Get ready to fall in love with the Easy Taco Soup Recipe! This one-pot wonder is truly a celebration of flavor and convenience, blending all the classic taco fixings into a cozy, comforting soup you’ll want to whip up again and again. With its zesty spices, hearty beans, juicy beef, pops of sweet corn, and a medley of toppings, every bite tastes like your favorite taco night in a single bowl. This soup comes together in under 40 minutes, making it a weeknight hero that feels just a bit special every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s incredible how just a few simple kitchen staples can come together and make something so satisfying! Each ingredient in the Easy Taco Soup Recipe brings a unique kick: some for richness, some for texture, and others for that unforgettable pop of color and flavor.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Adds heartiness and classic taco taste, but you can swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter soup.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps soften the onions and delivers a lovely richness right from the start.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Brings a gentle sweetness and the perfect foundation of flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Essential for depth and irresistible aroma in your soup base.
- Black beans (1 can, 15-ounce, drained and rinsed): Provide satisfying protein and creamy texture to every spoonful.
- Corn (1 can, 15-ounce, drained): Pops of color and natural sweetness make every bowl cheerful and delicious.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 15-ounce): These give the soup a saucy, tangy backbone.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, 10-ounce): Adds a touch of heat and depth that’s signature to this dish.
- Taco seasoning (1 packet, 1-ounce): Your shortcut to bold, southwestern flavor—no need to measure individual spices!
- Beef broth (2 cups): It ties everything together and keeps things hearty but still slurpable.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): The must-have finishers for perfect seasoning—taste as you go!
- Optional toppings—shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, tortilla chips: All about customization! Pick your favorites for an extra-tasty finishing touch.
How to Make Easy Taco Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat up the olive oil in a large, sturdy pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the diced onion and let it cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring every so often until it becomes soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and give it another 30 seconds—just until it’s fragrant and your kitchen smells incredible.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef directly to the pot with your sautéed aromatics. Use a wooden spoon to break it up, letting it brown across all sides. Cook until there’s no pink left, which usually takes about 5 minutes. If there’s extra grease, go ahead and drain it off for a lighter, cleaner soup.
Step 3: Add the Beans, Veggies, and Seasonings
Now comes the fun part—pile in your black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies straight into the pot. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in the beef broth. Give it all a good stir so every bite gets those irresistible flavors.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Turn up the heat so the pot comes to a gentle boil, then drop it down to low and let the Easy Taco Soup Recipe simmer for about 20 minutes. This is when all those bold spices and tasty add-ins really come together. Stir it every once in a while and taste for salt and pepper—every cook knows that final seasoning is the secret to a great soup!
Step 5: Serve and Top
Once it’s piping hot and perfectly seasoned, ladle the soup into bowls. Now comes the best part: pile on your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or crunchy tortilla chips. Every bowl can be as unique as the person enjoying it!
How to Serve Easy Taco Soup Recipe
Garnishes
This soup absolutely shines with a parade of customizable toppings. Go classic with a handful of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, add a dollop of cool sour cream, sprinkle on some freshly chopped cilantro for brightness, or ramp up the heat with slices of pickled or fresh jalapeños. Don’t forget those tortilla chips—either crushed or whole for dipping!
Side Dishes
While the Easy Taco Soup Recipe is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, it pairs beautifully with fluffy cornbread, simple green salads, or even warm flour tortillas. A bowl of Mexican rice or refried beans on the side keeps the meal festive and filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in colorful bowls and create a toppings bar so everyone can dress up their bowl just the way they like it. For a fun party twist, try serving the soup in mini bread bowls or even in big mugs for a casual gathering—perfect for game day or a cozy movie night!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftovers into a well-sealed container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavor actually gets deeper and even more delicious overnight, making this Easy Taco Soup Recipe a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks or meal prep.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully and keeps nicely for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, and label with the date. It’s like having a homemade meal on call whenever the cravings strike!
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works, too—just cover and stir every minute or so for even heat.
FAQs
Can I swap the ground beef for another protein?
Absolutely! For a lighter spin on the Easy Taco Soup Recipe, use ground turkey or ground chicken. The texture and flavor will change a little, but the soup will remain delicious and satisfying.
Is this soup spicy?
The heat level is mild to moderate, mainly from the tomatoes with green chilies and taco seasoning. If you’re sensitive to spice or cooking for kids, just use mild diced tomatoes and a mild seasoning blend, then let everyone add jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the beef, onions, and garlic as directed, then add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for about 2–3 hours. It’s a hands-off way to enjoy the Easy Taco Soup Recipe.
What toppings should I try?
You can get truly creative here! Popular picks include chopped avocado, sliced radishes, lime wedges, green onions, and even a drizzle of hot sauce. A squeeze of lime just before serving wakes up all the flavors.
Is the Easy Taco Soup Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, when you use a gluten-free taco seasoning mix and check your canned ingredients, the soup is naturally gluten-free—making it a perfect fit for a variety of dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort and big flavor with minimal effort, you absolutely need to make the Easy Taco Soup Recipe part of your cozy dinner rotation. It’s friendly, customizable, and guaranteed to warm you up, one spoonful at a time. Grab your favorite toppings and give it a try—you might just find a new family favorite!
Print
Easy Taco Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Taco Soup recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that comes together quickly on the stovetop. Packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes, it’s a satisfying meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base:
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large pot, sauté onion, and garlic. Add ground beef, cook until browned, and drain excess grease.
- Combine Ingredients: Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, and beef broth. Stir well.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes to blend flavors.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with optional toppings.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
