Taco Soup Recipe
If you’re searching for a meal that brings everyone to the table with excitement and minimal fuss, look no further than Taco Soup. This vibrant one-pot wonder is brimming with bold flavors, hearty beans, tender ground beef, and a lively blend of spices. With a zesty Mexican-American flair and flexible, family-friendly toppings, Taco Soup is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or casual gatherings—plus, it’s quick enough for any day but special enough for a crowd. Spoonful after spoonful, you’ll wish you made a double batch!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Taco Soup recipe plays a starring role—working together for an irresistible combination of flavor, texture, and color. Best of all, you’ll probably already have most of these in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need and why you won’t want to skip a single one!
- Ground beef: The foundation of rich, savory flavor and satisfying protein in every bowl.
- Onion (diced): Delivers a subtle sweetness and aromatic base that ties the flavors together.
- Garlic (minced): Adds a punchy, savory depth that brightens the soup perfectly.
- Taco seasoning packet: A magic shortcut packed with all the smoky spice and zest you want in Taco Soup.
- Ground cumin: Layers in earthy, warm flavor for that classic Southwestern essence.
- Black beans (canned): Hearty and nutritious, they add body and lovely deep color.
- Pinto beans (canned): Creamy, mild, and essential for a balanced, comforting texture.
- Corn (canned): Pops of sweet crunch that make each bite of Taco Soup addictive.
- Diced tomatoes (with juices): Adds a rich, tangy base to pull it all together.
- Rotel tomatoes (with green chiles): For just-right heat and an extra flavor punch.
- Beef broth: Brings everything together with a savory, sippable foundation.
- Salt and pepper: Customize the seasoning to your personal taste.
- Optional toppings (shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro): The finishing touches for mixing, matching, and making every bowl your masterpiece.
How to Make Taco Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Set your largest soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring even browning and a crumbly texture—that’s the secret to perfect meaty bites in your Taco Soup. Drain off any excess grease to keep your soup light and flavorful.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
To the browned beef, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Let these cook together for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the onions turn translucent and the kitchen smells irresistible. Don’t rush this step—even a short sauté brings wonderful sweetness and complexity to your soup.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Sprinkle over the taco seasoning packet and that extra teaspoon of ground cumin. Stir everything well, letting the spices toast and coat the beef mixture for a minute or two. This little trick wakes up all the flavors and creates a foundation that’s nothing short of crave-worthy.
Step 4: Add Beans, Veggies, and Broth
Time for the fun part! Pour in the drained black beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juices), Rotel tomatoes, and beef broth. Give everything a thorough stir—watch as your pot transforms into a colorful, chunky mix that already looks delicious.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let your Taco Soup simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir every so often as it bubbles away—the flavors will meld, and the aroma just gets better and better. Taste, then add salt and pepper if you need it.
Step 6: Serve Hot with Your Favorite Toppings
Ladle the steaming Taco Soup into bowls and finish with all your favorite toppings. Whether you love a mountain of shredded cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream, or a sprinkling of crunchy tortilla chips, each bowl is truly customizable!
How to Serve Taco Soup
Garnishes
The secret to an unforgettable Taco Soup experience is piling on the garnishes! Shredded cheese melts luxuriously over the hot soup, a spoonful of sour cream cools the spice, creamy cubes of avocado add richness, and crisp tortilla chips give you crunch in every bite. Don’t forget the fresh cilantro—a sprinkle of green brings color and a pop of herby flavor that brightens the whole bowl.
Side Dishes
While Taco Soup is wonderfully filling on its own, you can turn the meal into a full fiesta with a side of warm cornbread, cheesy quesadillas, or a refreshing chopped salad. Need something fast? A side of rice, a pile of warmed tortillas, or even some sautéed peppers makes it feel like a true Mexican-inspired spread.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, try serving Taco Soup in individual bread bowls for an edible twist, or set up a toppings bar and let everyone build their own perfect bowl. For parties, serve soup in small cups as appetizers—guests will love the fun and flexible presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about Taco Soup is how wonderfully it keeps. Allow leftovers to cool, then transfer them to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner even more delicious and satisfying.
Freezing
Taco Soup is a freezer superstar! Once cooled, ladle it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (lay flat for space-saving storage). It’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready for a speedy, homemade meal on a busy night.
Reheating
Warm Taco Soup gently on the stove over medium heat or microwave portions in heatproof bowls, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If it’s thickened up in the fridge, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up before reheating. Add your fresh toppings after it’s hot!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work just as well, making this Taco Soup lighter without sacrificing any flavor. Just keep an eye while browning—leaner meats may cook a little faster and release less fat.
Is Taco Soup spicy?
Taco Soup has a gentle kick thanks to the Rotel tomatoes, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. If you prefer things on the milder side, use plain diced tomatoes or add just half the can of Rotel. Love heat? Toss in jalapeños or use hot taco seasoning.
How can I make Taco Soup vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply swap the ground beef for extra beans or a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. All the flavors and textures you love, but completely meatless!
Can I make Taco Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat, onions, and garlic first, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The slow cooking really lets the flavors meld for an even cozier result.
What toppings go best with Taco Soup?
Classic toppings include shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, tortilla chips, jalapeños, and chopped cilantro. Let everyone pile on their favorites for the ultimate fun and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting, cheerful, and downright delicious about a steaming pot of Taco Soup on the stove. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends for a casual get-together, this recipe always gets rave reviews. Give it a try and share a bowl of Taco Soup love—you might just make it your new weeknight favorite!
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Taco Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful Taco Soup recipe that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Loaded with ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes, this soup is seasoned with classic taco flavors and topped with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Soup Base:
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Tortilla chips
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in taco seasoning and cumin, cooking for another 1–2 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add black beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes, Rotel, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add jalapeños for extra heat, or use low-sodium broth and beans to reduce sodium content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
