Easy Taco Soup is a simple, hearty dish that brings together all your favorite taco flavors in one cozy bowl. With ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and a spicy taco seasoning blend, this soup is bursting with taste and texture. It’s like a warm taco night in a bowl—perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a quick, satisfying meal.
I love making this soup because it comes together so quickly and doesn’t require a lot of fuss. One pot, some canned ingredients, and a handful of spices are all you need. Plus, it’s super flexible—you can easily swap out the beef for turkey or leave the meat out entirely for a tasty vegetarian version. I always keep some tortilla chips and shredded cheese nearby to add right before serving; it just makes everything that much better.
My favorite way to enjoy Easy Taco Soup is with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top. Sometimes I add avocado slices or a squeeze of lime to brighten up the flavors. This soup always brings everyone to the table, and I love how it warms up the whole house. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I want something comforting without a lot of effort.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds richness and texture. If you want a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add extra beans or veggies like bell peppers.
Beans: Black beans and kidney beans give the soup a hearty feel and protein. You can swap either or both for pinto or cannellini beans depending on what you have.
Corn: Adds a nice sweetness and pops of texture. Frozen or fresh corn works great if you don’t have canned.
Taco Seasoning Mix: This is the flavor base. You can use a store-bought packet or make your own mix with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: Bring acidity and color to the soup. Diced fire-roasted tomatoes can add a smoky note if you want to mix things up.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from the Ground Beef and Onions?
Browning the beef properly is key for deep flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your pot over medium heat, add the beef and break it up with a spoon.
- Stir occasionally but let it sit to brown instead of just steaming. This creates tasty browned bits.
- When beef is about halfway cooked, add the diced onions. This way they soften and mix well with the meat.
- Once fully browned and cooked, drain excess fat to avoid greasy soup.
- Add the taco seasoning last while the meat is hot to help the spices bloom in the pan.
This simple technique really lifts the whole soup, giving it a richer and well-rounded flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – perfect for cooking the beef and simmering the soup all in one place.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – helps you break up the ground beef and stir the soup without scratching your pot.
- Can opener – handy for opening all those cans of beans, corn, and tomatoes quickly.
- Measuring cups – to add the broth, water, and other liquids accurately.
- Knife and cutting board – for dicing the onion and chopping any fresh garnishes like cilantro.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner soup.
- Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños when cooking the onions for extra crunch and spice.
- Stir in a can of diced green chiles to boost the flavor with a mild kick.
- Top with shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese for a different cheesy taste.
How to Make Easy Taco Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
Optional Garnishes:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and brown the beef, plus 20 to 25 minutes of simmering to blend the flavors. So, plan for roughly 30 to 35 minutes total from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef and Onions:
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together. Stir and break up the meat until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add Seasoning and Liquids:
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning mix and stir to combine. Pour in the beef broth and water, mixing everything well.
3. Add Beans, Corn, & Tomatoes:
Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes with juice, and tomato sauce. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
4. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped cilantro if you like. Add a wedge of lime on the side for a fresh squeeze of flavor.
Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of Easy Taco Soup!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Yes! 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 seasoning.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day once 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 Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Feel free to add extra beans or your favorite vegetables to keep it hearty and filling.
