Easy Taco Soup is the ultimate weeknight hero, bringing all the vibrant, classic taco flavors you love into one comforting, hearty bowl. Imagine savory seasoned ground beef, a medley of beans, sweet corn, smoky green chilies, and rich tomatoes, all simmering together to create an unforgettable taste experience. Top it generously with cool sour cream, melty Cheddar cheese, and a handful of crunchy tortilla chips for a truly satisfying meal that will become a family favorite.
Author’s Insight
This Easy Taco Soup Recipe is a Weeknight Lifesaver!
For years, my Taco Chili has been a cherished recipe, loved by both my readers and my own family. While I still make it often, I found myself craving something even faster – a “taco night” soup that could be on the table in 30 minutes or less. That desire sparked the creation of this incredible Easy Taco Soup recipe! It’s brimming with protein, bursting with bold flavors, and offers a slightly brothier take on traditional chili, perfectly seasoned with the best taco seasoning blend.
Preparing this homemade taco soup couldn’t be simpler. You just need to brown some ground beef, add canned tomatoes, corn, and beans, then let everything simmer to perfection. But the real magic happens with the toppings! Piling on crunchy chips, generous handfuls of melty Cheddar, and a dollop of creamy sour cream truly elevates every single spoonful. This versatile dish is even more delicious the next day, freezes beautifully for future meals, and can be easily customized to suit any craving or dietary preference.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Taco Soup Recipe
This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a culinary experience designed for convenience and flavor. Here’s why this easy taco soup will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:
- Lightning Fast: Ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table without the fuss.
- Incredibly Flavorful: Packed with robust taco seasoning, savory beef, and a medley of vegetables, every spoonful is a burst of Mexican-inspired goodness.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this simple one-pot recipe. All the magic happens in a single large pot, making after-dinner chores a breeze.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that appeals to all ages. Kids love customizing their bowls with their favorite toppings!
- Highly Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to fit your taste or what you have on hand. Swap proteins, add different vegetables, or adjust the spice level.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with common pantry staples, this recipe is economical and a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers and meal prepping healthy lunches throughout the week. It also freezes wonderfully!
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Taco Soup
Crafting this flavorful taco soup starts with a blend of simple, wholesome ingredients. Many are likely already in your pantry! Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need, along with smart swaps and tips to make it your own:
| Ingredient | Swaps & Tips for Customization |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | For a lighter option, easily swap with ground turkey or chicken. Plant-based crumbles also work wonderfully for a vegetarian version. |
| Onion & Garlic | These aromatics form the flavor base. To save time on busy nights, use pre-diced frozen onion or pre-minced garlic. |
| Beans | A mix of beans adds depth and texture. Feel free to use pinto, kidney, cannellini (white beans), or more black beans. Chili beans (pinto beans in a chili sauce) are especially recommended for an extra layer of flavor. |
| Corn | Sweet corn provides a lovely pop of sweetness. For an added smoky depth, try fire-roasted corn (canned or frozen). Fresh or frozen corn work equally well. |
| Diced Green Chiles | These add a mild, earthy, and slightly smoky flavor without much heat. Skip them if you prefer an even milder soup, or include some diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) for a spicier kick. |
| Crushed Tomatoes | The base of the rich tomato broth. If you only have diced tomatoes, you can blend them briefly for a smoother texture, or use them as is for a chunkier soup. Tomato sauce or purée can also work in a pinch. |
| Chicken Broth | Enhances the liquid base of the soup. For a vegetarian or vegan version, simply use vegetable broth. Beef broth can also be used for an even richer beefy flavor. |
| Taco Seasoning | The heart of the taco flavor! While a packet of store-bought taco seasoning is convenient, a homemade mix (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper) allows for superior flavor control and avoids artificial additives. |
Quick Tip: Make It in a Slow Cooker!
Yes, you absolutely can adapt this recipe for your slow cooker! Simply brown the onions and ground beef in a skillet as instructed, then transfer the cooked mixture and all remaining soup ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the flavors have melded and the soup is piping hot. This is a fantastic option for hands-off cooking!
Unleash Your Creativity: Easy Taco Soup Toppings
While the soup itself is incredibly flavorful, the toppings are where you can truly customize your bowl and add layers of texture and taste. This is where the fun really happens, allowing everyone to build their own perfect taco soup creation!
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop adds a rich, tangy creaminess that beautifully contrasts the savory soup. Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative with a similar texture.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts into gooey perfection. A blend of Mexican cheeses also works wonderfully.
- Tortilla Chips or Strips: Essential for that satisfying crunch and perfect for scooping up every last bit of soup. Crushed Fritos or corn chips are also fantastic.
- Fresh Cilantro & Green Onions: A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds bright, fresh notes and a pop of color.
- Avocado Slices or Guacamole: For an extra layer of creamy texture and healthy fats, fresh avocado is a must-have.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens all the flavors and adds a zesty finish. Don’t skip this!
- Sliced Jalapeños: If you love a spicy kick, fresh or pickled jalapeños will deliver.
- Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Adds another layer of fresh, zesty flavor.
Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Leftover Taco Soup
One of the best things about this easy taco soup is that it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. It’s also an excellent meal prep candidate!
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover taco soup in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Ensure it cools down completely before storing.
- Freezing: This soup freezes like a dream! For longer storage, transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe bags (laying them flat to freeze) or containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
- Warming Up: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge. Reheat individual portions on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
More Comforting Soup Recipes to Warm Your Soul:
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Broccoli Cheddar Soup
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Pinto Bean Soup Recipe
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Tuscan Soup
Soups And Stews
Creamy Vegetable Soup
Easy Taco Soup
Chelsea Lords
15
20
35
6
servings
Equipment
- Large pot
Ingredients
-
1
tablespoon
olive oil -
1
large
yellow onion
finely diced, about 1-1/2 cups -
1
pound
lean ground beef
93/7 recommended -
2
teaspoons
minced garlic -
1
(16-ounce) can
chili beans
undrained, or pinto beans (see note 1) -
1
(15-ounce) can
black beans
drained and rinsed -
1
(15.25-ounce) can
southwestern corn
or plain corn, undrained -
1
(4-ounce) can
mild diced green chiles
undrained, fire-roasted if possible -
1
(28-ounce) can
crushed tomatoes -
2
cups
chicken broth -
Chips
for dipping, such as tortilla chips or Fritos -
Toppings as desired
see note 2 for suggestions
-
1
tablespoon
ground chili powder -
1
teaspoon
ground cumin -
1
teaspoon
paprika -
1/2
teaspoon
onion powder -
1/2
teaspoon
garlic powder -
1/2
teaspoon
dried oregano -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
to taste
Instructions
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent, which usually takes about 3 minutes. Push the softened onions to the sides of the pot and increase the heat to high. Add the ground beef to the center of the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned. If there is any excess grease, carefully drain it from the pot.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and all the seasoning ingredients (chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano) to the pot, along with salt and pepper to taste (I typically add about ¾ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper). Sauté the mixture, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant and lightly toasted. This step truly enhances the depth of flavor in your taco soup.
- Stir in the remaining soup ingredients: the undrained chili beans (or pinto beans), drained and rinsed black beans, undrained southwestern corn (or plain corn), undrained mild diced green chiles, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Bring the soup mixture to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the soup simmer, uncovered, for 10-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. The longer it simmers, the richer the taste will become. Taste the soup and adjust any seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or taco spices if desired (see note 3 for consistency adjustments).
- Once the soup has simmered to perfection, ladle generous portions into individual bowls. Garnish each serving with your chosen toppings, such as a dollop of sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, crunchy tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, or avocado slices. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade Easy Taco Soup!
Recipe Notes for the Best Taco Soup
Note 2: Optional Toppings Galore: The beauty of taco soup lies in its versatility. Elevate your bowl with a variety of toppings! Recommended options include sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded Cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend), fresh green onions or cilantro, diced ripe avocado, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick. Don’t forget crunchy tortilla chips for dipping!
Note 3: Adjusting Taco Soup Consistency: You can easily tailor the texture of your taco soup to your preference. For a thinner, brothier soup, add an extra splash of chicken or vegetable broth. If you prefer a thicker, heartier soup, you can either add more beans (like a can of mashed pinto beans) or let it simmer longer, uncovered, to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
Storage & Freezing Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days; the flavors actually deepen over time! For longer preservation, freeze the soup in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per Serving)
Serving:
1
serving
|
Calories:
498
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
55
g
|
Protein:
28
g
|
Fat:
20
g
|
Saturated Fat:
7
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
2
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
9
g
|
Trans Fat:
1
g
|
Cholesterol:
55
mg
|
Sodium:
1315
mg
|
Potassium:
1416
mg
|
Fiber:
15
g
|
Sugar:
15
g
|
Vitamin A:
1166
IU
|
Vitamin C:
24
mg
|
Calcium:
130
mg
|
Iron:
7
mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. It does not include optional toppings.
Enjoyed this recipe? Leave a comment below!
Creative Variations to Switch Things Up!
This easy taco soup is incredibly adaptable. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients and make it uniquely yours:
- Amp Up the Spice: For those who love heat, introduce diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled), a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Experiment with Texture: If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add more chicken or vegetable broth. For a thicker, heartier stew-like consistency, let it simmer longer to reduce, or mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot.
- Try Different Proteins: While ground beef is classic, this soup is equally delicious with other proteins. Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or add shredded chicken (like in this chicken taco soup recipe) for a different texture. Vegetarian? Opt for plant-based crumbles or extra beans.
- Incorporate More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and flavor by mixing in additional vegetables. Roasted bell peppers, roasted sweet potatoes, or even roasted butternut squash can be added towards the end of the cooking process for extra sweetness and earthiness.
- Make it Heartier: Turn this soup into a more substantial meal by stirring in cooked grains. Cooked white rice, brown rice, or even bulgur wheat can be added directly to the pot during the last few minutes of simmering, allowing them to soak up the delicious broth.
What to Serve Alongside Your Easy Taco Soup
This versatile soup can be a complete meal on its own, especially with all the delicious toppings. However, if you’re looking to round out your dinner, here are some fantastic ideas for what to serve with your easy taco soup:
- Warm Cornbread or Tortilla Chips: Classic choices that are perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: A bright and flavorful side dish that can also be stirred directly into the soup for a more filling meal.
- Cheesy Quesadillas: A kid-friendly favorite that’s great for scooping up soup and adding an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
- Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli make a healthy and delicious side.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): For an authentic touch, serve a side of creamy, cheesy Mexican street corn.
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