Taco soup is a flavorful, hearty dish that combines the best elements of tacos with the warmth and comfort of a homemade soup. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or lazy weekend meals, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and full of bold Tex-Mex flavors. The beauty of taco soup lies in its versatility you can customize it based on what you have in your pantry, and it’s easy to make in large batches for leftovers or freezing. Whether you’re feeding a big family or just want something satisfying and nourishing, taco soup is a delicious answer.
What Makes Taco Soup So Popular?
Flavorful and Filling
Taco soup combines ingredients like ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and a variety of spices to create a rich, savory, and slightly spicy soup that tastes like your favorite taco in a bowl. Topped with cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, or avocado, it brings all the classic taco toppings into the mix, making it both hearty and satisfying.
Easy to Prepare
This recipe is simple enough for even beginner cooks. With minimal chopping and mostly pantry staples, it comes together in under an hour and doesn’t require any complicated techniques. It’s ideal for slow cookers, stovetops, or even instant pots.
Highly Customizable
Whether you prefer chicken instead of beef, black beans instead of kidney beans, or want to make it vegetarian or vegan, taco soup adapts well to different tastes and dietary needs. You can also adjust the spice level easily depending on who you’re cooking for.
Ingredients for Classic Taco Soup
Essential Ingredients
Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make a basic but flavorful taco soup recipe that serves about 6 people:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (optional)
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken or vegetable broth)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Diced avocado
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Crushed tortilla chips or strips
- Jalapeño slices for extra heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Meat
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to prevent the soup from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 23 minutes until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Add Beans, Vegetables, and Seasoning
To the pot, add the drained black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes with chilies, and crushed tomatoes. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and ranch seasoning mix if using. Stir everything together to coat the ingredients with the spices.
Step 4: Pour in Broth
Add the beef broth and stir to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 2030 minutes. This will help all the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to suit your spice preference. If the soup is too thick, you can add more broth or water to thin it out slightly.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot taco soup into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings. The garnishes really elevate the soup and make each bowl customizable to taste.
Making Taco Soup in a Slow Cooker
If you prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach, taco soup works great in a slow cooker:
- Brown the ground beef with onion and garlic in a skillet first, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add all remaining ingredients, stir well, and cook on low for 68 hours or on high for 34 hours.
- Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
Tips for the Best Taco Soup
Homemade Taco Seasoning
For more control over sodium and spice levels, consider making your own taco seasoning. Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper to taste.
Storing and Freezing
Taco soup stores beautifully. Let it cool before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, and add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the consistency.
Make It Vegetarian or Vegan
To make a plant-based version, skip the meat and double up on beans or add lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and ensure that the seasoning packets are vegetarian-friendly or use homemade mixes.
Variations to Try
Chicken Taco Soup
Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or boneless chicken breasts. If using raw chicken, add it in the beginning and shred it once fully cooked.
Spicy Taco Soup
Use hot diced tomatoes with habaneros or jalapeños, add more chili powder or cayenne, and toss in fresh jalapeño slices for an extra kick.
Cheesy Taco Soup
Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or a block of Velveeta near the end of cooking for a creamy, cheesy twist. It turns the soup into a rich and indulgent version.
Serving Suggestions
While taco soup can stand alone as a complete meal, you can pair it with:
- Warm cornbread or corn muffins
- Fresh green salad with lime vinaigrette
- Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
- Quesadillas or cheese-stuffed tortillas
Taco soup is more than just a meal it’s a delicious, comforting bowl of flavor that brings people together. With its simple preparation, pantry-friendly ingredients, and bold, satisfying taste, it’s no wonder this recipe has earned a permanent place in many households. Whether you make it mild or spicy, beefy or vegetarian, taco soup is the perfect answer to a cozy night in or a hearty family dinner. Try this easy recipe, top it your way, and enjoy every flavorful spoonful.