Taco soup is the kind of meal that brings people together. Whether you’re prepping dinner for a busy weekday, hosting a game day gathering, or simply craving a bowl of something hearty and satisfying, this Taco Soup Recipe has you covered. Packed with well-seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, sweet corn, and a rich tomato broth infused with classic taco spices, it’s a recipe that delivers on both flavor and simplicity.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through every step of making the best taco soup at home. We’ll also explore ingredient substitutions, serving tips, storage methods, and helpful tricks to make this dish your new go-to favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Taco Soup Recipe
- One-pot convenience: Everything cooks in one large pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Versatile ingredients: You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have.
- Crowd-pleaser: The bold flavors appeal to both adults and kids.
- Great for meal prep: This soup stores and reheats beautifully.
- Budget-friendly: Made with pantry staples and affordable proteins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down what goes into a classic taco soup and why each component is essential:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing.
- 500 g ground beef – Choose lean beef to avoid excess grease.
- 1 medium onion, diced – Adds aromatic depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the savory base.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 30 g) – Contains a balanced blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
- 1 tsp ground cumin & 1 tsp smoked paprika – Boost the taco flavor.
- 0.5 tsp chili powder – Optional for spice.
- 1 can diced tomatoes (400 g) – Adds acidity and tomato richness.
- 1 can black beans (400 g) – Rinsed and drained.
- 1 can kidney beans (400 g) – Rinsed and drained.
- 1 can corn (300 g) – Adds sweetness and texture.
- 700 ml beef broth – Creates a flavorful base.
- Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning.
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Diced avocado
- Chopped cilantro
- Tortilla chips or strips
- Lime wedges
How to Make Taco Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it is browned through, about 5-7 minutes. If there is excess grease, drain it off.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Stir in the taco seasoning, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Let the spices bloom in the heat for about 1-2 minutes. This step is crucial to enhance the flavor.
Step 4: Incorporate Canned Ingredients
Add diced tomatoes (with juices), both types of beans, corn, and beef broth. Stir everything to combine.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure flavors meld.
Step 6: Adjust and Serve
Taste and season with salt and pepper. If you like more heat, add extra chili powder or a dash of hot sauce. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Pro Tips for the Best Taco Soup
- Use homemade taco seasoning for full control over flavor and sodium.
- Add a splash of lime juice at the end for brightness.
- Double the batch and freeze half for later.
- Craving thickness? Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or mash some beans.
Variations and Customizations
This Taco Soup Recipe is highly adaptable. Here are some ideas:
Protein Swaps:
- Ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken (add it after sautéing aromatics).
Make It Vegetarian:
- Omit the beef and use vegetable broth.
- Add extra beans or lentils for protein.
Extra Veggies:
- Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrients.
Spice It Up:
- Jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo, or hot sauce.
What to Serve with Taco Soup
While this Taco Soup Recipe is satisfying on its own, here are some great pairings:
- Cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping
- Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice on the side
- Simple green salad with avocado and lime vinaigrette
- Crusty bread to soak up the broth
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Cool completely and freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with date.
- Lasts up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
- Add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the texture.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Soup Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting, flavorful experience that brings joy to your dinner table. With its easy preparation, flexible ingredients, and soul-warming taste, it’s a dish you’ll turn to again and again.
Hearty Taco Soup Recipe with Ground Beef and Beans
Description
This hearty taco soup is a one-pot comfort meal packed with seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes—all simmered in a flavorful taco-infused broth. Quick to make and incredibly satisfying, this budget-friendly recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
For the Base:
For the Toppings (Optional but Recommended):
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Brown the Ground Beef
- Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Add Seasonings
- Sprinkle in the taco seasoning mix, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir well to coat the beef evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices.
Add Vegetables and Broth
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, corn, and beef broth. Mix everything well. Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Simmer
- Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If you like it spicier, add extra chili powder or hot sauce.
Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, avocado slices, chopped cilantro, tortilla chips, and a squeeze of lime.
Note
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat on stovetop over medium heat or in microwave. Add a splash of water if soup thickens.
- Variations:
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken.
- Use homemade taco seasoning instead of store-bought.
- Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the beef and using vegetable broth.
