Recipe Ideas

Taco Soup Recipe

What is a taco soup recipe? What’s like a warm hug in the bowl, packed with all the flavors of your favorite tacos but in soup? Think of it as a deconstructed taco, but way easier and more satisfying, especially on chilly days. If you love chili, but need something quicker, this is your answer. My grandma used to make this for us every winter, and the smell alone brings back the best memories. How can something so simple taste so good?

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Taco Soup Recipe final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is Taco Soup?

What is Taco Soup? What is a hearty, flavorful soup that combines ground beef (or turkey, or even chicken! ), beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasoning. What is the best part about tacos? Is it infinitely customizable? What veggies do you have on hand, adjust the spice level to your liking, and load up on veggies? What are the best taco toppings? What is the best way to use up leftover ingredients for a meal?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

How do I make Taco Soup? Is it possible to make a meal in 30 minutes? What I love most about this is how forgiving it is. You don’t need to be a master chef to nail it. What is the best way to cook dinner in a pot?

Flavor Explosion:What are some of the best soups to make? The taco seasoning perfectly complements the beef, beans, and tomatoes, creating a symphony of taste. What are some of the best recipes that will leave you craving more? What is the aroma of a stew?

Ridiculously EasyIs this one of the easiest recipes I know? If you brown ground beef and open a few cans, you can make this soup. What’s a good weeknight meal if you don’t feel like cooking?

Budget FriendlyThe ingredients are all relatively inexpensive, making this a great option if you’re trying to cook something healthy. Can you stretch this recipe to feed a crowd?

Super Versatile:Do you have ground beef? Feel free to swap out ingredients to your liking. What’s the best way to add veggies to a meal? Use ground turkey or chicken. This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Is it like white chicken chili? Both are crowd-pleasers, though!

How do I make Taco Soup?

Quick Overview

How do I make Taco Soup? First, brown your ground beef with some onions and garlic. Then, dump in the remaining ingredients, simmer for a bit, and you’re done! What’s the hardest part of cooking? I promise, even if you’re a beginner cook, you can nail this. It’s that straightforward.

Ingredients

For the Soup:
• 1 pound ground beef (I prefer lean, but anything works!)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or make your own – recipe below)!
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained.
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained.
• 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained (adjust to your spice level).
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• Optional: 1 cup water (if you like a thinner soup)

For the Taco Seasoning (if making your own):
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)

Toppings (the best part): Is
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Diced avocado
• Tortilla chips or strips
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced red onion
• Jalapeños (for those who like it hot!)

Taco Soup Recipe ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

What are the steps to

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. What is the best way to break up a dish with sand? Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Make sure to drain off any excess grease; this step is crucial for a less greasy soup. I always do this over medium heat to avoid burning the garlic.

Step 2: Add the Seasoning

Stir in taco seasoning (either store-bought or homemade) and cook for another minute, stirring occasionally. allowing the spices to bloom and release their aroma. What’s the best way to coat beef evenly?

Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Pour in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and beef broth (and water, if using). Stir everything together until well combined. I usually give it a good stir to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Simmer Away

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. This is the perfect time to prep your toppings!

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more taco seasoning for extra flavor, or a pinch of salt and pepper. If you like it spicier, add a dash of hot sauce or some extra cayenne pepper. This is your chance to make it perfect for your taste buds!

Step 6: Load Up the Toppings

Ladle the soup into bowls and load it up with your favorite toppings! Shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeños are all fantastic options. Get creative and have fun with it! My kids love building their own taco soup bowls with all the fixings.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, flavorful goodness of your homemade Taco Soup! This is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or any occasion where you want a delicious and easy meal.

What to Serve It With

Taco Soup is a complete meal in itself, but it’s even better when paired with the right sides. Here are some of my favorite things to serve with it:

For a Casual Meal: A side of warm cornbread or a simple green salad is perfect for rounding out the meal. I sometimes make a big batch of my jalapeno cornbread to go with it – the little bit of heat is wonderful.

For a Potluck or Gathering: A platter of quesadillas or a big bowl of guacamole and tortilla chips adds a festive touch.

Toppings, toppings, toppings: Don’t underestimate the power of great toppings! A variety of options allows everyone to customize their soup to their liking. I usually put out bowls of shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, red onion, jalapeños, and tortilla chips or strips.

For a Lighter Option: If you want to keep things light, a squeeze of lime juice and a dollop of Greek yogurt are great additions.
I’ve even seen people use crushed Fritos on top which is delicious but probably not the healthiest option.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Taco Soup Recipe

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Taco Soup even better. Here are my top tips for perfecting your Taco Soup Recipe:

Beef it up: Use a high-quality ground beef for the best flavor. Lean ground beef works well, but a little bit of fat adds richness. You can also experiment with different types of ground meat, such as ground turkey or chicken.

Spice it right: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your liking. If you prefer a milder soup, use less seasoning. If you like it spicy, add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. If you use Rotel, make sure to buy the ‘hot’ version!

Veggie power: Don’t be afraid to add extra veggies to the soup. Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots are all great additions. Just toss them in with the onions and garlic when you brown the beef.

Simmer Time: Simmering the soup for longer allows the flavors to meld together and deepen. If you have the time, let it simmer for an hour or more on low heat. Just make sure to stir it occasionally to prevent sticking.

Go Slow : Don’t rush the browning of the beef, allowing it to get nicely browned will impart a lot of flavor into the final dish.

Toppings Matter: Don’t skimp on the toppings! They add texture, flavor, and visual appeal to the soup. A variety of toppings ensures that everyone can customize their soup to their liking. I’ve seen people use crushed Fritos on top which is delicious but probably not the healthiest option!

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Taco Soup Recipe is perfect for making ahead of time or for leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Refrigerator Storage: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together!

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions or in a larger container. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. I like to use freezer-safe bags or containers.

Reheating Tips: To reheat the soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen) or microwave it until heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat. Be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent sticking.

Topping timing: Add fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and sour cream just before serving. This will ensure that they stay fresh and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the ground beef and add extra beans or veggies. You can also use a vegetarian ground beef substitute.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the ground beef and then add all the ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Can I use different types of beans?
Of course! Feel free to use any type of beans you like, such as pinto beans, great northern beans, or cannellini beans.
How can I make this spicier?
Add more cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños to the soup. You can also use a hotter variety of diced tomatoes and green chilies.
Can I freeze this with the toppings?
I don’t recommend freezing the soup with the toppings. It’s best to add fresh toppings just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Taco Soup Recipe slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

This Taco Soup Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this soup is sure to be a hit. The incredible flavor and surprising ease make it a true winner. If you loved this, be sure to try my Chicken Tortilla Soup, it’s another family favorite. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!

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Taco Soup Recipe

How to Make the Best Spicy Bean and Veggie Soup in 6 Easy Steps!

A simple and hearty spicy bean and veggie soup that's perfect for any day! It's full of flavors and can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs ground turkey lean
  • 1 medium red onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups vegetable broth low sodium
  • 1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can chopped tomatoes Italian style
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder adjust to taste
  • 0.5 cup corn kernels frozen or fresh
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned.
  • Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
  • Stir in the chili powder and cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
  • Add the kidney beans, chopped tomatoes, corn kernels, and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese before serving.

Notes

To store, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

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