This homemade pumpkin soup recipe is perfect for taking the chill off a cold day! Warm up with a bowl of this creamy soup, made with easy ingredients. Use canned puree or roast a sugar pumpkin for garden fresh flavor.
This cabbage and sausage recipe is a hearty skillet dish full of smoky flavor and tender veggies. Smoked sausage is browned until golden and then tossed with cabbage, onion, garlic, and seasonings for a simple but delicious dinner.
How cool is it that this quick chicken recipe is the easiest chicken we make, and it is also some of the tastiest chicken we make? Seasoned with plenty of terrific flavors and quickly cooked in any number of ways, this chicken is the weeknight main dish that the whole family enjoys.
Last minute chicken is a great recipe title! I had a package of chicken tenderloins in the fridge without a plan a ended up making this with roasted potatoes and sauteed yellow squash on the side. I used the broiler method with success. I think the spice mix would do well on pork as well! Thanks Mary. We dipped into buffalo sauce and ranch (so good).
– Tristin
The Fastest Way to Cook Chicken
You only need a few minutes to get this chicken ready to cook and you’ll be sitting down to eat just ten minutes later. The chicken is great on its own with a side of raw vegetables and ranch dip. It can also be sliced thin for sandwiches, or chopped bite-size for soups, salads, or pasta.
I’ve been making this chicken probably every other week for over 5 years now. And yes, it’s taken that long for me to share it here on the website.
The recipe is another favorite from The Weeknight Dinner Cookbook. However, I use the chicken in so many other recipes, I decided it was past time to share the original here.
Why make this chicken?
It tastes fantastic. The whole family devours it every time I make it. This is the fastest possible way to cook chicken. It can be prepped in under 5 minutes and cooked in under 10. I could go on and on about how delicious and EASY this chicken is.
My preference and go-to cooking method for this chicken is my grill pan on the stove. When I’m in a rush, the oven method is a little faster, simply because you can cook all the pieces at once. This chicken can also be cooked in a skillet on the stove or on an outdoor grill.
Quick Chicken Recipes
To make a batch of last minute chicken, combine the garlic, onion, paprika, oregano, pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle half the spices over the chicken. Turn the chicken pieces over and sprinkle the remaining spices over the chicken. Rub spices into the chicken, as needed, to coat well.
This recipe can be made with chicken breasts as well. Simply watch the cooking time and adjust as needed. Chicken breasts will cook faster than thighs, depending on their thickness.
Crispy Oven Baked Chicken with juicy meat and crisp, flavorful skin can be on your dinner table with about 5 minutes’ worth of effort! This crispy chicken is made in the oven without any breading at all; the only ingredients you need are the chicken, a drizzle of oil, salt, and pepper. And this Crispy Italian Chicken has a crispy skin and juicy interior that makes it one of my all-time favorite chicken recipes.
How To Cook Chicken On A Grill Pan
My preference and go-to cooking method for this chicken is my grill pan on the stove. When I’m in a rush, the oven method is a little faster, simply because you can cook all the pieces at once. This chicken can also be cooked in a skillet on the stove or on an outdoor grill.
Heat a nonstick grill pan over medium heat. Place half the chicken in the grill pan, making sure there is a gap between the pieces. Cook the chicken without touching it for 5 minutes.
Flip over and cook an additional 3-5 minutes until cooked through. Repeat with the remaining chicken. Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing thin.
Preheat the oven to broil. Arrange an oven rack 6 inches from the top of the oven. Place a wire rack over a large baking tray. Arrange the chicken on the wire rack.
Place the chicken in the oven and broil for 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven, turn each piece of chicken over, and then broil an additional 5-6 minutes. Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing thin.
Broiled Chicken Thighs have been a staple in my meal planning for about as long as I can remember. Learning how to broil chicken makes it easy to get a delicious dinner on the table fast.
Combine the garlic, onion, paprika, oregano, pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle half the spices over the chicken. Turn the chicken pieces over and sprinkle the remaining spices over the chicken. Rub spices into the chicken, as needed, to coat well.
GRILL PAN INSTRUCTIONS: Heat a nonstick grill pan over medium heat. Place half the chicken in the grill pan, making sure there is a gap between the pieces. Cook the chicken without touching it for 5 minutes. Flip over and cook an additional 3-5 minutes until cooked through. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
BROILING INSTRUCTIONS: Preheat the oven to BROIL. Arrange an oven rack 6 inches from the top of the oven. Place a wire rack over a large baking tray. Arrange the chicken on the wire rack. Place the chicken in the oven and broil for 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven, turn each piece of chicken over, and then broil an additional 5-6 minutes.
Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing thin. Sprinkle with cilantro before serving.
Notes
COOK’S NOTE: My preference and go-to cooking method for this chicken is my grill pan on the stove. When I’m in a rush, the oven method is a little faster, simply because you can cook it all at once. This chicken can also be cooked in a skillet on the stove or on an outdoor grill.
This recipe can be made with chicken breasts as well. Simply watch the cooking time and adjust as needed. Chicken breasts will cook faster than thighs, depending on their thickness.
Dinnertime just got a whole lot easier! With this premade meal plan, take the stress out of meal time. Save time and money while being inspired to try new recipes!
This recipe for beef tips is made with tender chunks of stew meat or beef chuck, slowly simmered in onion and beef broth until flavorful. Spoon it with savory gravy over creamy mashed potatoes and add a side of veggies for a hearty dinner.
These stuffed peppers are a hearty and flavorful meal. Filled with sausage, rice, and ground beef, they bake up tender and delicious for an easy dinner everyone will rave about!
This Maple Banana Bread is wonderful! It is the best Fall bread to make and great for the holiday season too. ❤️WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE The combination of maple and banana really goes well together. If you have followed us for any amount of time, you know we love banana bread. I think there…
This Instant Pot Taco Soup is a quick and easy weeknight dinner packed with bold Mexican flavors. Loaded with beef, beans, corn, and spices, it’s perfect topped with cheese, sour cream, and avocado for a hearty, family-friendly meal.
The Best Taco Soup Recipe
One of my favorite memories as a mom is of our daughters coming home on a chilly late fall afternoon, while our son, still just a toddler, stood at the window waiting for them. The moment they passed the big bush in our yard and came into view, he would light up with pure excitement, bouncing with joy until they walked through the door. That year felt like the happiest season for our little family. The girls would scoop him up in hugs, and that night we all gathered around the table with steaming bowls of taco soup topped with crunchy chips.
It’s funny how the simplest, most ordinary days become the ones we treasure most. There’s something about a pot of soup on the stove that feels grounding and safe. I honestly think every family should make soup at least once a month during the school year! Kids go through so much, and soup has a way of bringing comfort, warmth, and calm to the whole house.
Instant Pot Taco Soup Ingredients
This hearty taco soup is loaded with beef, beans, corn, and bold taco flavors. It’s quick to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or game-day gatherings.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef and onions.
Ground Beef: Provides hearty, savory flavor as the base of the soup. Can swap for ground chicken or ground turkey.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
Corn: Brings a touch of natural sweetness and texture.
Pinto Beans: Adds protein, fiber, and heartiness. Can swap for black beans or kidney beans.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: Adds a mild kick and bright tomato flavor.
Diced Tomatoes: Provides a rich, savory tomato base for the soup.
Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix: Adds creamy, tangy flavor for extra depth.
Taco Seasoning: Gives the soup classic taco spices and a flavorful punch.
Beef Broth: Creates a savory, flavorful liquid base for the soup. Swap with chicken broth in a pinch.
Serve it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Note: This recipe calls for dry ranch seasoning, not ranch dressing. Ranch seasoning usually comes in small packets and can be found in the spice aisle.
How to Make Taco Soup in an Instant Pot
This easy taco soup is packed with bold flavors and ready in no time using your Instant Pot or slow cooker.
Sauté: Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot or a pan. Cook ground beef and chopped onion until browned.
Drain: Remove excess fat from the meat and onions.
Combine: Add corn, pinto beans, Rotel, diced tomatoes, ranch seasoning, and taco seasoning. Stir to mix.
Add Broth: Pour in beef broth and stir until everything is well combined.
Cook:
Instant Pot: Seal and cook on “Soup” for 20 minutes, then quick release.
Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 4 hours.
Serve: Top with shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, and Fritos as desired.
Ladle it into bowls and top with your favorite taco fixings for a hearty, satisfying meal everyone will love.
What to Top Instant Pot Taco Soup With
You can top your taco soup with anything you’d normally add to a taco. Some of our favorites include shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, Fritos, pickled jalapeños, avocado, diced tomato, chopped onion, hot sauce, and green chiles. For extra freshness, add a squeeze of lime juice right before serving. You can also serve it with warm tortillas or tortilla chips!
Kick up the heat with chili powder, a splash of hot sauce, or fresh peppers like jalapeño.
Can I Make Taco Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! To make this easy taco soup in a slow cooker, you’ll need to brown the meat and onions in a skillet before transferring the mixture to a slow cooker. Dump in the rest of the ingredients, then let the taco soup cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.
Freezing and Reheating Instant Pot Taco Soup
Instant Pot Taco Soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or saving leftovers. Let the soup cool to room temperature, then store it in freezer-safe bags or jars. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. The flavors stay just as vibrant, so it tastes fresh and delicious every time.
Tips for Making Instant Pot Taco Soup
Factor in pressure time: Remember the Instant Pot needs time to build and release pressure, which can add a few extra minutes to cooking.
Customize ingredients: Swap beans, omit corn, or adjust other ingredients to fit your taste and what you have on hand.
Add spice carefully: If you like it spicy, add a dash of hot sauce to the pot or just to your bowl. Start small—a little goes a long way.
This Instant Pot Taco Soup is hearty, flavorful, and easy to customize, making it the perfect weeknight meal. Top it with your favorite taco fixings and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl your whole family will love.
This Instant Pot Taco Soup is a quick and easy weeknight dinner packed with bold Mexican flavors. Loaded with beef, beans, corn, and spices, it’s perfect topped with cheese, sour cream, and avocado for a hearty, family-friendly meal.
Course 100 + BEST Easy Beef Recipes for Dinner
Cuisine American, Mexican
Keyword beans, ground beef, instant pot, main dish, soup