Table of Contents: Taco Soup
Taco Soup
Picture this: a steaming bowl of hearty, flavor-packed taco soup, loaded with tender ground beef, zesty tomatoes, creamy beans, and just the right amount of spice. It’s like all your favorite taco toppings transformed into one irresistible, spoonable meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or cozy family dinners, this easy taco soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate comfort food that tastes like it simmered all day. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, endlessly customizable, and so delicious that even picky eaters will ask for seconds. If you love tacos (and who doesn’t?), you’ll adore this soup!
Introduction
There’s something magical about a dish that combines the bold flavors of tacos with the cozy comfort of soup. This easy taco soup recipe is exactly that—a fiesta in a bowl! Packed with seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and a rich tomato broth, every spoonful is a burst of Tex-Mex goodness.
Fun fact: Did you know that taco soup was likely invented as a way to use up leftover taco ingredients? No wasted food here—just pure deliciousness! What makes this recipe extra special is how simple it is. With minimal prep and common pantry staples, you can whip up a pot of this soup in no time. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry family, meal prepping, or even impressing guests at a potluck.
If you loved our Easy Mexican Ground Beef Skillet – Ready in 20 Minutes! 🌮🔥, you’ll go crazy for this taco soup. It has all the same hearty, savory flavors but with a fun twist that makes it feel fresh and exciting. So grab your favorite toppings (hello, cheese and sour cream!), and let’s get cooking!
What Is Taco Soup?
Ever wondered why it’s called taco soup and not, say, “taco stew” or “taco chili”? Well, let’s just say the name fits perfectly—because it tastes exactly like a deconstructed taco in a bowl! Imagine all the best parts of a taco—the seasoned meat, the beans, the cheese, the crunch—but in a warm, spoonable form.
Some say the recipe was born out of a happy kitchen accident (like most great dishes). Maybe someone had extra taco filling and thought, Why not turn this into soup? Genius, right? As the old saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this soup is guaranteed to win over anyone who tries it.
So, are you ready to dive into this flavor fiesta? Let’s make the easiest, most delicious taco soup you’ve ever tasted!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Bold, Restaurant-Quality Flavor in Minutes
This soup tastes like it’s been simmering for hours, but it comes together in just 30 minutes! The blend of taco seasoning, fire-roasted tomatoes, and savory beef creates a rich, deep flavor that’s impossible to resist.
2. Budget-Friendly & Pantry-Staple Friendly
No fancy ingredients here! Most of what you need is already in your kitchen—ground beef, canned beans, corn, and tomatoes. It’s a wallet-friendly meal that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.
3. Endless Topping Possibilities
The fun doesn’t stop at the soup—pile on shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, or fresh cilantro. Every bowl can be customized to your taste!
If you enjoyed our Easy & Flavorful Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe, you’ll love how this version brings the same bold flavors with even quicker prep. Trust us, once you try this taco soup, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation!
How to Make This Recipe

Quick Overview
This recipe is as easy as browning meat, dumping in ingredients, and letting everything simmer into a flavorful masterpiece. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s the perfect last-minute dinner solution.
Key Ingredients for Taco Soup
– 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
– 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
– 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained
– 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
– 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
– 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
– 2 cups beef broth
– Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Meat – In a large pot, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add Seasonings – Stir in taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavors.
3. Combine Everything – Add beans, corn, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well.
4. Simmer – Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Serve & Top – Ladle into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings.
What to Serve With This Soup
This soup is a meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides takes it to the next level. Warm, buttery cornbread is a classic choice—its sweetness balances the soup’s spice. For a lighter option, try a crisp green salad with lime dressing. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, crispy tortilla chips or cheesy quesadillas make the perfect dippers.
Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe
– Spice Control – Use mild taco seasoning for kids or add cayenne for extra heat.
– Vegetarian Option – Swap beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans.
– Make It Creamy – Stir in a block of cream cheese for a richer texture.
– Freezer-Friendly – Double the batch and freeze leftovers for easy future meals.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed. For freezing, portion into containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
People Also Ask

What is the difference between taco soup and chili?
While both are hearty and flavorful, taco soup has a thinner, brothier consistency compared to chili’s thick, stew-like texture. Taco soup also includes classic taco ingredients like corn and taco seasoning, while chili focuses on beans and a deeper spice profile.
Can you make taco soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. It’s a great hands-off method for busy days.
What do you top taco soup with?
The best toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
How long is taco soup good for?
Properly stored in the fridge, it stays fresh for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This easy taco soup is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, comforting flavors without the fuss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, it’s a foolproof recipe that never disappoints. Don’t forget to check out our Taco Pasta Recipe for another family favorite! Now, grab your pot and let’s get cooking—your next delicious bowl of taco soup awaits!
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Taco Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and flavorful Taco Soup loaded with ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and Tex-Mex spices. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, 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
- 3 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, fresh cilantro
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in taco seasoning and mix well.
- Add black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
- Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips.
Notes
This soup is even better the next day as the flavors deepen. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: taco soup, ground beef, beans, tex-mex, easy dinner