This taco soup recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that brings all the best flavors of tacos into a comforting soup. Packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and bold seasonings, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve it with your favorite taco toppings for an irresistible meal that’s ready in no time!
Ingredients You’ll Need Taco Soup Recipe
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Diced avocado
- Fresh cilantro
- Tortilla chips or strips
- Sliced jalapeños
How to Make Taco Soup Recipe
- Cook the Ground Meat:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the Base Ingredients:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, kidney beans, corn, taco seasoning, broth, and water. Mix well.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite taco toppings. Enjoy with tortilla chips on the side for a crunchy bite.
Serving Suggestions Taco Soup Recipe
This taco soup pairs well with:
- Cornbread: A sweet and savory complement to the soup’s spices.
- Rice: Serve over a bed of steamed rice for a heartier meal.
- Salad: A fresh side salad balances the flavors beautifully.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a great weeknight dinner.
- Customizable: Swap out the beans, add ground chicken, or spice it up with extra jalapeños.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for a future meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Taco Soup
- Add Spice: Adjust the heat level by adding red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
- Balance the Flavors: A squeeze of lime juice before serving brightens the flavors.
- Use Homemade Seasoning: For more control over the flavor, make your own taco seasoning with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Storing and Reheating Taco Soup
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely and freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
