Taco Soup Recipe

Taco Soup is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful soup inspired by classic Mexican taco flavors. Packed with ground beef or turkey, beans, corn, tomatoes, and bold taco spices, this soup is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual family dinners.

The beauty of taco soup lies in its simplicity and versatility. It combines all the familiar taco ingredients in a warm, cozy soup that’s rich, zesty, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for serving with tortilla chips, cheese, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream, making every bite feel like a fiesta.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Taco Soup recipe because it’s fast, easy, and endlessly customizable. You can make it mild or spicy, use ground beef or turkey, and even add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

It’s a one-pot wonder — minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. The combination of beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasoning creates a robust, hearty soup that’s satisfying yet not heavy.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Quick and easy: Perfect for weeknights with minimal prep.
• Taco-inspired flavor: All the deliciousness of tacos in a warm soup.
• Healthy and filling: Beans, lean meat, and vegetables provide protein and fiber.
• Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Versatile: Serve as a meal on its own or with tortilla chips, rice, or cornbread.

Once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to comfort soup for busy days and chilly evenings.

Recipe Overview

• Course: Main Course / Soup
• Cuisine: Mexican-American / Comfort Food
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~280 kcal per serving

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or turkey
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (optional for spice)
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Sauté Meat and Vegetables

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

Step 2: Add Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes

1. Stir in black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies (if using), and tomato sauce.
2. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 3: Season the Soup

1. Add taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir to evenly distribute the spices.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

1. Pour in 2 cups of beef or chicken broth.
2. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
3. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

1. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
2. Add more chili powder or cayenne pepper if you want extra heat.

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How to Serve

• Ladle soup into bowls and top with optional toppings:
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Sliced avocado
  • Tortilla chips or crushed corn chips
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions
• Serve with warm cornbread, crusty bread, or over cooked rice.

Recipe Tips

• Use lean meat: Helps keep the soup lighter and healthier.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit meat and use extra beans or lentils.
• Enhance flavor: Add a squeeze of lime juice before serving for brightness.
• Adjust thickness: For thicker soup, simmer uncovered; for thinner soup, add more broth.
• Meal prep: This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Variations

• Spicy Taco Soup: Add diced jalapeños, green chilies, or extra chili powder.
• Vegetable Taco Soup: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrition.
• Beef and Bean Taco Soup: Use all beef instead of turkey.
• Creamy Taco Soup: Stir in ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese for a creamy texture.
• Slow Cooker Version: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover taco soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on stovetop or microwave.
• Freezing:
  • Cool soup completely before freezing.
  • Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Conclusion

Taco Soup is a flavorful, comforting, and versatile meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or meal prep. With ground meat, beans, corn, tomatoes, and a blend of taco spices, it captures all the delicious flavors of tacos in a warm, hearty soup.

Quick, easy, and customizable, this soup is a must-try for families, taco lovers, and anyone who appreciates a satisfying, one-pot meal. Once you try it, taco soup will become a go-to recipe for cozy nights and busy schedules alike.

Taco Soup Recipe

Taco Soup is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful soup inspired by classic Mexican taco flavors. Packed with ground beef or turkey, beans, corn, tomatoes, and bold taco spices, this soup is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual family dinners.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: Mexican Course: Soups & Drinks

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Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 45 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 6

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound (450g)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz)
• 1 can (15 oz)
• 1 can (15 oz)
• 1 can (15 oz)
• 1 can (10 oz)
• 1 can (8 oz)
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro

Instructions

1. Step 1: Sauté Meat and Vegetables : Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
2. Step 2: Add Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes : Stir in black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies (if using), and tomato sauce. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
3. Step 3: Season the Soup : Add taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the spices.
4. Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer : Pour in 2 cups of beef or chicken broth. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Step 5: Taste and Adjust : Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more chili powder or cayenne pepper if you want extra heat.

Keywords: Taco Soup