Deliciously Easy Taco Soup: Your Ultimate Hearty & Flavorful Weeknight Meal
Imagine a hearty, flavorful bowl that instantly warms you from the inside out and satisfies every craving. That’s exactly what you get with our incredible Taco Soup! It’s not just comforting; it’s a vibrant, delicious meal packed with savory ground beef, a rich blend of taco and ranch seasonings, three types of wholesome beans, zesty green chiles, sweet corn, and robust diced tomatoes. This soup is a complete meal in itself, perfect for chilly evenings, a satisfying weeknight dinner, or a casual gathering when you crave something quick, easy, and incredibly tasty. Get ready to add this one-pot wonder to your regular dinner rotation!
Why This Taco Soup Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite
Think of this incredible taco soup as a delightful fusion – all the hearty satisfaction of your favorite chili, but infused with the unmistakable, vibrant flavors of a classic taco. What sets it apart are key additions like sweet corn and mild green chiles, which lend a unique sweetness and subtle tang that chili often lacks. This isn’t just a soup; it’s a one-pot wonder designed to bring warmth and joy to your table, especially on crisp fall evenings or frosty winter days. It’s incredibly hearty, deeply comforting, and boasts a flavor profile that will quickly make it a family favorite.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed. You can have a steaming bowl ready in under an hour, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknights when you need a delicious, wholesome meal without a lot of fuss. Beyond its swift preparation, it’s also wonderfully versatile. Feel free to load it up with your favorite taco toppings: a generous handful of shredded cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh avocado slices, a sprinkle of cilantro, or a burst of citrus from a lime wedge. For an extra layer of texture and a true ‘taco’ experience, don’t forget to crush in some crispy tortilla chips or add a scattering of crunchy tortilla strips. And if you’re a fan of a little heat, thinly sliced fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce will take it to the next level. This soup isn’t just delicious; it’s an experience waiting to be personalized, offering endless possibilities to suit every palate and pantry.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Taco Soup
Crafting the perfect taco soup starts with a selection of readily available, wholesome ingredients. This recipe is designed to be simple, relying on pantry staples and fresh components that come together to create a symphony of flavors. You’ll need lean ground beef for a hearty base, complemented by diced onion for aromatic depth. The trio of beans – pinto, black, and kidney – adds incredible texture, fiber, and protein, making this soup truly substantial.
Diced green chiles provide a mild, signature tang, while canned diced tomatoes offer a robust, rich foundation. Sweet frozen corn adds a pop of color and natural sweetness, perfectly balancing the savory notes. Of course, no taco soup would be complete without taco seasoning and a touch of ranch seasoning mix, which together create that irresistible, familiar Tex-Mex flavor profile. Finally, chicken broth ties all these delicious elements together, simmering them into a cohesive, flavorful broth. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning to your preference, ensuring every spoonful is perfectly balanced. For those who love customization, consider adding a touch of tomato sauce for extra richness or a can of Rotel for a spicier kick. The best part? Most of these ingredients are likely already in your pantry, making this a convenient and budget-friendly meal!
How to Make the Easiest & Most Flavorful Taco Soup
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to help you visualize exactly how to bring this delicious recipe to life. For your convenience, you can Jump to Recipe to get the full printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, located at the bottom of this page. Let’s start cooking!
- In a large Dutch oven or a sturdy heavy-bottomed pot, brown the lean ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat. Break up the ground beef with a spoon as it cooks, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink. The onion will soften and become translucent, adding a sweet aromatic base to your soup. Once cooked through, carefully drain off any excess fat from the pot. This step is crucial for achieving a cleaner, less greasy soup while retaining all the savory beef flavor.
- Now, it’s time to bring all the vibrant flavors together! To the browned beef and onion in the Dutch oven, add the diced green chiles (undrained for maximum flavor), the drained pinto, black, and rinsed kidney beans, the chicken broth, both the taco seasoning mix and dry ranch seasoning mix, the frozen corn, and the diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir all these ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat immediately to a low simmer, cover the pot, and allow it to cook for at least 30 minutes. This simmering time is essential for the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a rich and harmonious soup. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
- Once your taco soup has simmered to perfection and the flavors have fully developed, it’s ready to be served! Ladle generous portions into individual bowls. For the ultimate taco soup experience, top each serving with a sprinkle of freshly shredded cheese – cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work wonderfully. Alongside, offer a generous handful of crispy tortilla chips for dipping or crushing into the soup, adding a delightful crunch. For an extra flourish, consider a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a scattering of fresh cilantro, or even some sliced avocado. Enjoy your warm, comforting, and incredibly flavorful homemade taco soup!
Frequently Asked Questions About Taco Soup
Absolutely! Taco soup is an excellent candidate for meal prepping and freezing. Once the soup has fully cooled to room temperature, portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Ensure you leave a little headspace if using containers, as liquids expand when frozen. It can be safely frozen for up to 4 months, making it perfect for those busy days when you need a quick and easy dinner solution. To thaw, simply transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until thoroughly warm. Add a splash of extra broth if it seems too thick after thawing.
Yes, you certainly can adapt this recipe to be vegetarian! Instead of ground beef, you can use a plant-based ground substitute, or simply omit the meat and add an extra can of beans (like cannellini or great northern beans) or lentils for added protein and texture. Ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian. The rich blend of spices, beans, corn, and tomatoes still delivers a fantastic flavor profile, making for a wholesome and satisfying meat-free meal. You might also consider adding diced bell peppers or zucchini for more vegetable variety and nutrients.
The beauty of taco soup lies in its incredible versatility, especially when it comes to toppings! For a classic finish, we recommend shredded cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend and plenty of crispy tortilla chips or strips for dipping and crunch. But don’t stop there! Elevate your bowl with a dollop of cooling sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, fresh avocado slices or a scoop of guacamole, and a sprinkle of vibrant fresh cilantro. For those who love a kick, thin slices of jalapeño (fresh or pickled), a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten all the flavors. Diced red onion or a spoonful of pico de gallo also make fantastic additions, adding freshness and texture to every spoonful.
Absolutely! Taco soup is a perfect slow cooker recipe for a hands-off approach. First, you’ll still want to brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker (unless using a slow cooker with a browning function). This step is essential for developing flavor and removing excess fat. After draining the fat, transfer the browned beef and onion to your slow cooker. Add all the remaining ingredients (chiles, beans, broth, seasonings, corn, diced tomatoes). Stir well, then cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the flavors are fully blended and the soup is heated through. This method is fantastic for letting the flavors slowly meld while you go about your day, resulting in a deeply flavorful and tender soup with minimal effort.
Delicious Pairings: What to Serve with Taco Soup
While a hearty bowl of taco soup is perfectly satisfying on its own, especially when crowned with your favorite toppings, pairing it with a delicious side dish can elevate your meal to a truly memorable experience. Think about complementing its rich, savory notes with something fresh, starchy, or slightly sweet. Here are some of our top picks that perfectly round out a taco soup dinner:
- Sweet Cornbread: The slight sweetness and crumbly texture of cornbread offer a wonderful contrast to the savory soup, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that flavorful broth. It’s a classic comfort food pairing that never disappoints.
- Classic Spanish Rice: A staple in Mexican cuisine, Spanish rice brings an authentic touch and a fluffy, flavorful accompaniment that pairs beautifully with the robust soup. Its seasoned grains provide a delightful textural balance.
- Mexican Corn: Whether it’s a creamy Esquites salad or grilled Elote on the cob, Mexican corn adds another layer of sweet and tangy corn flavor that perfectly complements the soup’s existing ingredients, enhancing the overall Tex-Mex theme.
- Cauliflower Copycat Chipotle Rice: For a lighter, low-carb option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this spiced cauliflower rice mimics popular restaurant versions and makes an excellent, wholesome side. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies.
- Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness and crispy texture of baked sweet potato fries provide a delightful counterpoint to the savory soup, making for a fun and comforting side that’s a hit with both kids and adults.
More Irresistible Taco-Inspired Recipes to Try
- Taco Casserole
- Taco Pasta Salad
- Taco Dip
- Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
- 7 Layer Taco Dip
- Taco Pie
- Walking Tacos
- Taco Empanadas
I absolutely adore spending time in the kitchen, experimenting with new recipes, and sharing my culinary experiences with all of you! Remembering to come back each day for fresh inspiration can be tough, which is precisely why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe today and start receiving your free daily recipes straight to your inbox – it’s the easiest way to stay updated and inspired!
Hearty & Easy Taco Soup
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them for extra tips and details!
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Course:
Dinner
Cuisine:
Mexican
8
servings
45 minutes
397
Amanda Davis
Ingredients
-
1.5
pounds
lean ground beef -
1
cup
onion
chopped -
4
ounces
diced green chiles
1 can -
15
ounces
pinto beans
1 can, drained -
15
ounces
black beans
1 can, drained -
15
ounces
kidney beans
1 can, drained and rinsed -
1.25
ounces
taco seasoning mix
1 package -
14
ounces
chicken broth
1 can -
1
cup
frozen corn -
29
ounces
diced tomatoes
two 14.5 ounce cans, undrained -
1.5
Tablespoons
dry ranch seasoning mix
1 package -
salt and pepper to taste -
shredded cheese and tortilla chips
optional, for topping
Things You’ll Need
-
Dutch oven
Before You Begin
Instructions
-
In a large Dutch oven or a sturdy heavy-bottomed pot, brown the lean ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat. Break up the ground beef with a spoon as it cooks, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink. The onion will soften and become translucent, adding a sweet aromatic base to your soup. Once cooked through, carefully drain off any excess fat from the pot. This step is crucial for achieving a cleaner, less greasy soup while retaining all the savory beef flavor.
-
Now, it’s time to bring all the vibrant flavors together! To the browned beef and onion in the Dutch oven, add the diced green chiles (undrained for maximum flavor), the drained pinto, black, and rinsed kidney beans, the chicken broth, both the taco seasoning mix and dry ranch seasoning mix, the frozen corn, and the diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir all these ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat immediately to a low simmer, cover the pot, and allow it to cook for at least 30 minutes. This simmering time is essential for the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a rich and harmonious soup. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
-
Once your taco soup has simmered to perfection and the flavors have fully developed, it’s ready to be served! Ladle generous portions into individual bowls. For the ultimate taco soup experience, top each serving with a sprinkle of freshly shredded cheese – cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work wonderfully. Alongside, offer a generous handful of crispy tortilla chips for dipping or crushing into the soup, adding a delightful crunch. For an extra flourish, consider a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a scattering of fresh cilantro, or even some sliced avocado. Enjoy your warm, comforting, and incredibly flavorful homemade taco soup!
Nutrition
Serving:
1
serving
|
Calories:
397
cal
|
Carbohydrates:
54
g
|
Protein:
34
g
|
Fat:
6
g
|
Saturated Fat:
2
g
|
Trans Fat:
1
g
|
Cholesterol:
53
mg
|
Sodium:
877
mg
|
Potassium:
1268
mg
|
Fiber:
16
g
|
Sugar:
4
g
|
Vitamin A:
559
IU
|
Vitamin C:
24
mg
|
Calcium:
107
mg
|
Iron:
8
mg
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.