There’s just something about a big, steaming bowl of Taco Soup that feels like a hug from the inside out. This one-pot wonder takes all the zesty, crowd-pleasing flavors of your favorite tacos and delivers them in cozy soup form—perfect for busy weeknights, chilly game days, or any time you want fiesta vibes in a flash. With simple pantry staples and fifteen minutes of hands-on prep, you’re about to discover why Taco Soup is the dinner hero you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the delicious complexity fool you—the ingredient list for Taco Soup is down-to-earth and effortless. Each item brings something special to the pot, from the hearty base to vibrant splashes of color, all working together to create that Tex-Mex magic with every spoonful.
- Ground beef: Brings savory richness and satisfying protein—swap with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
- Olive oil: Helps the onions sweat and adds a subtle hint of richness at the start.
- Onion: Essential for building layers of deep, mellow flavor right from the beginning.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth and that irresistible savory kick every soup craves.
- Black beans: Hearty, fiber-packed beans that soak up the seasonings beautifully.
- Kidney beans: Bring a buttery texture and a pop of color to every bite.
- Corn: Sweet, golden bursts of flavor that balance the spices and add cheerful color.
- Diced tomatoes: Juicy tomatoes are the base of the broth, giving depth and tang.
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles: Fire-roasted flavor and a little kick—totally crave-worthy!
- Tomato sauce: Thickens the soup and ties all the ingredients together.
- Taco seasoning: The secret weapon—full of all those classic, bold taco spices.
- Chili powder: Delivers warmth and a touch of smokiness for true recipe authenticity.
- Beef broth: Adds body and depth, making the soup luxuriously hearty.
- Salt and pepper: Just a shaker or two fine-tunes all the flavors for that perfect finish.
How to Make Taco Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Grab your largest soup pot or Dutch oven and set it on medium heat. Drizzle in the olive oil, then toss in the diced onion. Let it sizzle and soften, stirring occasionally, until it’s translucent and sweet—usually about 4 to 5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant. This step lays the flavor foundation for your whole Taco Soup.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Push the onions to the sides of the pot, then crumble in the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks. You want to brown it nicely, getting a little color for extra flavor—this takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once it’s no longer pink, drain off any excess fat to keep your soup just the right amount of hearty.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Build the Base
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and chili powder, coating the beef and onion mixture. Let it toast for about a minute—the spices will bloom, unlocking those distinct Tex-Mex notes that make Taco Soup shine. This is where the magic really starts to happen.
Step 4: Stir in the Beans, Veggies, and Liquids
Now the fun part! Pour in the black beans, kidney beans, and corn, followed by the plain diced tomatoes, tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Give everything a hearty stir, incorporating those ingredients into a colorful, flavor-packed mixture. You’ll immediately notice just how festive Taco Soup looks even before it simmers.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Crank up the heat and bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Leave it uncovered and stir occasionally for about 20 to 25 minutes. As the flavors come together, the soup’s aroma alone will have everyone gravitating to the kitchen. Give it a taste near the end—add salt and pepper as needed to make all the flavors pop.
How to Serve Taco Soup
Garnishes
One of the joys of Taco Soup is its endless opportunity for toppings! A cloud of shredded cheese melts right into the broth, while a dollop of cool sour cream balances the spice. Crumbled tortilla chips add crunch, a sprinkle of green onions brings freshness, and a squeeze of lime adds tangy brightness. Don’t be afraid to get creative with avocado, diced jalapeños, or fresh cilantro.
Side Dishes
Taco Soup is hearty enough to be a full meal, but who could resist pairing it with a pile of warm, buttery cornbread? Simple cheese quesadillas, a crisp green salad, or even a platter of fresh veggie sticks turn this into a Tex-Mex spread worthy of any gathering. There’s plenty of room to play depending on your mood or pantry.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Taco Soup in colorful bowls or mugs for a fun, fiesta-inspired look. For parties, create a “topping bar” and let guests load up their bowls however they like—everyone gets their perfect bite. Or, pour the soup over rice, tortilla strips, or even baked potatoes for a new twist on classic comfort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Taco Soup keeps like a dream. Once cooled, transfer it to airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even better—if you manage not to eat it all the first night.
Freezing
Want to get ahead on busy weeks? Taco Soup freezes beautifully. Pour fully cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Label and stash for up to three months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and dinner is ready almost instantly.
Reheating
To reheat, just warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. In a hurry? Zap single servings in the microwave, stopping to stir every so often. Add a splash of beef broth or water if it thickens up during storage, then garnish and enjoy just like it was freshly made.
FAQs
Can I make Taco Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the ground beef and swap in extra beans or a meatless ground substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ll have a wonderful, protein-packed veggie version.
What can I use if I don’t have a taco seasoning packet?
If you’re out of the packet mix, combine 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, and a big pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. It tastes just as great and can be adjusted to your spice preference!
Can I make Taco Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and soften the onions first, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Is Taco Soup spicy?
As written, Taco Soup has a gentle, family-friendly heat thanks to the green chiles and chili powder. If you want more kick, toss in an extra jalapeño or use a spicy taco seasoning. Prefer things mild? Use tomatoes without chiles and cut back the chili powder.
What other toppings work well?
The sky’s the limit! Try diced avocado, chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, sliced black olives, hot sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lime. Layer on your favorites for the ultimate bowl.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re warming up a chilly night or bringing smiles to your dinner table, Taco Soup is always a winner. Grab your ingredients and treat yourself to a delicious, fuss-free meal that’s bursting with flavor, fun, and endless possibilities—your taste buds will seriously thank you!
Print
Taco Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful Taco Soup recipe that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This soup is loaded with ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes, seasoned with taco spices for a delicious Tex-Mex flavor.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base:
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef, cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Cook Soup: Stir in taco seasoning, chili powder, beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
- This soup freezes well and can be made ahead.
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken.
- Adjust spiciness with additional green chiles or jalapeños as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
