This easy Taco Soup Recipe is the ultimate one-pot meal for busy weeknights. It combines the savory flavors of tacos with the comforting warmth of a hearty soup. Ready in just over 30 minutes, this dish is packed with seasoned ground beef, beans, and corn in a rich tomato broth. It’s a family-friendly meal that everyone will love, and the leftovers are even better the next day!
We’ve perfected this recipe to be incredibly simple without sacrificing any flavor. It’s designed for enthusiastic home cooks who want a delicious, satisfying dinner on the table with minimal fuss. Get ready to discover your new favorite comfort food.
Why This Taco Soup Recipe is a Weeknight Winner
When it comes to weeknight dinners, you need something fast, easy, and delicious. This amazing Taco Soup Recipe checks all the boxes. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
- One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in a single pot, which means cleanup is an absolute breeze.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you can have this soup on the table in about 35 minutes. It’s perfect for those hectic evenings.
- Packed with Flavor: With a savory blend of taco seasoning and a secret ingredient, this soup has a rich, deep flavor that tastes like it simmered for hours.
- Customizable: The best part about this soup is the toppings! Everyone can customize their own bowl with cheese, sour cream, avocado, or tortilla strips.
The Essential Ingredients for Perfect Taco Soup
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. You probably have most of these in your pantry already. We use a combination of canned goods and fresh ingredients to create a soup that’s both convenient and incredibly flavorful.
For the Soup Base
The foundation of this soup is a mix of seasoned ground beef and a savory broth. We use lean ground beef to keep it hearty but not greasy. A simple combination of canned beans, corn, and tomatoes adds texture and classic taco flavor.
Our Secret Flavor Boosters
What sets this recipe apart? We add a packet of Ranch seasoning along with the taco seasoning. This combination creates a uniquely savory and tangy flavor profile that perfectly complements the other ingredients. It’s a simple trick that makes a huge difference!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this Taco Soup Recipe is as easy as browning the meat and dumping in the other ingredients. Follow these simple steps for a perfect pot of soup every time.
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until the meat is browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the taco seasoning and Ranch seasoning, and cook for one minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the pinto beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and beef broth to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Our Favorite Toppings for Taco Soup
Toppings are arguably the best part of any taco-inspired dish! Set up a topping bar and let everyone customize their own bowl. Here are some of our favorites:
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt
- Crushed tortilla chips or crispy tortilla strips
- Diced avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice
Pro Tips for the Best Taco Soup
Want to take your soup to the next level? Here are a few expert tips.
- Don’t Drain the Cans: For extra flavor and a thicker consistency, add the corn and beans to the pot without draining them.
- Let it Simmer: While the soup is ready in 20 minutes, letting it simmer longer (up to an hour) will result in a deeper, richer flavor.
- Toast Your Spices: Briefly cook the taco and Ranch seasonings with the ground beef before adding liquids. This simple step awakens the spices and boosts their flavor. If you enjoy this flavor profile, you might also love our delicious ground beef enchiladas recipe (coming soon).
Fun Variations to Try
This Taco Soup Recipe is a fantastic base for experimentation. Try one of these fun variations to switch things up.
Make it Creamy
For a richer, creamier soup, stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese during the last 10 minutes of simmering. Stir until it’s completely melted and incorporated. For another creamy favorite, check out this hearty cowboy soup.
Crockpot Taco Soup
This recipe is perfect for the slow cooker! Simply brown the beef and onion first, then add all ingredients to your Crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
This soup is fantastic for meal prep as the flavors get even better overnight. Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave.
What to Serve with Taco Soup
While this soup is a complete meal on its own, it also pairs wonderfully with a few sides. Serve it with a side of cornbread, a fresh green salad, or some warm flour tortillas. For a truly crowd-pleasing combination, try serving it alongside some homemade mozzarella sticks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! To make taco soup in a slow cooker, first brown the ground beef and onion on the stovetop. Then, transfer the beef to the slow cooker along with all the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
To thicken your taco soup, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot, or create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the simmering soup.
You can store leftover taco soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often taste even better the next day!
The best toppings are all about personal preference! Popular choices include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños.
For extra flavor, try adding a can of green chilies for a mild heat, a dash of hot sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving. Using a combination of taco seasoning and Ranch seasoning also adds a unique, savory tang.
The Ultimate Taco Soup Recipe
Taco Soup Recipe (The Easiest, Most Flavorful Bowl)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat until the meat is browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and Ranch seasoning mix. Cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Add the undrained pinto beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla strips.
Notes
This soup can also be made in a slow cooker. Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Save This Recipe for Later!
If you loved this easy Taco Soup Recipe, be sure to save it for later! Pin it to your favorite soup or dinner board on Pinterest. Your friends and family will thank you for sharing this delicious and simple meal idea. We love seeing our recipes in your kitchen, so don’t forget to share your creations!
