Taco Soup Recipe

If you are craving something hearty, flavorful, and downright comforting, this Taco Soup Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to weeknight meals. Packed with savory ground beef, a medley of beans and corn, and a luscious tomato base, every spoonful delivers a delightful Mexican-inspired warmth. This soup is a perfect blend of spices that creates layers of delicious complexity without any fuss, making it not only tasty but incredibly easy to prepare for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a key role in building the rich texture, vibrant color, and bold flavor that define this Taco Soup Recipe. From protein-packed beans to aromatic spices, everything combines beautifully in one pot.

• Ground beef (or ground turkey): The protein foundation that adds a savory depth and satisfying bite to the soup.
• Medium onion (chopped): Brings sweetness and aromatic base flavor while softening into the broth.
• Taco seasoning packet (or homemade taco seasoning): Infuses the soup with that signature zesty and smoky Mexican flair.
• Kidney beans (drained and rinsed): Adds hearty texture and earthy richness.
• Black beans (drained and rinsed): Contributes protein and a creamy contrast to the kidney beans.
• Corn (drained): Sweet bursts of flavor and a pop of color brighten the soup.
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Provides a mild heat along with juicy acidity to balance flavors.
• Tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, tangy base that ties all ingredients seamlessly together.
• Beef broth (or chicken broth): Enhances the soup’s depth with savory umami notes and perfect consistency.
• Chili powder: A warm and smoky spice that adds character and gentle spiciness.
• Cumin: Offers that earthy, nutty flavor typical in Mexican cuisine, elevating the entire dish.
• Garlic powder: Adds subtle pungency that rounds out the spices beautifully.
• Onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor without extra chopping needed.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into balance.
• Optional toppings (shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, tortilla chips, jalapeños): These bring exciting textures and creaminess to finish off the soup perfectly.

How to Make Taco Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef and Onion

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook until fragrant and softened, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, add your ground beef and use a spoon to break it apart, cooking until it’s beautifully browned all over. Draining excess fat here ensures the soup won’t be greasy, helping the flavors shine through.

Step 2: Season the Beef

Now comes the exciting part where the aromatic spices meet the meat. Stir in your taco seasoning packet along with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure the beef is evenly coated with these vibrant spices. This step is what transforms simple beef into a flavor-packed base for our Taco Soup Recipe.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Liquids

Next, introduce all the wholesome ingredients that make this soup a crowd-pleaser: kidney beans, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and the beef broth. Stir everything together until the pot is a colorful, inviting mixture. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes. This slow melding of flavors is the secret to achieving a rich, harmonious soup.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

After simmering, give your soup a good taste. This is your moment to personalize! Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if you like it spicier. Don’t rush this step—the perfect Tango Soup Recipe balances all its components in that one satisfying bowl.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Finally, ladle the hot, fragrant soup into bowls and add your favorite toppings to take it over the top. Whether you prefer shredded cheese melting into the warm broth or a dollop of sour cream soothing the spice, these finishing touches turn a simple bowl into a comforting feast.

How to Serve Taco Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you can get creative and tailor each bowl to individual tastes. Shredded cheese adds a melty richness, while sour cream offers a cooling counterpoint to the spices. Sprinkle on chopped green onions for freshness, throw in crunchy tortilla chips for texture, or add sliced jalapeños if you love extra heat. These little extras elevate the soup from everyday comfort to a festive experience.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement without overwhelming. A fresh green salad or crisp avocado slices bring freshness, while warm cornbread or tortilla chips can be used to scoop up every last drop. Because the soup has such bold flavors, mild-sided dishes provide perfect balance to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, consider serving this Taco Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls—edible and delightful! You could also set up a DIY topping bar so everyone can customize their bowl with a variety of garnishes. Another fun idea is to pair individual bowls with a colorful array of Mexican-inspired sides like pickled veggies, queso fresco, or cilantro-lime rice for an engaging, vibrant meal presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Taco Soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Give it a good stir before reheating, and you’ll find it just as comforting and delicious as the first time around.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully, making it an ideal meal prep option. Cool the soup completely, then transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you want a quick, tasty dinner, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and heat gently on the stove.

Reheating

When reheating your Taco Soup Recipe, the stovetop is best to evenly warm it and maintain texture. Use medium-low heat and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I make this taco soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add extra beans or vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to keep it hearty and filling.

Is this Taco Soup Recipe spicy?

The base recipe has a mild to medium spicy profile thanks to the taco seasoning and chili powder. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more chili powder or jalapeños if you prefer your soup with a kick.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner alternative. It absorbs the spices well and still creates that satisfying texture you want in your taco soup.

What’s the best way to thicken the soup if it feels too watery?

If you’d like a thicker soup, simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. Another trick is to mash a small portion of the beans and stir them back into the soup—this naturally thickens the broth without extra ingredients.

Can I prepare this in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. This method helps deepen flavors and makes dinner effortless.

Final Thoughts

This Taco Soup Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s quick to whip up, packed with wholesome ingredients, and endlessly customizable to suit your taste buds. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and make it your own—once you do, it will surely find a permanent spot in your recipe rotation, just like it has in mine.

Taco Soup Recipe

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4.3 from 77 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This flavorful and hearty Taco Soup recipe combines seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes simmered together with spices to create a comforting dish perfect for any day. Quick to prepare and easy to customize with your favorite toppings, this soup offers a delicious Tex-Mex inspired meal that serves six.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Aromatics

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 medium onion, chopped

Seasonings

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Beans and Vegetables

• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with green chilies, optional)
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

Liquids

• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)

Optional Toppings

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions
• Tortilla chips
• Jalapeños

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Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine, ensuring the beef is well-coated with the spices.
3. Add the Vegetables and Liquids: Add the kidney beans, black beans, corn, both cans of diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once it starts simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder according to your preference.
5. Serve: Ladle the taco soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, tortilla chips, and jalapeños.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead.
• If you prefer a spicier soup, add extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• The soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Serve with cornbread or warm tortillas for a full meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex