are softened and translucent, usually about 5-7 minutes.
2. In your large soup pot or Dutch oven, combine the diced Rotel tomatoes and the diced tomatoes.
3. Next, add the fat-free refried beans to the pot.
4. Now, incorporate all the remaining ingredients into the soup pot. This includes the sautéed onions, the taco seasoning mix, the whole kernel corn (drained if canned), the chicken broth, the undrained black beans, the undrained white beans, and the remaining diced tomatoes.
5. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
6. Place the soup pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the soup to simmer gently for at least 1 hour. This extended simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the soup to thicken slightly.
8. Remember this crucial detail: do not drain the beans. Their natural starches contribute to the soup’s body and flavor. However, do drain the corn if you are using it from a can to avoid adding excess liquid.

Expert Tips & Tricks

To elevate your WW Core Taco Soup experience, consider these professional insights:

• Flavor Depth: For an even richer flavor, you can toast your taco seasoning mix in the dry skillet for about 30 seconds before adding the onions. This awakens the spices.
• Bean Power: While the recipe calls for specific beans, feel free to experiment with kidney beans or pinto beans, always remembering to keep them undrained.
• Spice Level: If you prefer a bit more heat, opt for the “hot” Rotel tomatoes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce while simmering.
• Broth Boost: If you find the soup too thick after simmering, you can easily adjust the consistency by adding a little more chicken broth or even water until it reaches your desired texture.
• Make Ahead Magic: This soup is a prime candidate for making ahead. The flavors actually improve overnight as they have more time to marry. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This vibrant WW Core Taco Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings.

For serving, I love to ladle generous portions into bowls and offer a selection of complementary toppings. Think a dollop of non-fat Greek yogurt or light sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or even some crumbled tortilla chips (if your points allow!). A light scattering of shredded fat-free cheddar cheese is also a popular choice.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze portions for up to 2-3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, based on 8 servings:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	176 kcal	9%
Calories from Fat	10 kcal
Total Fat	1.1 g	1%
Saturated Fat	0.2 g	1%
Trans Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	501 mg	20%
Total Carbohydrate	34.2 g	11%
Dietary Fiber	7.5 g	30%
Sugars	3.3 g	7%
Protein	9.9 g	20%
Vitamin D	0 mcg	0%
Calcium	71 mg	6%
Iron	2 mg	11%
Potassium	565 mg	12%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient variations.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is a fantastic foundation, feel free to personalize it further:

• Protein Power: For a heartier soup, add cooked shredded chicken or lean ground turkey (browned and drained) along with the other ingredients.
• Vegetable Boost: Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach during the last 15-20 minutes of simmering.
• Bean Bonanza: Swap out the white beans for kidney beans for a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: To make this soup vegetarian or vegan, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Ensure your taco seasoning mix is also vegetarian/vegan.

FAQs

Q: Is WW Core Taco Soup best served immediately or after simmering?
A: While delicious immediately, the flavors of WW Core Taco Soup truly meld and deepen with at least an hour of simmering, and even improve overnight.

Q: Can I make this soup spicier?
A: Absolutely! You can achieve a spicier soup by using a hotter version of Rotel tomatoes, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, or incorporating your favorite chili powder or flakes.

Q: What are the best toppings for this taco soup?
A: Popular and delicious toppings include non-fat Greek yogurt or light sour cream, chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, shredded reduced-fat cheese, and a few crushed tortilla chips.

Q: How do I store leftovers of this taco soup?
A: Store any leftover WW Core Taco Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Q: Can I use fresh corn instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use fresh corn. If using fresh corn kernels, you won’t need to drain them and can add them directly to the pot along with the other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain comfort that comes from a well-seasoned, soul-warming bowl of soup, and WW Core Taco Soup delivers that in spades. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined, can create something truly special and satisfying. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for a chilly evening, a quick lunch, or whenever you need a taste of home. Serve it up with your favorite healthy toppings and savor every delicious spoonful. Happy cooking!