Hearty & Easy Taco Soup Recipe

Updated on: December 17, 2025

Close-up of a hearty bowl of taco soup recipe, garnished with sour cream, cheese, green onions, and cilantro.

Get ready to discover a delicious, comforting meal that comes together in a flash. This taco soup recipe is a true weeknight hero, packed with robust flavors and hearty ingredients. You will love how simple it is to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings or when you need a satisfying dish without a lot of fuss. We’ll guide you through every step to create this crowd-pleasing favorite.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Taco Soup Recipe

Quick and effortless preparation: You can have this incredible soup ready from start to finish in less than 30 minutes, freeing up your precious evening time.
Bursting with vibrant flavors: Each spoonful delivers a delicious blend of seasoned ground meat, rich tomatoes, hearty beans, and a hint of spice. This makes every bite incredibly satisfying.
Versatile for custom toppings: Personalize your bowl with an array of toppings like cheese, sour cream, and avocado, allowing everyone to build their perfect meal.
Perfect for weeknight meals: This easy taco soup recipe is a go-to for busy families who crave warmth and flavor after a long day. It truly simplifies dinner time.
Family-friendly crowd-pleaser: Even the pickiest eaters often ask for seconds of this flavorful and comforting soup, making it a guaranteed hit at your dinner table.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your next favorite taco soup recipe. You’ll find most of these staples already in your pantry!

1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
4 cloves garlic, minced (or substitute 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
28 ounce can crushed tomatoes, undrained
4 ounce can diced green chiles
15 ounce can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
17 ounce can corn, drained
2 cups low-sodium beef broth

For Serving:

Tortilla chips, or Fritos
Sour cream
Shredded cheese
Green onions, chopped
Avocado, chopped
Hot sauce
Fresh cilantro

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this delightful taco soup to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to make it your own!

Ground Beef: Swap the lean ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten the dish without sacrificing flavor. Both options work beautifully in this hearty soup.
Beans: If kidney beans aren’t your favorite, feel free to use pinto beans or cannellini beans instead. Any canned bean variety will add excellent texture and fiber.
Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide a smooth base, but diced tomatoes or fire-roasted diced tomatoes can add more texture and a smoky depth. Choose based on your preference.
Broth: Chicken broth makes an excellent substitute for beef broth if that is what you have available. Vegetable broth also works if you are aiming for a vegetarian base.
Spices: Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the heat level to your liking. Add an extra pinch for more warmth or reduce it for a milder flavor.
Corn: Fresh or frozen corn kernels are fantastic additions if you prefer them over canned. Simply add them in during the simmering stage.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools to make this straightforward taco soup. Gather these basic kitchen items before you begin cooking.

Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Essential for browning the meat and simmering all the ingredients together comfortably. A sturdy pot ensures even cooking.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and breaking up the ground meat as it cooks. It also helps prevent scratching your pot.
Can opener: Needed for effortlessly opening all the canned ingredients, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring your spices and broth, ensuring the perfect balance of flavors in your taco soup recipe.

Instructions

Creating this flavorful taco soup recipe is a breeze with these step-by-step instructions. Follow along and you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time.

Prep Ingredients: Before you start cooking, take a moment to gather all your listed ingredients. Open the cans, mince the garlic, and measure out your spices. This essential step, called mise en place, makes the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable, especially for beginners.
Brown Meat: Place your large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef to the hot pot. Use your wooden spoon or spatula to break up the meat as it browns. Cook until no pink remains, ensuring it is fully cooked through.
Drain Excess Fat: Once the beef is fully browned, carefully drain any rendered fat from the pot. This step helps to reduce the greasiness and keeps your taco soup lighter and healthier. You can do this by tilting the pot and spooning out the fat, or by transferring the meat to a colander.
Add Aromatics & Spices: Return the drained beef to the pot if you removed it. Stir in the minced garlic and all the dry seasonings: chili powder, ground cumin, salt, dried oregano, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. This brief toasting enhances their flavor.
Combine Remaining Ingredients: Now, it’s time to add the rest of the hearty ingredients to the pot. Pour in the undrained crushed tomatoes, diced green chiles, rinsed and drained kidney beans, rinsed and drained black beans, and drained corn. Finally, stir in the low-sodium beef broth. Mix everything together thoroughly, making sure all ingredients are well combined.
Bring to a Simmer: Increase the heat slightly to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Watch for small bubbles to appear on the surface. This step helps to heat all the cold ingredients evenly and starts the cooking process.
Simmer Soup: Once it reaches a low boil, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let the taco soup simmer gently for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally during this time to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure flavors meld perfectly. Simmering allows all the wonderful spices to infuse into the soup base.
Taste and Adjust: After 20 minutes of simmering, remove the lid and give the soup a taste. This is your chance to adjust the seasonings. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or chili powder to suit your personal preference for this delicious taco soup.
Serve Hot: Ladle the hot taco soup into bowls. Garnish generously with your favorite toppings like crunchy tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh avocado, green onions, a dash of hot sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Enjoy your homemade, comforting meal!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Elevate your homemade taco soup or troubleshoot common issues with these helpful suggestions. These tips ensure your meal is always a success.

For optimal food safety, the USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Flavor Boost: For an even deeper flavor in your taco soup, toast the dry spices like chili powder and cumin in a dry pan for a minute before adding them to the beef. This technique truly awakens their aromatic qualities.
Thicker Soup: If you prefer a heartier, thicker soup, try mashing a portion of the beans or corn directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the simmering soup to thicken it.
Make Ahead: This taco soup is an ideal make-ahead meal because its flavors actually improve overnight. Prepare it a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and simply reheat gently before serving for an even more robust taste.
Freezing: Freeze individual portions of the cooled soup in airtight containers or freezer bags for quick, convenient meals later on. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Too Salty: If you accidentally over-salt your soup, add a few raw potato slices to the pot during the last 10 minutes of simmering. The potato will absorb some of the excess salt; just remember to remove them before serving your taco soup.
Spice Level: Easily adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder. For an extra kick, consider adding a diced jalapeño pepper along with the garlic in step 4.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile taco soup recipe offers many possibilities for serving, storing, and customizing. Make it your own every time!

Serving Suggestions: Serve your warm taco soup with a side of crispy tortilla chips for dipping, or accompany it with warm cornbread for a comforting touch. A simple green salad can also balance the meal beautifully.
Topping Ideas: Transform your soup into a vibrant culinary experience with an array of toppings. Offer shredded cheddar cheese, cooling sour cream, fresh chopped avocado, zesty cilantro, or thinly sliced green onions for a customizable bowl. Don’t forget a dash of your favorite hot sauce!
Storage: Store any leftover taco soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it perfect for delicious lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Freezing: This taco soup freezes beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for batch cooking. Freeze cooled portions in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to three months for convenient future meals.
Vegetarian Version: Easily convert this into a vegetarian taco soup by substituting the ground beef with plant-based crumbles. Ensure you use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully meat-free option.
Slow Cooker: Adapt this recipe for your slow cooker by browning the meat and draining fat first. Then, combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until heated through and flavors have melded.
Instant Pot: For an Instant Pot version, use the sauté function to brown the meat. Add the remaining ingredients, secure the lid, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.

Nutrition Information

This homemade taco soup offers a wholesome and balanced meal, packed with beneficial nutrients. While exact figures vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, we can provide general estimates.

This recipe is generally rich in protein from the ground beef and fiber from the various beans. Tomatoes contribute essential vitamins like Vitamin C and lycopene. To reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium broth and rinse canned beans thoroughly. For a lower-fat option, ensure you use lean ground beef or turkey and drain all excess fat.

Nutrient	Per Serving (Estimate)
Calories	350-400 kcal
Protein	25-30 g
Fat	15-20 g
Carbohydrates	30-35 g
Fiber	8-10 g
Sodium	600-800 mg

Research from the Cleveland Clinic highlights that black beans are a great source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, which can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Learn more about the benefits of black beans.

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary significantly based on specific brands, preparation methods, and ingredient substitutions. This table is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional nutritional advice.

FAQ

You’ve got questions about this delicious taco soup recipe, and we’ve got answers! Find quick solutions to common queries here.

Can I make taco soup ahead of time? Absolutely, this taco soup is perfect for meal prep. Its flavors often deepen and improve significantly after resting in the refrigerator overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
What kind of meat is best? Lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) is ideal for a rich flavor, but ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent, healthier alternatives. All choices work wonderfully in this versatile soup.
Can I use fresh vegetables? Yes, you can certainly incorporate fresh vegetables. Add fresh corn kernels, diced bell peppers, or onions when you sauté the garlic for extra freshness and nutrients in your soup.
Is taco soup spicy? The spice level of this taco soup is completely adjustable to your preference. You can easily increase or decrease the chili powder and add hot sauce or jalapeños to control the heat.
How long does taco soup last? When stored properly in an airtight container, your homemade taco soup will last safely for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. It’s a fantastic option for planned leftovers.
Can I freeze taco soup? Yes, taco soup freezes beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for batch cooking. Freeze cooled portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months for convenient future meals.

Conclusion

This hearty and easy taco soup recipe truly delivers on flavor and simplicity. It is the ideal meal for busy parents and beginners alike, proving that delicious home cooking doesn’t need to be complicated. We hope you feel confident to whip up this satisfying dish in your own kitchen soon. Give this recipe a try tonight, share your creations with us, and tell us your favorite toppings in the comments below! Enjoy every comforting spoonful.