If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that comes together quickly and bursts with bold flavors, this Easy Taco Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s packed with savory ground beef, hearty beans, vibrant corn, and a zesty blend of spices that create a soup so satisfying you’ll want to make it again and again. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this recipe brings the perfect mix of ease and deliciousness straight to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to make this dish sing. Each element adds its own special touch — from the richness of ground beef to the brightness of green chiles, creating a harmony of taste, texture, and color.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty base that gives the soup its satisfying meaty flavor.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant punch that wakes up the entire dish.
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth: Creates a savory and rich liquid foundation for the soup.
- 1 (15 oz) canned corn, drained: Brings a pop of natural sweetness and texture.
- 1 (15 oz) canned black beans, drained and rinsed: Packed with fiber and adds a creamy, earthy element.
- 1 (15 oz) canned chili beans in chili sauce: Infuses the soup with spicy complexity and extra body.
- 1 (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes: Provides a vibrant, tangy base that ties everything together.
- 1 (4 oz) canned chopped green chiles: Brightens the flavor with a subtle, smoky heat.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: The heart of the seasoning, creating that classic taco flavor.
- 2 teaspoons cumin: Adds an earthy warmth that complements the chili powder perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a hint of herbal freshness.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts onion flavor without adding extra moisture.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic notes for a deeper savory taste.
- Salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste: To season perfectly and add just the right amount of heat.
- Toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, cilantro, tortilla chips, lime wedges: For adding texture, creaminess, freshness, and crunch when serving.
How to Make Easy Taco Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Aromatics
Start by warming a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. As the onion softens, it will infuse the beef with subtle sweetness. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another two minutes until its aroma fills your kitchen — this step lays down the flavor foundation for the soup.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Vegetables
Next, pour in your choice of beef or chicken broth, creating a savory base for the soup. Toss in the drained corn, black beans, and chili beans in chili sauce, ensuring each adds its unique texture and taste. Follow by stirring in the crushed tomatoes and chopped green chiles. These ingredients bring a vibrant color and a slight smoky tang, enhancing the soup’s character.
Step 3: Season with Spices
Time to build the classic taco profile— sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder. Add salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper according to your heat preference. Mix everything well so the spices evenly distribute, promising every spoonful will be bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the soup simmer gently for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep everything from sticking. This step lets the flavors meld beautifully, allowing the spices to soften and the ingredients to marry. For a more intense flavor, don’t hesitate to simmer it a bit longer.
Step 5: Crockpot Variation for Convenience
If you prefer a hands-off approach, place the raw ground beef at the bottom of your crockpot, breaking it into small chunks. Layer in the rest of the ingredients, except the toppings, then stir to combine. Cook on high for 4 to 6 hours or on low for 8 to 10 hours. This slow cooking method deepens the flavors even more, making your Easy Taco Soup Recipe incredibly tender and savory.
How to Serve Easy Taco Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches are what make this soup truly shine. A sprinkle of shredded cheese melts into the warm broth, a dollop of sour cream adds creaminess, and fresh sliced green onions and cilantro bring brightness and freshness. Crushed tortilla chips add an irresistible crunch, and a squeeze of lime juice ties everything together with a citrusy zing.
Side Dishes
For a heartier meal, serve your Easy Taco Soup Recipe alongside warm cornbread or crispy tortilla chips. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the soup’s rich, spiced flavors. You can also offer Mexican rice or a stack of warm flour tortillas to scoop up every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the taco soup in individual bread bowls for a fun twist that doubles as a side. Layer it in clear mugs or jars for a casual, grab-and-go option, especially appealing for parties. For a vibrant presentation, top each bowl with generous colorful layers of toppings, making each serving as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Taco Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying as next-day lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to fuel up, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat your Easy Taco Soup Recipe gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual portions, pausing to stir halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative or simply double the beans and add extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
What is the best way to adjust the spice level?
You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder. For a milder soup, reduce or omit the cayenne and choose mild chili powder. For a spicier kick, add extra green chiles or a dash of hot sauce.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but be sure to soak and cook the dried beans beforehand, as canned beans add convenience and consistent texture. Using dried beans requires more prep time but can enhance the soup’s freshness.
Is there a gluten-free version of this soup?
This Easy Taco Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and check that canned ingredients don’t contain hidden gluten. It’s a safe, flavorful choice for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How long will this soup keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the soup stays delicious for up to 4 days. Always reheat to a piping hot temperature before serving, and avoid leaving leftovers at room temperature for too long.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Taco Soup Recipe is a kitchen win that’ll quickly become one of your favorites. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug — flavorful, filling, and incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re feeding family or friends or just craving something hearty on a chilly day, give this recipe a try. I promise it will bring joy and that happy taco night vibe right to your dinner table.
Print
Easy Taco Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Easy Taco Soup recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Packed with lean ground beef, beans, corn, and a blend of Mexican-inspired spices, it simmers to a comforting, savory stew. Topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh garnishes, this taco soup delivers classic Tex-Mex flavors in a warm, filling bowl.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound (500g) lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (946ml) beef or chicken broth or stock
- 1 (15 oz) (432g) canned corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) (425g) canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) (425g) canned chili beans in chili sauce
- 1 (28 oz) (793g) canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 (4 oz) (113g) canned chopped green chiles
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste
Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced green onions
- Cilantro
- Tortilla chips
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Cook Beef and Aromatics: In a large dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Ingredients: Stir in the beef or chicken broth, drained corn, black beans, chili beans, crushed tomatoes, green chiles, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste.
- Simmer the Soup: Cover the pot with a lid and simmer the soup on medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a richer flavor, simmer longer as desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the taco soup into bowls and add desired toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, sliced green onions, cilantro, and lime wedges for freshness and added flavor.
- Slow Cooker Option: Place the raw ground beef in the bottom of the crockpot, breaking it up into small chunks (browning first is optional for extra flavor). Add all other ingredients except toppings and mix well. Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 8-10 hours. Serve with toppings.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or extra beans, and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust spice levels by varying chili powder and cayenne pepper amounts.
- Simmering longer intensifies flavors; feel free to cook up to 1 hour on stovetop.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Serve with warm tortillas or over rice for a heartier meal.
