Easy Taco Soup is the kind of dish that brings all the fun flavors of tacos into one warm, comforting bowl. It’s packed with hearty beans, ground beef, corn, and tomatoes, all seasoned with that classic taco spice blend. The result is a thick, tasty soup that’s both simple to throw together and full of familiar, satisfying flavors.
I love making this soup when I want something quick but still feel like I’m treating myself to a little fiesta in a bowl. What’s great about it is how flexible it is—you can add extra veggies, use ground turkey instead of beef, or make it spicier if you like. Plus, it’s one of those recipes where all the ingredients come together easily in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
My favorite way to serve Easy Taco Soup is with a big handful of tortilla chips on top, a scoop of sour cream, and some shredded cheese melted in. It’s perfect for chilly nights or casual get-togethers with friends. Every time I make it, people ask for the recipe because it hits that spot between cozy and fun, making it a real crowd-pleaser in my house.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds rich flavor and protein. If you want a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, use plant-based crumbles or extra beans.
Beans: Black beans and kidney beans give a nice texture and earthy taste. You can swap them for pinto beans or chickpeas if you prefer.
Corn: Sweet corn kernels add a nice pop and balance the spices. Frozen or fresh corn work well if canned isn’t available.
Taco Seasoning: Using a packet is easy, but making your own with chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic, and oregano gives a fresher flavor.
Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce: These create the soup base and add acidity. If you like a chunkier soup, add extra diced tomatoes or use crushed tomatoes instead.
How Do You Get the Perfect Flavor from Browning the Beef and Onions?
This step builds the foundation for your soup’s taste. Here’s how I do it:
- Heat the pot over medium, add the ground beef, and let it brown without stirring too often to get nice color.
- Drain any fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
- Add diced onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t burn.
- Add minced garlic last and cook just 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
Taking time with this step brings out deeper flavors in your soup and makes all the difference.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – perfect for browning meat and simmering the soup all in one pot.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – lets you stir without scratching your pot.
- Can opener – needed for opening canned beans, corn, and tomatoes quickly.
- Measuring spoons – help you add the perfect amount of taco seasoning and spices.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner soup.
- Add chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for an extra veggie crunch and heat.
- Stir in some black olives or diced avocado for a creamy, tangy twist.
- Top with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese to change the flavor and spice level.
Easy Taco Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or about 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, tortilla chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Taco Soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and roughly 25 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal ready in around 35 minutes total. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but comforting enough to enjoy any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully browned. Be sure to break it up as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep the soup light and tasty.
2. Cook the Onion and Garlic:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. This adds great flavor to the soup base.
3. Add the Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes:
Pour in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes (including juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together to combine.
4. Spice It Up:
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and ground cumin. Mix well so the spices coat all the ingredients evenly, giving the soup that classic taco flavor.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, stirring now and then. This lets all the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Season and Serve:
Taste your soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, topped with your favorite extras like sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, or crunchy tortilla chips for some added fun and texture.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative. Just brown it the same way and follow the recipe as usual. You might want to add a little extra seasoning for more flavor since turkey is milder.
Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and cook the onions and garlic first, then add all ingredients into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for a delicious, hands-off meal.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Taco Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Add Extra Vegetables?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even chopped spinach can be stirred in to boost the nutrition and flavor. Add these when you add the beans and tomatoes so they cook nicely with the soup.
