Bold and Hearty Taco Soup is a delicious bowl packed with lots of ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a zesty mix of taco seasoning. It’s rich, filling, and just the right amount of spicy to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming you. This soup brings together those classic taco flavors in a warm, comforting way that’s perfect for any day.
I love making this soup when I want something easy but full of flavor. One of my favorite tricks is to top it with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and some crunchy tortilla chips for that extra texture. It feels like a taco party in a bowl, and everyone who tries it always comes back for seconds!
This soup is great for family dinners or even for meal prepping because it keeps well and tastes just as good the next day. Whenever the weather cools down, I think of this soup as my go-to for cozy meals that fill up both the stomach and the heart. Give it a try—it might just become your new favorite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein and adds great flavor. For a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. Vegetarian? Use cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute instead.
Beans: Black and kidney beans bring texture and fiber. You can swap them for pinto beans or chickpeas if you prefer.
Tomatoes: The diced tomatoes and tomatoes with green chilies create the base and add a bit of spice. If you want less heat, use plain diced tomatoes only.
Taco Seasoning: The seasoning mix ties all flavors together. If you don’t have a packet, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne.
Fresh Veggies: Onion, garlic, bell pepper, and optional jalapeño add freshness and layers of flavor. Skip the jalapeño if you want a milder soup.
How Do You Brown Ground Beef Perfectly for Taco Soup?
Getting the right texture and flavor from ground beef makes a big difference. Here’s how to do it well:
- Heat your pot and a bit of oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion first, cook until soft and clear, then add garlic to avoid burning.
- Add the ground beef and break it apart with your spoon.
- Keep it moving so it cooks evenly and browns nicely—don’t stir constantly, let it sit a bit to brown.
- Once cooked through and browned, drain extra fat for a less greasy soup.
This step builds the flavor base and gives the soup that hearty, satisfying feel.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – perfect for cooking the soup evenly and holding all the ingredients comfortably.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – helps you stir the soup without scratching the pot.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping onions, peppers, and garlic easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right amount of broth and seasoning.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that still tastes great.
- Add extra veggies like zucchini or diced carrots to boost nutrition and add texture.
- Mix in a can of diced green chilies for more spice and a tangy bite.
- Top with avocado slices or jalapeño slices when serving for creaminess or more heat.
How to Make Bold And Hearty Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 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 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade equivalent)
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional for extra heat)
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
- Sour cream for topping
- Shredded cheddar cheese for topping
- Tortilla chips for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook, for a total time of roughly 35 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying meal you can whip up any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Aromatics and Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and clear. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until you smell that lovely garlic aroma. Then add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. If there’s extra fat, drain it off.
2. Add Vegetables and Seasoning:
Stir in the diced bell pepper and jalapeño, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning mix and stir well so every bit of beef is coated with flavor.
3. Combine Beans, Tomatoes, and Broth:
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, kidney beans, corn, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to mix thoroughly.
4. Simmer to Blend Flavors:
Bring the soup up to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. This will allow all those bold, hearty flavors to come together beautifully.
5. Final Seasoning and Serving:
Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese, a scoop of sour cream, fresh cilantro or parsley, and a couple of crunchy tortilla chips for that extra bite. Dig in and enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of taco soup!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great and makes the soup a bit lighter. Just cook it the same way as the beef until fully browned.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Skip the meat and add an extra can of beans or some cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it flavorful.
Can I Freeze Taco Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Cool it completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
What Are Good Toppings for Taco Soup?
Classic toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro or parsley, and crunchy tortilla chips. You can also add avocado slices or jalapeño slices for more creaminess or heat.
