Bold and Hearty Taco Soup is a tasty, filling bowl full of flavors like spicy ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a rich mix of taco seasonings. It’s the kind of soup that warms you up from the inside out and makes you feel right at home with every spoonful.
I love making this soup when I want something easy but satisfying. It comes together quickly, and I usually add a handful of crunchy tortilla chips and a dollop of sour cream on top to make it extra fun and tasty. It’s one of those dishes that everyone seems to enjoy, no matter the season.
My favorite way to serve this soup is in big bowls, paired with a simple side of cornbread or a fresh salad. It’s great for a weeknight dinner or for sharing with friends on a cozy night in. Whenever I make it, the smell fills the house and gets everyone excited to eat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This gives the soup its hearty base. For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well. For a vegetarian twist, swap with plant-based meat or extra beans.
Beans & Corn: Kidney and black beans add texture and protein. You can use canned or cook them from dry. Frozen corn works just as well if canned isn’t handy.
Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce: These create the soup’s rich color and flavor. If you like it less chunky, use crushed tomatoes instead of diced.
Taco seasoning & spices: The taco seasoning packet is a shortcut, but homemade blends with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika taste fresh. Adjust spice levels to your liking.
How Can I Get the Best Flavor When Browning Ground Beef and Sautéing Aromatics?
To build rich flavor, brown your ground beef first in a hot pan without crowding it. Let it sit a little so it gets color before stirring. This caramelization adds depth.
- Use medium-high heat and small oil if needed.
- Break the meat apart gently, not too often, for nice color.
- After beef is browned, add onions and garlic and cook until soft and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes. This layers flavor.
- Drain excess fat to prevent greasiness, especially if your meat is fatty.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – perfect for browning meat and simmering the soup all in one pan.
- Wooden spoon – great for stirring the soup without damaging your pot.
- Can opener – to open all those canned beans, tomatoes, and corn easily.
- Measuring spoons – to measure out taco seasoning and spices just right.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping onions, garlic, and fresh garnishes like cilantro and jalapeño.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner soup that still packs flavor.
- Add diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies and color.
- Mix in a can of diced green chilies for added spice and tang.
- Top with avocado slices or a squeeze of lime juice for fresh creaminess and brightness.
How to Make Bold And Hearty Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or about 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking oil, as needed
For Garnish:
- Tortilla chips
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Jalapeño slices
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, roughly 10 minutes to brown the beef and sauté the aromatics, and around 25-30 minutes to simmer the soup. In total, expect about 45 minutes from start to finish—a perfect quick yet hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics:
Heat a bit of cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until nicely browned. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add Seasonings and Spices:
Stir in the taco seasoning packet (or homemade seasoning), ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, to help release the flavors and aromas of the spices.
3. Combine Vegetables, Beans, and Broth:
Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, and corn. Stir everything together until well mixed.
4. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend together beautifully.
5. Final Seasoning and Serving:
Taste your soup and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed. Serve the soup hot and top with crunchy tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, and jalapeño slices for a little heat. Don’t forget to offer lime wedges on the side to squeeze fresh juice over the soup—this adds a wonderful brightness.
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner substitutes. Just cook them the same way you would the beef, ensuring they’re fully browned before adding the other ingredients.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Skip the ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can add extra beans or diced veggies like bell peppers and zucchini to keep it hearty and flavorful.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day. Store it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days, then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
