Taco Soup Recipe for Hearty Fiesta in a Bowl

Warm nights call for a hearty southwestern-inspired taco soup that blends comfort with zesty flavors.

Spices dance through this simple one-pot wonder, creating a meal that hugs your taste buds.

Pantry staples come together in minutes, promising a quick and satisfying dinner solution.

Rich ground beef mingles with beans, tomatoes, and corn for a robust texture that keeps you coming back.

Crisp toppings like cilantro, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips add delightful crunch and complexity.

Mexican-inspired seasonings infuse each spoonful with bold, authentic taste that feels like a mini culinary vacation.

You’ll want seconds of this crowd-pleasing soup that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Taco Soup That’s Filling and Fast

• Perfect for busy weeknights, this taco soup recipe takes just 45 minutes from start to finish, making meal preparation a breeze.
• Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, or chopped cilantro to create a personalized dining experience that suits every taste preference.
• Packed with protein-rich beans and ground beef, this hearty soup offers a nutritious one-pot meal that kids and adults will love, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
• Even novice cooks can master this foolproof recipe, as it involves simple steps like browning meat and combining ingredients, making it perfect for beginners looking to build kitchen confidence.

Everything You’ll Need for Taco Soup Night

• Ground Beef: A hearty base protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the soup, best when lean for less grease.

• Black Beans, Kidney Beans, Corn: Colorful and nutritious ingredients that provide texture and extra protein, canned varieties work perfectly for convenience.

• Diced Tomatoes, Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, Tomato Sauce: Create a robust tomato foundation with a hint of spice, no-salt-added versions are great for controlling sodium.

• Taco Seasoning, Ranch Dressing Mix: Delivers bold southwestern flavor profile, store-bought mixes save time and ensure consistent taste.

• Beef Broth: Provides depth and moisture to the soup, low-sodium options recommended for better control of salt content.

• Onion: Adds foundational savory notes and aromatic base, yellow or white onions work best.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for final flavor adjustment, kosher salt recommended for better distribution.

Simmering Instructions That Build Bold Flavor

Step 1: Brown The Meat And Onions

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until onions turn translucent and soft. Drain any extra grease from the pot.

Step 2: Create The Soup Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomatoes with green chilies
• Black beans
• Kidney beans
• Corn kernels
• Tomato sauce
• Taco seasoning
• Ranch dressing mix
• Beef broth

Stir ingredients thoroughly and bring to a rolling boil.

Step 3: Slow Cook And Develop Flavors

Reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently. Stir occasionally. Continue cooking for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Finish And Garnish

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Crushed tortilla chips

Serve hot and enjoy the zesty southwestern flavors.

Smart Tips for the Perfect Spice Level

• Drain Ground Beef Thoroughly: Remove excess fat completely to prevent greasy texture and ensure a cleaner, healthier soup base.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust taco seasoning and green chilies to match your heat preference, from mild to fiery hot.
• Mix Beans for Variety: Experiment with different bean combinations like pinto, white, or red beans to add unique texture and flavor profiles.
• Boost Protein Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for lighter or vegetarian versions.
• Enhance Toppings Creatively: Elevate the soup with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.

Keep This Soup Fresh for Days

• Store leftover taco soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, leaving some space for expansion.
• Transfer frozen or refrigerated soup to a pot. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of broth if soup seems too thick.
• Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving.

Pair with These Chips, Toppings, or Breads

• The tangy citrus and tequila notes cut through the soup's rich, hearty flavors, creating a delightful southwestern dance on your palate.
• Soft, slightly sweet cornbread provides the perfect textural contrast and soaks up the soup's robust broth beautifully.
• Fresh, crunchy cabbage slaw with lime dressing offers a bright, refreshing counterpoint to the warm, spicy soup, balancing each bite.
• A light, cold cerveza like Corona or Modelo cleanses the palate and enhances the soup's hearty Mexican-inspired profile.

Tweaks to Turn Up the Heat or Creaminess

• Vegetarian Taco Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced jackfruit for a meat-free version that keeps the zesty flavor and protein content.
• Chicken Swap Delight: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or ground turkey for a leaner protein option that maintains the soup's hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free taco seasoning and ranch mix to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities while preserving the original taste profile.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Select low-sodium broth, canned beans, and reduced-sodium taco seasoning to create a heart-healthy version without compromising the soup's robust flavors.

Taco Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired Taco Soup brings spicy comfort to dinner tables with ground beef, beans, and zesty seasonings. Savory ingredients blend into a quick, satisfying meal that warms hearts and delights hungry diners with authentic southwestern flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey)

Canned Ingredients:

• 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (10 ounces / 283 grams) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can corn, drained
• 1 (8 ounces / 227 grams) can tomato sauce

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 packet (1 ounce / 28 grams) taco seasoning
• 1 packet (1 ounce / 28 grams) ranch dressing mix (optional, for added flavor)
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Toppings:

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Diced avocado
• Sliced jalapenos
• Fresh cilantro
• Tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Prepare the meat foundation by searing ground beef in a spacious cooking vessel over medium temperature until it achieves a rich, caramelized brown color and is thoroughly cooked through.
2. Incorporate finely diced onions into the meat, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness. Eliminate any accumulated grease to ensure a clean, robust flavor profile.
3. Introduce a vibrant medley of ingredients including fire-roasted tomatoes, zesty green chili-infused tomatoes, protein-packed black and kidney beans, sweet corn kernels, robust tomato sauce, aromatic taco seasoning, tangy ranch powder, and savory beef broth.
4. Thoroughly blend all components, creating a harmonious mixture that promises complex layers of flavor and texture.
5. Elevate the liquid to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the soup to meld and develop its rich, deep taste profile.
6. Cover and let the soup gently bubble for approximately 25 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent ingredient settlement and ensure even heat distribution.
7. Conduct a final flavor assessment, carefully adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to harmonize the soup’s overall taste.
8. Serve piping hot in individual bowls, inviting personalization with an array of complementary toppings like shredded cheese, crisp tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, or tangy sour cream.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the soup healthier.
• Drain and rinse canned beans to lower sodium content and improve digestive comfort.
• Customize the soup’s heat level by choosing mild or spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies.
• Consider plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, hearty flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg