Easy Taco Soup Recipe (2024)

This hearty Taco Soup recipe bursts with crave-worthy Mexican flavors, and then it comes together in just 30 minutes. After only 10 minutes of prep work, it’s easy to serve up a warm bowl of this soup loaded with ground beef, tomatoes, corn, beans, and a quick homemade taco seasoning.

Like our Slow Cooker Beef Chili, this is the perfect bowl of comfort for cooler weather, and it also has the same crowd-pleasing flavors as our irresistible Taco Salad. This Taco Soup is the best of both!

Easy Taco Soup Recipe (1)

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The Best Taco Soup Recipe

We love all foods Mexican around here. Whether it’s Chicken Fajitas, Fish Tacos,or even Ceviche, Mexican-inspired recipes are always on rotation. This taco soup is a great substitute for Taco Tuesday when you want tacos yet something hot and satisfying.

But if you need more reasons to try this easy taco soup, here are some convincing points:

  • Easy, 30-minute meal and a 1-pot recipe for fast cleanup
  • Simple ingredients found in your pantry and versatile (you can change it up)
  • Make-Ahead – Reheats and freezes well (see storage tips below)
Easy Taco Soup Recipe (2)

Ingredients

These taco soup ingredients are mostly found in your pantry, and then we just add a quick homemade taco seasoning for that authentic Mexican flavor:

  • Taco Seasoning – Prepare our homemade taco seasoning (which is easy), or use your favorite store-bought taco seasoning packet
  • Ground Beef – Use lean ground beef 85-90% for best taste. Since we’re using lean ground beef, add a little oil to keep it from sticking to the pan
  • Onion – White or yellow. White onion is often used in Mexican cooking, but white and yellow onions are generally interchangeable
  • Bell Pepper – 1/2 of each of red and green peppers, gives great flavor and color to the soup, but you can use 1 whole pepper of either color in a pinch.
  • Garlic – adds great flavor and aromatics
  • Beans – We prefer kidney beans or pinto beans, but you can use black beans or even garbanzo beans if you prefer
  • Corn – canned, fresh, or frozen will work
  • Tomatoes – diced tomatoes work great here, but you can substitute canned diced tomatoes or 2 jars of Rotel (canned tomatoes with green chilis) depending on how spicy you like your soup
  • Beef Broth – We use low sodium to control the salt in the soup

Pro Tip

Be sure to rinse your canned beans and corn before adding them to the soup as they can be high in salt. Rinsing canned vegetables is recommended to reduce the salt content. It’s better to season the soup yourself, adding salt to taste.

Easy Taco Soup Recipe (3)

Substitutions

Taco soup is super forgiving and versatile. Try some of these substitutions to make it your own:

  • For added heat, chop jalapeños to add with the garlic, or afterward, add Sriracha or hot sauce at the end
  • Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding or reducing the amount of broth, or adding an extra can of beans for a thicker soup. Also, you could even use refried beans
  • Swap the protein, instead of ground beef, try ground turkey, pork, or chicken. For shredded chicken, check out this recipe for our Chicken Tortilla Soup

How to Make Taco Soup

See how easy it is to serve the best taco soup recipe in just 30 minutes:

  • Taco Seasoning – Mix the taco seasoning ingredients and set aside.
  • Heat oil in a Dutch oven and sauté the ground beef. Then, add just a touch of taco seasoning to season the meat.
  • Chop the onion and cube the pepper and tomatoes.
  • Add the vegetables, remaining ingredients, and seasoning to the cooked ground beef. Simmer on low for 12-15 minutes, and then serve hot.
Easy Taco Soup Recipe (4)

Don’t Forget Dessert!

After the soup, don’t forget to finish the meal with a Mexican-inspired sweet treat like Churros, Flan, or Tres Leches Cake.

What is the difference between chili and taco soup?

Taco soup and chili have similar ingredients but the main difference is in consistency and seasonings. Taco soup is thinner than chili. We use Taco Seasoning for taco soup because it lends a traditional Mexican flavor.

Can I make Taco Soup in a slow cooker?

Sure! After sautéing the meat in step two, transfer the cooked meat and the rest of the ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Is Taco Soup low carb?

As written, this Taco Soup recipe isn’t low-carb, but with a few tweaks, it could fit a low-carb, keto diet. Omit the beans and any carb-heavy toppings, like tortilla strips.

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Toppings for Taco Soup

We love adding all our favorite taco toppings when serving taco soup, and we like serving the toppings in individual bowls on the table just like you would with tacos. Here are a few toppings to try:

  • Tortilla chips or crushed Doritos
  • A dollop of sour cream
  • Diced avocado or guacamole
  • Cheddar or Mexican cheese
  • Fresh cilantro or chopped green onions
  • Lime wedges
  • Warm Homemade Tortillas
Easy Taco Soup Recipe (6)

This recipe brings together two amazing recipes in one: Beef Tacos and soup, a perfect combination. You are totally in for a treat with this quick taco soup.

Make-Ahead

Taco soup keeps really well, so you won’t waste a single drop!

  • To Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
  • Freezing: Transfer the soup into freezer-friendly containers or use freezer zip-top bags. In fact, we like to freeze in single-serving portions for easy defrosting.
  • To Reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight, and then reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

More Easy Soup Recipes

If you loved this taco soup recipe, check out these fan-favorite soup recipes for your next meal:

Easy Taco Soup Recipe

5 from 211 votes

Author: Valentina Ablaev

Easy Taco Soup Recipe (8)

The easiest homemade taco soup recipe loaded with ground beef, beans, corn, pepper and tomatoes with a homemade taco seasoning. Top soup with cheese, avocado, cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 20 minutes mins

Total Time: 30 minutes mins

Ingredients

Servings: 6 servings

Taco Soup:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • ½ red bell pepper, diced
  • ½ green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Tbsp Taco Seasoning, or 1 packet of store-bought taco seasoning
  • 16 oz can beans, , drained (kidney or pinto)
  • 1 cup corn, canned, freshly or frozen
  • 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, diced, from about 1 lb fresh tomatoes*
  • 2 cups beef broth

Instructions

  • Make Taco Seasoning or measure out 2 Tbsp of storebought taco seasoning from 1 packet.

  • In a Dutch oven, heat oil. Once hot, add the ground beef, onion, and bell peppers and sauté until the beef is browned, breaking it up with a spatula as you cook. Spoon out any excess fat.

  • Add garlic and Taco Seasoning, and stir for another minute.

  • Add beans, corn, tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low, cover, and keep at a simmer for for 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper to taste, or add more taco seasoning.

  • Serve soup hot with your desired toppings.

Notes

*For a spicier taco soup, add a finely chopped jalapeno when the garlic is added. You can also add a little more spicey substituting the fresh tomatoes with 2 cans of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilis.

Nutrition Per Serving

267kcal Calories22g Carbs22g Protein11g Fat4g Saturated Fat1g Polyunsaturated Fat5g Monounsaturated Fat0.5g Trans Fat49mg Cholesterol461mg Sodium815mg Potassium6g Fiber5g Sugar804IU Vitamin A30mg Vitamin C44mg Calcium3mg Iron

  • Full Nutrition Label
  • Nutrition Disclosure

Nutrition Facts

Easy Taco Soup Recipe

Amount per Serving

Calories

267

% Daily Value*

Fat

11

g

17

%

Saturated Fat

4

g

25

%

Trans Fat

0.5

g

Polyunsaturated Fat

1

g

Monounsaturated Fat

5

g

Cholesterol

49

mg

16

%

Sodium

461

mg

20

%

Potassium

815

mg

23

%

Carbohydrates

22

g

7

%

Fiber

6

g

25

%

Sugar

5

g

6

%

Protein

22

g

44

%

Vitamin A

804

IU

16

%

Vitamin C

30

mg

36

%

Calcium

44

mg

4

%

Iron

3

mg

17

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Keyword: taco soup

Skill Level: Easy

Cost to Make: $$

Calories: 267

Valentina Ablaev

Easy Taco Soup Recipe (9)

I am Valentina, the creator behind the food blog Valentina’s Corner where I share our family’s favorite recipes. When I am not in the kitchen, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and 5 children. We invite you to join us on our blogging journey!

Read more posts by Valentina

Easy Taco Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is taco soup made of? ›

Ingredients
  • 3 pounds ground beef.
  • 2 onions, chopped.
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans.
  • 2 (16 ounce) packages frozen corn kernels.
  • 3 (10 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chile peppers.
  • 6 serrano peppers, crushed.
  • 1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning mix.
  • 1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix.

What can I use to thicken taco soup? ›

Turn To Refried Beans To Thicken And Boost The Flavor Of Your Taco Soup. If you're looking to upgrade your taco soup into a rich, creamy meal, you could turn to tried-and-true thickeners like cream cheese, heavy cream, flour, or corn starch.

What is Mexican soup made of? ›

Tortilla soup is Mexican soup. Name from fine corn tortilla pieces submerged in a broth of tomato ,garlic, onion,and chili de Arbol and epazote. Served with sour cream fresh avocado, fresh cheese cubes, and pieces of pasillia chilies.

What is the ingredient that most soups begin with? ›

The base of your flavor in a soup comes from the vegetables and other ingredients you add at the beginning, called aromatics. The traditional flavor base in French and American soups is called mirepoix, a mix of diced onions, carrots, and celery in 2:1:1 proportion (twice as much onion as carrot or celery).

Why is my taco soup so watery? ›

There are several reasons why taco soup may turn out thin and watery. One common reason is using too much broth or liquid in the soup. Additionally, not simmering the soup for long enough can lead to a thin consistency.

What is Birria taco soup made of? ›

Birria is a traditional soup that originated in Jalisco, Mexico. It is a rich stew that's typically made with either goat or lamb. But now, beef (rez) is the most commonly used meat. It's traditionally served in a consomé broth, along with a mixture of white onion, cilantro and fresh lime juice.

What is a substitute for beef broth in taco soup? ›

What can I use as a beef broth substitute in soups and stews? In soups and stews, you can use a combination of water and soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to mimic the savory flavor of beef broth.

Is corn starch or flour better for thickening soup? ›

It's important to note that cornstarch has twice the thickening power of flour. If you need to substitute cornstarch to thicken liquid in a recipe that calls for ¼ cup (four tablespoons) flour, you only need two tablespoons cornstarch.

How do you reduce the spice in taco soup? ›

Try mixing in a spoonful of honey or sugar to cut the spice with sweetness. Sometimes, a sweet flavor can counteract spiciness and make your soup taste more balanced. Only add in a spoonful at a time and mix it into the broth.

What is the most popular soup in Mexico? ›

Of course, pozole is one of the most famous Mexican soups, so we have three variations below, including a vegan version that comes together quickly in the Instant Pot—great for weeknight meals, or any time you're in a rush. All of these soups and more await your hungry eyes below.

What is the origin of taco soup? ›

Although the exact origin of tortilla soup is unknown, it is known that it comes from the Mexico City area in Mexico. Traditional tortilla soup is made with chicken broth combined with roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic, chiles and tortillas, cut into strips and fried.

What are the 4 ingredients that feature in many Mexican dishes? ›

The most popular Mexican ingredients are beans, rice, avocado and limes. They're utilized in nearly every dish, from hearty enchilada casseroles to creamy drinks like horchata. Read on to learn the top ingredients in Mexican cooking and to find some recipe inspiration for your next taco or burrito night at home!

What is the No 1 soup in the world? ›

According to the Taste Atlas Awards, the international food database, the Filipino favorite, Sinigang, is hailed as the best soup in the world.

What is the secret ingredient in soup? ›

It may sound a bit strange and unusual for some, but vinegar is a common ingredient in some soup recipes, and there is a good reason for it. If you think about it, vinegar is really a flavor-enhancer (umami). That's why it is so often used in cooking, sauces, and salad dressings. The same is true with soups.

What's the secret to a good soup? ›

To make sure that every spoonful of soup is richly flavored, with juicy meat and/or tender vegetables, follow these kitchen-tested tips.
  • Use a Sturdy Pot. ...
  • Sauté the Aromatics. ...
  • Start with Good Broth. ...
  • Cut Vegetables to the Right Size. ...
  • Stagger the Addition of Vegetables. ...
  • Keep Liquid at a Simmer. ...
  • Season Just Before Serving.
Oct 9, 2022

What is tortilla soup made of? ›

Chicken tortilla soup actually is an authentic Mexican dish. The traditional soup is made with chicken broth, tomatoes, garlic, onion, chiles, and fried tortilla strips. There are also variations of the soup, like ones that include beans.

Does taco soup have a lot of calories? ›

Every serving has 18 grams of protein, only 210 calories, and tons of a super filling veggies. Like any dump soup, you can add just about anything you want with minimal impact on flavor.

What is soup made of? ›

soup, liquid food prepared by cooking meat, poultry, fish, legumes, or vegetables with seasonings in water, stock, milk, or some other liquid medium.

What is a Mexican soup made from tripe? ›

Menudo pancita ([little] gut or [little] stomach) or mole de panza ("stomach sauce"), is a traditional Mexican soup, made with cow's stomach (tripe) in broth with a red chili pepper base.

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