Easy taco soup is a hearty, flavorful, and one-pot meal packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and taco seasoning. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy comfort food. This recipe is quick, simple, and ready in under 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot meal – Minimal cleanup and easy to make.
- Bold taco flavors – A mix of spices, beans, corn, and tomatoes.
- Quick & effortless – Ready in 30 minutes or less.
- Perfect for meal prep – Stays fresh and tastes better the next day.
- Easily customizable – Add more spice, protein, or toppings!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Soup:
- Ground beef (or turkey for a lighter version)
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Canned black beans, drained & rinsed
- Canned kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- Canned corn, drained
- Tomato sauce
- Beef broth or chicken broth
- Green chilies (optional, for extra spice)
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Avocado slices
- Jalapeños
- Fresh cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Lime wedges
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Add the Ingredients
- Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, corn, and broth.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Serve & Garnish
- Ladle soup into bowls.
- Top with cheese, sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips.
- Serve with lime wedges for extra zest!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Slow Cooker – Brown beef, then add everything to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours.
- Spicy Version – Add cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or extra taco seasoning.
- Creamy Taco Soup – Stir in cream cheese or heavy cream before serving.
- Low-Carb/Keto – Skip the beans and corn; add diced bell peppers.
- Vegetarian Option – Use black beans, lentils, or quinoa instead of meat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Yes! Mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
What’s the best broth for taco soup?
Beef broth adds depth, but chicken or vegetable broth works too.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Use about 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes.
How do I make it thicker?
Simmer longer, mash some beans, or stir in cornstarch slurry.
What goes well with taco soup?
Try cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Brown the beef on Sauté mode, then pressure cook on HIGH for 10 minutes.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner options.
Is taco soup spicy?
It has mild heat, but you can add hot sauce or extra chili powder for spice.
Can I add rice or pasta?
Yes! Stir in cooked rice, quinoa, or small pasta for a heartier meal.
Can I use different beans?
Yes! Swap pinto beans, navy beans, or garbanzo beans as needed.
Conclusion
Easy taco soup is a flavorful, hearty, and simple meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it mild or spicy, topped with cheese or avocado, this one-pot recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Make it today and enjoy a comforting bowl of taco goodness!
PrintEasy Taco Soup
This Easy Taco Soup is hearty, flavorful, and packed with classic taco flavors! Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and taco seasoning, this one-pot meal is quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with tortilla chips, cheese, and sour cream for the ultimate comfort food!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade, see notes)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained & rinsed)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans (drained & rinsed)
- 1 can (15 oz) corn (drained)
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth)
- 1 cup tomato sauce (for extra richness, optional)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
For Serving:
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Tortilla chips or cornbread
- Chopped cilantro & green onions
- Sliced jalapeños (for extra heat!🔥)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Add the Flavor & Broth
- Sprinkle in taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the beef.
- Add beans, corn, Rotel, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
Step 3: Simmer & Serve
- Let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips.
Notes
- Make It Spicy: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
- Slow Cooker Version: Brown the meat first, then add everything to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in ½ cup cream cheese or heavy cream at the end.
- Homemade Taco Seasoning: Mix 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp oregano, and ¼ tsp black pepper.