Taco Soup Recipe

Taco soup is a cozy, hearty meal that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Bursting with savory flavors from ground beef, beans, corn, and a hint of spice, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings. I like to give it a quick taste while simmering to balance the seasonings. Quick to prepare yet satisfying, this taco soup recipe is a simple way to feed your family without fuss, making it ideal for casual dinners or a light, flavorful lunch.

a cozy bowl of taco soup on 1

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This taco soup recipe is a go-to for weeknight meals because it’s flavorful, simple, and versatile. You can make a big batch for family dinners or store leftovers for a ready-to-eat lunch the next day. It’s freezer-friendly, budget-conscious, and can be customized with ingredients you already have on hand. The comforting blend of beans, corn, and seasoned ground beef makes it a crowd-pleaser, while optional toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream add fun layers of flavor. It’s cozy, easy, and the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again.

a cozy bowl of taco soup on

Ingredients

Tip: Use lean ground beef or turkey for a rich, savory base.

  • 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tbsp homemade blend
  • 2 cups beef or chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
taco soup recipe all the ingredients of

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Rinse and drain the beans and corn. Gather all canned ingredients and measure out the broth and taco seasoning so everything is ready for a smooth cooking process.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onions and bell pepper until fully cooked and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic for 1–2 minutes, letting the aroma fill the kitchen. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, and broth to the pot. Stir until everything is evenly combined and starts to bubble gently, ensuring the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve warm with your favorite toppings for a comforting, flavorful meal.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

Taco soup is quick to prepare and requires minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can prep ingredients ahead or double the batch for future meals. Leftovers store well, and it’s easy to reheat without losing flavor, making it ideal for Pinterest users who like cooking ahead or meal prepping.

Tips & Tricks

  • Browning meat evenly: Break up ground beef while cooking to avoid large clumps. Stir occasionally for uniform color and texture.
  • Balancing spice: Start with half the taco seasoning if sensitive to heat, then adjust gradually. Over-seasoning can overpower the other flavors.
  • Layering flavors: Sauté onions, peppers, and garlic first; it enhances sweetness and depth, preventing a flat-tasting soup.
  • Avoid watery soup: Drain excess liquid from canned ingredients if you prefer thicker consistency. You can always add broth later for desired texture.

Variations

  • Meaty version: Add chorizo or sausage along with ground beef for a richer, spiced flavor. Brown together for extra depth and heartiness.
  • Vegetarian option: Skip the meat and double the beans. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to keep it hearty and satisfying.
  • Ingredient swap: Replace black beans with pinto or cannellini beans, or use sweet corn instead of regular for a slightly sweeter profile.
  • Flavor or herb boost: Stir in chopped cilantro, lime juice, or smoked paprika just before serving to enhance brightness and add a fresh, layered taste.

Serving Suggestions

  • Classic taco bowl: Serve with crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a fun, casual family meal.
  • Rice or quinoa base: Spoon soup over cooked rice or quinoa for a filling dinner that stretches servings and adds texture.
  • Cozy bread side: Pair with warm cornbread or a crusty baguette to soak up the flavorful broth.
  • Pinterest-style garnish: Top with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for a vibrant, photogenic presentation.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge storage: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep toppings separate until serving.
  • Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain even temperature and flavor.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Make-ahead tips: Brown meat and prep vegetables in advance. Combine ingredients and store in the fridge for a quick simmer later.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Rest Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 250–300 per serving
Protein: 18–22 g
Key nutrients: Fiber from beans, Vitamin C from bell pepper
Values are estimates and may vary by ingredient brands and portion sizes.

FAQs

Yes, prepare all ingredients and store in the fridge; simmer just before serving.

Overcooking vegetables can make the soup mushy; keep them slightly firm.

Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter version.

Reduce liquid slightly or let it simmer longer to thicken naturally.

Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days; freeze for longer storage.

Conclusion

Taco soup is a warm, satisfying dish that’s easy to customize and perfect for any night of the week. With beans, corn, and flavorful meat, it’s cozy enough for a family dinner but simple enough for a quick meal. You can tweak spices, swap ingredients, or add toppings to make it your own. This taco soup recipe is a reliable, comforting option you’ll want to make again and again, turning any ordinary evening into a flavorful, inviting meal.

Taco Soup Recipe
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Taco Soup Recipe

Recipe by Edan SalamonCourse: Soups
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calorieskcal

This taco soup is a cozy, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings. Loaded with beans, corn, and seasoned ground beef, it’s easy to make, customizable, and crowd-pleasing. Serve with your favorite toppings for a warm, comforting dinner the whole family will love.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 1 bell pepper, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

  • 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tbsp homemade blend

  • 2 cups beef or chicken broth

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  • Preparation: Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince garlic. Gather all canned ingredients and broth.
  • Cook Meat: Brown ground beef with onion and bell pepper until cooked through. Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  • Combine Ingredients: Add beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, and broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle bubble.
  • Simmer & Finish: Reduce heat to low and simmer 15–20 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve warm with toppings.

Notes

  • Storage
    Fridge: Airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep toppings separate.
    Reheating: Stove or microwave, stirring occasionally.
    Freezing: Freeze up to 2 months; thaw in fridge overnight.
    Make-ahead: Brown meat and prep vegetables ahead for quick assembly.

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