Simple Ingredients for a Fantastic Taco Soup Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering taco soup recipe that brings zesty Mexican-inspired flavors straight to your dinner table.

Packed with ground beef and hearty beans, this easy taco soup delivers a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.

Warm spices dance through each spoonful, creating a robust and comforting blend that appeals to every palate.

The ingredients come together effortlessly, making this soup a go-to option for busy weeknights.

Tender meat, soft beans, and vibrant seasonings create a symphony of tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Topped with crisp tortilla chips and a dollop of sour cream, this soup transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this crowd-pleasing dinner that promises to become a family favorite.

What Makes Taco Soup a Quick Favorite

• Taco soup delivers warm, hearty goodness that wraps you in delicious Mexican-inspired flavors perfect for satisfying hunger and lifting spirits.
• This one-pot wonder requires minimal prep, basic ingredients, and quick cooking steps that make dinner preparation a breeze for busy families and home cooks.
• Flexible recipe allows personal tweaks like adjusting spice levels, adding extra toppings, or swapping proteins to match individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Packed with protein, vegetables, and bold seasonings, this soup appeals to multiple palates and works great for casual gatherings, potlucks, or family meals.

Taco Soup Ingredient Checklist

• Ground Beef: A hearty base that provides rich flavor and substance to the taco soup.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a deep, savory foundation for the soup.

• Black Beans, Corn, Diced Tomatoes, Green Chiles: Convenient pantry staples that add texture, moisture, and southwestern flair to the dish.

• Beef Broth: Creates the soupy consistency and enhances the overall meaty flavor profile.

• Cumin, Chili Powder: Signature seasonings that deliver the classic taco-inspired taste and warmth to the soup.

How to Make Easy Taco Soup

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef And Onions

Grab a large pot and heat it over medium flame.

Toss in ground beef and diced onions.

Break up the meat as it cooks, ensuring it browns nicely and the onions become translucent.

Keep stirring to prevent sticking and cook until beef is completely cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 2: Enhance With Garlic

Add minced garlic to the beef and onion mixture.

Stir quickly and cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.

The aroma will start filling your kitchen with delicious scents.

Step 3: Create Soup Base

• Beef broth
• Black beans
• Corn kernels
• Diced tomatoes
• Green chiles

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Once bubbling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Season And Serve

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed.

Sprinkle in additional cumin, chili powder, salt, or pepper to match your preference.

If the soup seems too thick, splash in extra broth to reach desired consistency.

Step 5: Garnish And Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Crushed tortilla chips

Serve immediately and savor the hearty, zesty flavors of this comforting taco soup.

Tips for a Bold Taco Soup

• Brown ground beef thoroughly on medium heat to develop deep, rich taste that elevates the entire soup's profile.
• Sauté minced garlic quickly and carefully to prevent burning, which can create an unpleasant bitter undertone.
• Taste and adjust seasonings after simmering, adding extra cumin or chili powder to boost the soup's warmth and complexity.
• Thin out the soup with additional broth if it becomes too thick, ensuring a perfect soupy texture that's neither too watery nor too dense.
• Easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version of the taco soup.

Storing and Warming Taco Soup

• Store leftover taco soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, sealing in all those delicious flavors.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Removes air to prevent freezer burn, storing up to 4 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Transfer portion to microwave-safe dish. Cover with lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving slight vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Pour soup into saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add splash of broth if needed to prevent sticking. Warm gently for 5-7 minutes until heated completely through.

Side Dishes for Taco Soup

• Spice Up Your Sip: Craft Beer Companions
• Pair this hearty taco soup with a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Corona, which cuts through the rich beef and balances the spicy chili flavors.
• Elevate Wine Choices: Southwest Style
• Select a zesty Zinfandel or Spanish Tempranillo with bold fruit notes that complement the soup's robust tomato and beef profile, creating a delightful southwestern dining experience.
• Sidekick Garnish Magic: Fresh Flavor Boosters
• Top the soup with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, crispy tortilla strips, and a dollop of sour cream to enhance texture, add brightness, and provide cool contrast to the warm, spicy soup base.
• Refresh with Citrus Cocktail Twist
• Mix a quick margarita using fresh lime juice, tequila, and a touch of agave syrup to echo the soup's Mexican-inspired flavors and provide a tangy, refreshing counterpoint.

Different Ways to Serve Taco Soup

• Vegetarian Taco Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version that's just as hearty and flavorful.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning beef and onions, then cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off, easy meal preparation.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Swap corn and beans for cauliflower rice and add extra bell peppers, using cauliflower to maintain the soup's texture while reducing carbohydrates.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Increase chili powder, add jalapeños, and include a dash of cayenne pepper for those who love an extra kick of heat in their taco soup.

FAQs

• What makes this taco soup different from other soup recipes?

This recipe combines ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes with classic taco seasonings, creating a hearty one-pot meal that’s both easy and delicious. It’s packed with flavor and protein, making it a satisfying dinner option.

• Can I make this soup spicier?

Absolutely! You can add extra chili powder, include diced jalapeños, or use hot green chiles to increase the heat level. For more kick, top with hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper when seasoning.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, taco soup stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and actually tastes better the next day as flavors continue to develop. It’s perfect for making ahead and reheating for quick meals during the week.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can easily swap ground beef for plant-based ground meat, or use additional beans like black beans or kidney beans to replace the beef. The spices and other ingredients will still create a delicious, protein-rich soup.

Easy Taco Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired taco soup delivers comfort and bold flavors in one delicious bowl. Packed with ground beef, beans, and zesty spices, this quick and satisfying meal brings southwestern warmth to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (500g) lean ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (4 oz) (113g) chopped green chiles

Canned and Liquid Ingredients:

• 4 cups (946ml) beef or chicken broth or stock
• 1 (15 oz) (432g) corn, drained
• 1 (15 oz) (425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) (425g) chili beans in chili sauce
• 1 (28 oz) (793g) crushed tomatoes

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Cayenne pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, thoroughly brown ground beef with onions until meat loses its pink hue and onions become translucent, approximately 7-8 minutes, ensuring deep caramelization for enhanced flavor profile.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the beef mixture, stirring continuously for 2 minutes while preventing scorching, which can create unpleasant bitter undertones.
3. Incorporate broth, beans, corn, tomatoes, green chiles, and complementary spices into the pot, blending ingredients meticulously to distribute flavors evenly.
4. Elevate mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat, cover pot, and allow ingredients to meld together for 15 minutes, creating a harmonious culinary experience.
5. Conduct a comprehensive taste evaluation, adjusting seasonings as needed – potentially enhancing with additional cumin or chili powder for more robust flavor dimensions.
6. If soup appears overly concentrated, incrementally introduce extra broth to achieve desired consistency, ensuring a balanced and satisfying texture.
7. Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or crisp tortilla strips to elevate the dish’s visual and gustatory appeal.

Notes

• Brown meats thoroughly to develop a rich, deep flavor profile that elevates the entire soup’s taste.
• Avoid burning garlic by adding it later in the cooking process and stirring constantly to prevent bitter undertones.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and cumin according to personal heat preferences or dietary needs.
• Make this soup more diet-friendly by substituting ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based protein crumbles for a lighter version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg