Easy Taco Soup is such a simple and satisfying meal that brings together all the flavors of your favorite tacos in a warm, comforting bowl. It’s packed with seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and cozy spices that give it that perfect taco-inspired taste. I love how quick and straightforward it is to make, yet it tastes like you’ve spent hours simmering it.
One of my favorite parts about this soup is how versatile it is. I often top mine with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and some fresh cilantro or avocado to add extra creaminess and freshness. It’s like having a taco night in a bowl, and it always brings smiles to the table, especially on chilly evenings.
Whenever I make this soup, I like to serve it with crunchy tortilla chips for dipping or alongside warm cornbread. It’s a dish that feels casual and fun but also filling and hearty enough to feed a crowd. Easy Taco Soup quickly became one of my go-to recipes when I want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This gives your soup a hearty, meaty flavor. For a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken—they work well and keep it lean.
Black beans & corn: These add texture and sweetness. If you don’t have black beans, pinto or kidney beans are great alternatives. Frozen or canned corn both work fine.
Diced tomatoes & tomato sauce: These create the rich tomato base. You can swap the tomato sauce with crushed tomatoes if you like a chunkier texture.
Taco seasoning: It’s the flavor booster here. If you prefer homemade, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of oregano. Use less salt if your broth is salted.
Beef broth: This gives depth to the soup. Vegetable broth or chicken broth can be used to keep it lighter or vegetarian-friendly.
How Do I Make Ground Beef Perfect for the Soup?
Cooking ground beef right sets the stage for tasty soup. Here’s how I do it:
- Heat your pot over medium heat before adding beef and onion. This avoids sticking.
- Break the meat into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks for even browning.
- Cook until it’s fully browned with no pink spots, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain the fat—this keeps the soup from being greasy but keeps flavor.
- Add the taco seasoning last so it coats the meat evenly and releases its spices.
Taking these steps helps your soup have that rich, seasoned beef flavor we all love.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – perfect for browning the beef and simmering the soup all in one pan.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – helps you break up the ground beef and stir the soup without scratching your pot.
- Can opener – essential for opening canned beans, tomatoes, and corn quickly.
- Measuring cups – useful for adding the right amount of broth and liquids.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter protein option that still tastes great.
- Add a diced bell pepper or jalapeño for a little extra crunch or heat.
- Mix in a cup of cooked rice or quinoa near the end to make the soup more filling.
- Top with shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different cheesy twist.
Easy Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (or regular diced tomatoes)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 2 cups beef broth (or as needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, chopped fresh cilantro
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy taco soup takes about 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes simmering. So, in about 40 minutes total, you’ll have a warm, flavorful meal ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef and Onion:
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking and breaking the beef into crumbles until browned and the onion feels soft. Drain any extra fat from the pot.
2. Add Seasoning and Mix:
Stir in the taco seasoning mix, making sure the beef is evenly coated with the spices.
3. Add Vegetables and Tomato:
Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with their juices, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and the tomato sauce. Stir everything together well.
4. Pour Broth and Simmer:
Pour in the beef broth and stir. If you like your soup thinner, add more broth or a little water. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover and let it simmer gently for 20-30 minutes so all the flavors come together.
5. Adjust and Serve:
Taste the soup and add salt and pepper if needed. Scoop it into bowls and add your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, and cilantro. Enjoy your cozy taco soup!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner substitute for beef. Just cook it the same way, making sure it’s fully browned before adding the seasonings and other ingredients.
Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the onion first, then add all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. It’s perfect for hands-off cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Freeze Easy Taco Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.