If you love Mexican flavors but want a cozy, easy-to-make meal, this easy taco soup recipe is just what you need. It combines the hearty goodness of ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes with a homemade taco seasoning that brings all the flavors together. Ready in about 30 minutes, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or anytime you want a warm, satisfying dish without a lot of fuss.
This recipe is not only simple but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite toppings like cheese, avocado, sour cream, or tortilla chips to make it your own. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, so cleanup is a breeze. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want a quick dinner, this easy taco soup hits all the right notes for taste and convenience.
What Makes This Taco Soup Recipe So Easy and Delicious?
This taco soup recipe shines because it uses common pantry ingredients and comes together quickly. You only need about 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes to cook, making it a fast meal option. The base includes ground beef, beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and a flavorful taco seasoning mix. The soup simmers just long enough to blend the flavors, and then it’s ready to serve.
Another great feature is how adaptable this recipe is. You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, use different types of beans like black or pinto, or add vegetables like bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and nutrition. The toppings are where you can get creative—think shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Ingredients for Easy Taco Soup
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 can (16 oz) beans (kidney, pinto, or black beans), drained
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 ½ cups diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Meat and Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and bell peppers. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are soft, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add Garlic and Taco Seasoning
Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Combine Remaining Ingredients
Add the beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra taco seasoning if needed.
5. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, cilantro, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips.
Tips for the Best Taco Soup
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and add extra beans or use a plant-based ground meat substitute.
- Use homemade taco seasoning: Mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper for a fresh, flavorful blend.
- Freeze leftovers: This soup freezes well. Cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Adjust thickness: For a thicker soup, reduce broth or simmer uncovered longer. For thinner soup, add more broth or water.
- Add heat: Include diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Why Taco Soup Is Perfect for Any Occasion
Taco soup is a crowd-pleaser because it’s comforting, filling, and full of bold flavors. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or casual family dinners. Plus, it’s easy to customize for picky eaters or to suit your pantry’s contents. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or feeding a group, taco soup is a reliable, tasty choice that everyone will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make taco soup without ground beef?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even use no meat at all by adding extra beans or a plant-based meat alternative. The soup will still be delicious and hearty.
2. How long does taco soup last in the fridge?
Taco soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
3. Can I freeze taco soup?
Absolutely. Let the soup cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
4. What toppings go best with taco soup?
Popular toppings include shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, green onions, crushed tortilla chips, and lime wedges.
5. Is taco soup spicy?
The spice level depends on the taco seasoning you use. You can control the heat by choosing mild or spicy seasoning blends and adding jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.
Related Recipes:
- Slow Cooker Thai Coconut Chicken Soup Recipe
- Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: One-Pot Comfort Food
- Fire-Roasted White Bean Soup:
Final Thoughts
Enjoy this easy taco soup recipe as a quick, flavorful meal that brings the best of Mexican-inspired comfort food to your table. It’s simple to prepare, versatile, and sure to become a family favorite!
Easy Taco Soup Recipe | Quick & Flavorful Mexican Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz corn, undrained
- 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1½ cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with chopped onion in a large pot over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning.
- Add beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
- Stir everything together and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite taco toppings.
Notes
Make it spicy by adding jalapeños or extra chili powder.
Freezes well for up to 3 months—great for meal prep.
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