Name: Taco Soup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef; 2 tbsp. tomato paste; 2 tbsp. taco seasoning (or one 1 oz. packet); 4 cups beef broth; 1/2 tsp. garlic powder; 1/2 tsp. onion powder; 1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes; 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles; 1 and 1/2 cups frozen corn; 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained; 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained; optional taco toppings*

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Taco soup is one of those warm, comforting meals that feels like a big hug on a chilly evening. With a hearty mix of tender ground beef, zesty tomatoes, and your favorite taco fixings, each spoonful is packed with flavor and texture. This dish isn’t just any soup; it’s a satisfying combination of everything you love about tacos, all mingling in a savory broth that warms you from the inside out. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a lively taco night with friends!

Pin this for later!

I first stumbled onto taco soup during a busy weeknight when I needed something quick yet delicious. What struck me most was how effortlessly everything comes together – just brown some meat, toss in some veggies, and let it simmer while you prepare your toppings. Taco soup not only fits the bill for fast meals, it also brings everyone together, making it a fantastic choice for Taco Tuesday or any casual gathering. I’m genuinely excited to share this recipe with you, and I hope you’ll love it as much as we do!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Taco Soup
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Taco Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only 5 minutes of prep and a quick 30-minute cook time, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite combines zesty spices with the hearty goodness of beans and corn, making it super satisfying.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Vibrant colors from the mixed ingredients create a visually appealing and fun dish.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for casual dinner nights or serving at get-togethers (and fantastic as leftovers!).
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or vegetarian diets by swapping ground beef for lentils or your favorite plant-based protein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb. ground beef: This is the hearty base of your soup. For a lighter option, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
2 tbsp. tomato paste: Adds a rich tomato flavor and thickness to the broth.
2 tbsp. taco seasoning (or one 1 oz. packet): Perfect blend of spices that deliver that authentic taco flavor. You can also use homemade taco seasoning for a personalized touch.
4 cups beef broth: The foundation of your soup, providing warmth and depth. Chicken broth works in a pinch!
1/2 tsp. garlic powder: A staple that enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic profiles.
1/2 tsp. onion powder: Gives a mellow sweetness to the soup. Fresh onions can be used for added texture too.
1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes: Brings acidity and sweetness, making each bite juicy. You can use fire-roasted ones for an extra smoky flavor.
1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles: Adds another layer of flavor and a mild kick.
1 and 1/2 cups frozen corn: Convenience meets sweetness, it’s perfect for adding body to your soup. No thawing required!
1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained: Great source of creaminess and protein. Black beans can substitute well here.
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained: Contributes an additional texture and flavor to the soup, making it heartier.
Optional taco toppings: Consider toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced avocados, or fresh cilantro for garnish.

How to Make Taco Soup

Brown the beef: Heat a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the 1 lb. ground beef and allow it to brown, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to brown underneath. Use a spoon to break it up a bit, then stir along until cooked through, about another 2-3 minutes.
Add seasoning: Reduce the heat to medium. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir. Leave it undisturbed for 30 seconds to deepen the flavor. Then, stir in the 2 tbsp. tomato paste, and leave it again for 30 seconds.
Combine ingredients: Pour in the 4 cups beef broth, scraping up anything that’s stuck to the bottom of the pot. Next, add 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, 1/2 tsp. onion powder, the 14 oz. can of diced tomatoes, 4 oz. can of diced green chiles, the 1 and 1/2 cups frozen corn (no need to thaw!), 15 oz. can of pinto beans, and 15 oz. can of black beans.
Simmer: Increase heat to high and bring it all to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer. You can let it simmer for about 5 minutes or longer if you need time to prepare your toppings.
Serve: Ladle your delightful taco soup into bowls and serve as is, or get creative with your favorite taco toppings.

Storing & Reheating

To store your leftovers, let the soup cool completely and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through; it should take about 10-15 minutes. Remember, the texture may change slightly after freezing, but you can refresh it with a splash of broth or water when serving!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the beef; it should be browned but not dried out. Keep an eye on it as it cooks!
If using fresh onions or garlic, sauté them before adding the beef for extra flavor.
Adjust the consistency by adding more broth if it gets too thick after storing.
Feel free to add more vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to boost the nutritional value.
Make it spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or jalapeños for an extra kick!

Taco soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience, one that invites experimentation and personalization. It presents the perfect platform for you to embellish with your favorite toppings or adapt based on what’s in season or your dietary preferences. Try different beans, switch the protein, or even toss in some greens for extra nutrients. Let this flavorful soup be the meal that brings your loved ones together for cozy dinners, game days, or whenever the craving strikes.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make taco soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Taco soup tastes great when made ahead. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. This gives the flavors even more time to meld together, making it even tastier.

What can I substitute for ground beef?

If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken are fantastic substitutes that still provide a good source of protein and are lower in fat. You could also use lentils or chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian alternative.

How spicy is this taco soup?

The spice level of the soup largely depends on the taco seasoning and diced green chiles you use. For a milder version, stick with a lower-spice taco seasoning and use just a small amount of chiles. If you like it spicy, feel free to add diced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce.

Can I add more veggies to the soup?

Definitely! Taco soup is very forgiving and allows for plenty of vegetable additions. Feel free to incorporate corn, bell peppers, or even kale or spinach for added nutrition. Just adjust the cooking times as needed for your added ingredients.

⭐ If you make my Taco Soup recipe, Awesome! I would love to hear from you. Please give it a star rating and review below! 👇

Taco Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Taco Soup

Storing & Reheating

Chef’s Helpful Tips