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.
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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
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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 213 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

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 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 can I use to thicken taco soup? ›

Add Cornstarch or Flour

If you want to thicken up your taco soup quickly, cornstarch or flour could be your best friends. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with equal parts water in a small bowl until smooth.

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.

How do you take the heat out of taco soup? ›

Scoop a dollop of sour cream into your bowl of soup and stir it into the broth. The fat in the sour cream will help mask the spices and make your soup creamier. If the soup still tastes too spicy, drop in more sour cream until it's palatable. Sour cream works well for chili, chowder, and taco soup.

What gives soup the best flavor? ›

Foods that have a great deal of acidity, like lemon juice, vinegar, white wine, and tomato puree, can help liven up the flavor of bland-tasting bone and other broths. "The acidity of these ingredients works to complement and enhance the broth's flavors, not mask it.

What is the most important ingredient in soup? ›

For clear, brothy soups, stock is your most important ingredient. If you want to make a good soup, you need to use an excellently flavored stock — otherwise, the entire pot could be tasteless.

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. Additionally, mushroom broth or a combination of vegetable broth and beef bouillon can also work well as substitutes.

Is it better to thicken soup with flour or cornstarch? ›

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.

Why is it called birria? ›

The Spanish were said to not be too fond of goat meat because of its strong, gamey flavor (similar to but less intense than lamb) and tough texture that required a long, slow cooking time. The term birria comes from an old Spanish word that was used to describe something with no value or of poor quality.

What cut of meat is birria? ›

Beef! Beef birria recipes really vary a lot in terms of what cut of beef they call for. We favor chuck roast, which is ideal for a low-and-slow braise like this. Plus, it's not usually too expensive.

What animal is birria tacos from? ›

Birria is a Mexican dish from the state of Jalisco. It is most authentically made with goat meat. When Hernan Cortes and the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the area that would become modern-day Mexico, they brought with them European livestock, including goats.

Is it OK to leave taco soup out overnight? ›

Food should not be at room temperature for more than two hours. Shallow containers or small amounts of hot food can be placed directly in the refrigerator or rapidly chilled in an ice or cold water bath before refrigerating. Cover foods to retain moisture and prevent them from picking up odors from other foods.

Can you add milk to soup? ›

Yes, you can definitely add cream to your soup. Whether you use a few tablespoons or a few cups, cream gives soup a silky mouthfeel and rich flavor. You can definitely add milk or other dairy as well, though it will taste gradually less creamy as you go down in percent.

Does adding potatoes reduce spices? ›

Bulk up the Recipe to Dilute the Spice

Protein can help thin out the spicy ingredients as long as they haven't been preseasoned with the same heat-building ingredients. Starches like potatoes, rice, pasta, and bread work to soak up and diffuse spiciness without adding distinct flavors that may alter the recipe.

How to get depth of flavor in soup? ›

Garlic and roasted onions add depth. Simmering mushrooms down concentrates flavors for mushroom soup. Simmering most vegetables down also adds more concentrated flavors and reduces the water in them. Herbs, salt and pepper also help.

Why put apple cider vinegar in soup? ›

Add a splash or two of ACV when the soup is done cooking. The vinegar helps lift and highlight flavors.

What ingredient can be added to a soup to make it thicker and richer? ›

Add Flour Or Cornstarch

You can thicken soup by adding flour, cornstarch, or another starchy substitute. For the best results, never add flour or cornstarch directly to your soup. If you do, it will clump up on top. Instead, ladle a small amount of broth into a separate bowl and let it cool.

References

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