When you want something that’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, Taco Soup is here to save the day. Imagine all the cozy goodness of a taco, but in soup form rich, hearty, and filled with all your favorite taco toppings. It’s got ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and just the right amount of seasoning to make every spoonful a delicious little party. And the best part? You can customize it to your heart’s content.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends when you just want something easy and satisfying. Plus, it’s one of those “throw everything in the pot” kind of dishes so little cleanup and all the flavor. You’re going to love how this Taco Soup makes taco night even more fun (and cozy)!

Why You’ll Love Taco Soup

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: You can serve it with tortilla chips, over rice, or just as is it’s a flexible dish that adapts to what you’re craving.
Budget-Friendly: Uses basic pantry ingredients, making it easy on your wallet.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal.
Customizable: Want it spicier? Add jalapeños. Make it vegetarian by swapping the beef for beans.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a crowd favorite everyone loves the mix of savory and zesty flavors, plus the toppings make it a build-your-own feast.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Taco Soup

This recipe is all about layering flavors each ingredient plays a part in making the soup rich, satisfying, and full of delicious taco goodness. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef: The base of the soup rich, savory, and full of flavor. You can also swap it for ground turkey or chicken.
Taco Seasoning: For that perfect taco seasoning mix without the hassle of measuring out individual spices.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned or fresh, they provide the perfect acidic, juicy bite.
Tomato Sauce: Adds depth and richness to the soup.
Beef Broth: Gives the soup a nice savory base, but you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as well.
Kidney Beans and Black Beans: These add a hearty texture and make the soup feel even more filling.
Corn: Sweet, juicy kernels that balance the savory ingredients and add a pop of color.
Onion and Garlic: The aromatics that form the foundation of the flavor.
Optional Toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, and tortilla chips for crunch.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Brown the Meat

In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are soft, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Add the Seasoning

Stir in the taco seasoning, allowing the beef and onions to soak up the spices. This adds that signature taco flavor we all know and love.

Add the Rest of the Ingredients

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, beans, and corn to the pot. Stir everything together, making sure the flavors meld.

Simmer and Let it Blend

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes to allow all the flavors to blend together beautifully. If you like your soup a bit thicker, let it simmer longer or mash some of the beans to create a heartier base.

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. Sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, and tortilla chips are all excellent choices. And don’t forget that squeeze of lime for a fresh, zesty finish!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 330

(put them as notes)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Taco Soup

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve with a side of cornbread or warm tortillas for a comforting, hearty meal. You can also add a light salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup. If you’re looking to keep it lighter, a side of steamed vegetables would work great.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Want it spicier? Add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• You can use any type of ground meat turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute for a vegetarian option.
• If you have leftovers, it stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days and tastes even better the next day.
• For extra texture, add some crushed tortilla chips into the soup before serving.
• You can freeze Taco Soup for up to 3 months just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

FAQs

1 Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat and onions first, then add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

2 Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?
Yes, but be sure to cook them beforehand since fresh beans take longer to cook.

3 What if I don’t have beef broth?
No worries! Chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water will work just fine.

4 How can I make this vegetarian?
Simply swap the ground beef for more beans, lentils, or a meat substitute.

5 Can I add cheese to the soup?
Absolutely! You can stir in some shredded cheese at the end or sprinkle it on top.

6 How can I make the soup creamier?
Stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream to make it richer.

7 Can I use frozen corn?
Yes! Frozen corn works just as well as canned corn.

8 How can I thicken the soup?
You can mash some of the beans with a spoon or use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup.

9 Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months in the freezer.

10 How do I make the soup spicier?
Add extra chili powder, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to bring up the heat.

Conclusion

Taco Soup is the cozy, satisfying dish you didn’t know you needed. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a bowl solo, it’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. Pair it with your favorite toppings and you’ve got yourself the perfect meal for any occasion. Enjoy!

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