Taco soup is the ultimate one-pot comfort meal you can count on when time is short but flavor still matters. Packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and bold taco spices, this hearty soup brings all the best flavors of taco night straight into a cozy bowl. Whether you’re cooking for family or prepping meals ahead, this taco soup checks every box: quick, filling, customizable, and downright delicious.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot, zero stress — minimal dishes, maximum flavor
- Ready in under 45 minutes
- Perfect for meal prep — freezes and reheats like a dream
- Customizable — swap meats, adjust spice, or go vegetarian
- Taco night twist — serve with chips, cheese, or sour cream
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional for extra tomato flavor)
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 oz packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, sour cream, cilantro, avocado slices
Instructions
- Sauté the Base
In a large soup pot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until beef is browned and onions are tender, about 6–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. - Spice It Up
Stir in taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices. - Add the Fillers
Add kidney beans, black beans, corn, both types of diced tomatoes, and broth. Stir well to combine. - Simmer & Blend Flavors
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Taste & Adjust
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed — add more spice for heat or a splash of lime for brightness. - Serve & Garnish
Ladle soup into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4–6 bowls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
Nutrition will vary based on toppings and substitutions.
Tips & Variations
- Make it vegetarian: Swap beef for lentils or a third can of beans.
- Lighter option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Spice level: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce if you like it fiery.
- Thicker soup: Let simmer longer or mash some beans to add body.
- Kid-friendly: Use mild taco seasoning and skip the chili powder.
- Topping bar: Set out cheese, lime wedges, tortilla chips, and avocado slices for a DIY finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make taco soup ahead of time?
Yes! It stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days or the freezer for 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes — as long as your taco seasoning and broth are labeled gluten-free.
What can I use instead of canned tomatoes?
Fresh diced tomatoes (about 2 cups) or tomato sauce work well. Just simmer a bit longer to develop flavor.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Definitely. Brown the beef first, then combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
Taco Soup
Equipment
- Large soup pot
- – Wooden spoon
- – Can opener
- Ladle
Ingredients
- – 1 lb ground beef
- – 1 small onion chopped
- – 2 cloves garlic minced
- – 1 can kidney beans drained
- – 1 can black beans drained
- – 1 can corn drained
- – 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- – 1 can diced tomatoes optional
- – 2 cups beef broth
- – 1 oz taco seasoning
- – 1 tsp ground cumin
- – 1 tsp chili powder
- – Salt and pepper
- – Optional toppings: cheese sour cream, cilantro, chips
Instructions
- Brown beef, onion, and garlic in large pot.
- Stir in seasoning, cumin, and chili powder.
- Add beans, corn, tomatoes, and broth. Stir.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer 20–25 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve with toppings of choice.
Notes
– Add jalapeños for extra spice.
Conclusion
This taco soup is a flavorful one-pot wonder that turns taco night into a cozy bowl of goodness. With minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to again and again — especially when life gets busy. Don’t forget the toppings — they turn this soup into something extra special.