Easy Taco Soup is the perfect cozy meal that comes together quickly with simple ingredients like ground beef, beans, corn, and a tasty mix of taco spices. It’s warm, comforting, and has just the right amount of zing from the seasonings to make your taste buds happy.
I love making this soup on busy weeknights because it’s so straightforward and satisfying. One pot, a handful of pantry staples, and you’ve got a meal that everyone at the table will enjoy. I usually add some shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream on top—it’s the little extras that make it feel extra special to me.
My favorite way to serve this is with some crunchy tortilla chips on the side or even stirred right into the soup. It’s a crowd-pleaser that always brings smiles, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends. Taco Soup has a way of making you feel warm and full without any fuss, which is why I keep coming back to it again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This adds richness and protein to the soup. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use cooked lentils for a vegetarian version.
Black beans: They add texture and fiber. If you don’t have black beans, pinto beans or kidney beans work just as well.
Corn: Adds a slight sweetness and crunch. Frozen or fresh corn can be used if canned isn’t available.
Taco seasoning: This pack is full of flavor. Homemade seasoning blends with chili powder, cumin, garlic, and paprika work great too, allowing you to control salt and spice levels.
Diced tomatoes & tomato sauce: These form the base and give a hearty, tomatoey flavor. If you want more spice, try adding a can of diced green chilies.
How Can I Make My Taco Soup Richer and More Flavorful?
Start by browning the ground beef with the onions properly. This step builds a savory base. Don’t rush—cook until the beef is nicely browned and the onions are soft to develop deeper flavors.
- Drain excess fat to avoid greasy soup, but don’t rinse the meat—those browned bits add flavor.
- After adding all ingredients, let the soup simmer uncovered. This thickens the soup and allows the spices to blend better.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to evenly heat everything.
- Taste before adding salt; the seasoning packet and broth might already have enough salt.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – perfect for cooking the beef and simmering all the soup ingredients together evenly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – helps you stir the soup without scratching your pot.
- Can opener – essential for opening canned beans, corn, and tomatoes quickly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – handy to measure broth, taco seasoning, and spices accurately.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner soup option that’s still tasty.
- Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra crunch and a little heat.
- Mix in a can of green chilies to boost smoky, spicy flavors.
- Top with avocado slices or fresh cilantro for creamy and fresh flavor boosts.
Easy Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional, for extra spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish
- Sour cream, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then 25 minutes to cook and simmer, so roughly 35 minutes total until you have a warm, hearty taco soup ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef and Onions:
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft—about 7-8 minutes. Then, drain any extra fat from the pot.
2. Add Beans, Corn, Tomatoes, and Broth:
Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and the beef broth. Mix everything together well.
3. Season the Soup:
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and chili powder if you like a bit of extra spice. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
4. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the soup to a gentle boil. Then lower the heat, letting it simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot. This helps the flavors blend and the soup to thicken just a little.
5. Taste and Finish:
Give the soup a quick taste. Add salt and pepper as you like. When it tastes just right, your soup is ready to serve!
6. Serve:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream for a creamy, cheesy finish. Enjoy your delicious, easy taco soup!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative. Just cook it the same way you would the beef, making sure it’s fully browned before adding the other ingredients.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, this soup actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have melded. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
How Should I Store Leftover Taco Soup?
Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply skip the ground beef and add an extra can of beans or some cooked lentils to keep it hearty and protein-rich.
