If you are craving a cozy, flavorful meal that feels like a big warm hug, this Taco Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with the perfect blend of seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, sweet corn, and a vibrant mix of spices, this soup delivers all the excitement and satisfaction of your favorite taco night but in a comforting, spoonable form. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a simple dinner that packs a punch, this Taco Soup Recipe will quickly become a cherished staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of basic pantry staples, this recipe comes together with incredible ease. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in layering flavors and textures, creating a soup that’s both hearty and lively.
- 1 lb ground beef: The rich, savory base that brings meaty depth to the soup.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and aromatic complexity once sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Imparts a punch of fragrant, mellow heat.
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Offers creamy texture and a mild earthiness.
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds bulk and a slightly firmer bite for variety.
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained: Brings bursts of natural sweetness and bright color.
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes: Provides juicy acidity and freshness to balance the richness.
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce: Thickens the broth with deep, concentrated tomato flavor.
- 2 cups beef broth: Creates a savory liquid base that ties all the ingredients together.
- 1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning: The key spice blend that infuses the soup with classic taco flavor.
- 1/2 tsp chili powder: Adds a subtle smoky heat and complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into harmony.
How to Make Taco Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with your spoon. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy while retaining plenty of flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add the diced onion and minced garlic right into the pot with the beef. Sauté everything together for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent, releasing their sweet aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come.
Step 3: Combine the Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes
Next, stir in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Each of these ingredients adds layers of heartiness, sweetness, and tanginess that make this soup so satisfying and full-bodied.
Step 4: Add Seasonings
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, chili powder, salt, and pepper, then mix thoroughly. This step is where the soup gains its iconic taco flavor, comforting with smokiness and just the right spice.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a low simmer. Let the soup cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully while thickening the broth to a rich, mouthwatering consistency.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Once done, your Taco Soup Recipe is ready to be ladled into bowls and enjoyed with your favorite toppings and fixings.
How to Serve Taco Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The best part of serving taco soup is customizing it with toppings that add texture and extra flavor bursts. Try shredded cheese melting on top, a dollop of creamy sour cream, or crunchy tortilla chips for a delightful contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair your Taco Soup Recipe with warm, fluffy cornbread or a fresh garden salad to round out the meal. These sides add comforting balance and variety, making the dinner feel complete and festive.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup inside hollowed-out bread bowls or alongside a taco bar with all the fixings. It’s also fantastic as a filling for loaded baked potatoes or nacho toppings, proving just how versatile this soup can be!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dinner, place any leftover soup in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner the next few days.
Freezing
Taco Soup Recipe freezes brilliantly. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy this comforting meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, or microwave in a covered dish, stopping to stir halfway. You might want to add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much in storage.
FAQs
Can I make Taco Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can add extra beans or even diced veggies like bell peppers and zucchini to bulk it up.
Is it possible to make this soup spicy?
Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños while cooking. Taste as you go to find the heat that suits you best.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner alternative. Just brown it the same way you would beef and proceed with the recipe as usual.
What toppings go best with Taco Soup Recipe?
Some of my favorites include shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
How long does it take to cook Taco Soup Recipe from start to finish?
The total cooking time is about 45 minutes, including browning the beef, sautéing the aromatics, simmering the soup to blend flavors, and prepping toppings.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Soup Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl — simple to make but packed with layers of flavor that will satisfy every craving. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, quick gatherings, or anytime you want a quick fix that feels made with love. Give it a try and watch it become your new weeknight favorite!
Print
Taco Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This hearty Taco Soup combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, kidney beans, corn, and tomatoes simmered together with a flavorful blend of taco seasoning and spices. Perfect for a cozy, satisfying meal, it’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be served with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or crunchy tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Canned Goods
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned thoroughly. Drain any excess fat from the pot to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Add Beans and Veggies: Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth, mixing everything well to combine the flavors.
- Season the Soup: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the soup.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil on medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to let flavors meld.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner version.
- For a spicier soup, add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder.
- Vegetarians can omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead to make a delicious meatless version.
- This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some beans with the back of a spoon before simmering.
