If you are craving a warm, comforting, and seriously satisfying meal, then this Taco Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant, hearty blend of seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes that comes together in one pot, delivering a flavor-packed fiesta with every spoonful. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this soup hits all the right notes—easy to make, bursting with Mexican-inspired flavors, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Taco Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each bring their own special spark to the pot. From the savory ground beef to the crunchy corn and spice-kissed tomatoes, every component adds texture, depth, or zest to this delicious soup.
- Ground beef or ground turkey: Provides a rich, savory base and a hearty protein punch.
- Small onion, diced: Adds a mild sweetness and essential aromatics.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses deep, fragrant flavor that awakens the senses.
- Black beans, drained and rinsed: Bring creaminess and boost fiber and protein.
- Kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Add a bit of firmness and vibrant color to the soup.
- Corn, drained: Offers a slight natural sweetness and delightful pop in each bite.
- Diced tomatoes: Deliver a bright, juicy base with perfect acidity balance.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Spice things up subtly and add complexity.
- Taco seasoning packet: Blends cumin, chili powder, and other spices for signature taco flavor.
- Ranch dressing mix packet: Elevates the taste with tangy, herby notes.
- Beef broth or water: Creates a luscious, well-seasoned soup consistency.
- Salt and pepper: To fine-tune the flavors just to your liking.
- Optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, and cilantro: For added creaminess, freshness, and crunch at serving time.
How to Make Taco Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey along with the diced onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion turns soft, roughly 6 to 8 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for just about 30 seconds to release its fragrance. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from feeling greasy.
Step 2: Combine the Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes
Next, stir in the black beans, kidney beans, and corn, followed by the diced tomatoes and the diced tomatoes with green chilies. This combination introduces a wonderful medley of textures and flavors, building that classic taco-inspired base.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix, then pour in the beef broth or water. Give everything a good stir, bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to let all the ingredients meld together beautifully. This simmering step is where all those flavors deepen and the soup thickens up a bit.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Before you call it done, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. This final adjustment ensures every spoonful is perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Taco Soup Recipe
Garnishes
This Taco Soup Recipe truly shines with fresh, vibrant garnishes. A sprinkle of shredded cheese melting on top, a dollop of cool sour cream, creamy avocado slices, crunchy tortilla chips, and a handful of chopped cilantro all add layers of texture and flavor that turn a simple bowl into something spectacular.
Side Dishes
Pair the soup with warm cornbread or crispy tortilla chips for an inviting meal. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the rich flavors nicely, making your Taco Soup Recipe experience even more balanced and delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in colorful bowls with individual topping stations, so everyone can customize their bowl exactly how they like. Another fun idea is to use mini bread bowls for a charming presentation that’s perfect for casual dinners or entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Taco Soup Recipe is fantastic for leftovers. Simply cool the soup and transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days, and your delicious dinner is ready whenever you want it without any extra prep.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Make sure it cools completely before freezing, then thaw overnight in the fridge for an easy meal that tastes just as fresh as the day it was made.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often until warmed through. This slow reheating helps preserve the texture and flavor, ensuring your Taco Soup Recipe stays as delicious as when you first made it.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this Taco Soup Recipe if you’re looking for a lighter option without sacrificing protein or flavor.
Is this soup spicy?
This recipe has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the diced tomatoes with green chilies and taco seasoning. You can easily make it spicier by adding jalapeños or using hot taco seasoning.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, just brown the meat and sauté the onion and garlic first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours for a hands-off, flavorful meal.
Is this Taco Soup Recipe gluten-free?
It can be, but be sure to check your taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix packets to confirm they don’t contain gluten ingredients.
What can I serve with this soup to make it more filling?
Adding toppings like shredded cheese and avocado provide extra richness, or serve with warm tortillas and a side salad for a complete meal that will leave everyone satisfied.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Soup Recipe is one of those unbeatable dishes that brings warmth, flavor, and ease to your kitchen all at once. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or when you want a crowd-pleasing meal without the fuss. Give it a try soon and watch it become one of your go-to recipes—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Taco Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This hearty Taco Soup recipe combines ground beef, beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with flavorful taco and ranch seasonings, simmered to perfection on the stovetop. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights, and is easily customizable with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
- 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning
- 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch dressing mix
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Tortilla chips
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the Meat and Onion: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, ranch dressing mix, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Season to Taste: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite optional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, and cilantro.
Notes
- This soup is excellent for meal prep and freezes well for up to 3 months.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or use hot taco seasoning instead of mild.
- You can also prepare this recipe in a slow cooker by combining all ingredients and cooking on low for 4–6 hours.
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Check seasoning packets if you need the recipe to be gluten-free as some may contain gluten.
