Easy Taco Soup Recipe (with Video)

Easy Taco Soup Recipe: Taco soup is one of those meals that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even meal prep. It combines the bold flavors of tacos with the warmth of a comforting soup, making it a favorite for many. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort. You’ll have a delicious, hearty meal ready in under 30 minutes!

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started, this recipe is foolproof. Plus, it’s highly customizable—you can make it spicy, mild, creamy, or even vegetarian! Let’s dive in.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you need to make this easy taco soup:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
• 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 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (optional but adds great flavor)
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)

Optional Garnishes:

• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend)
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños
• Chopped cilantro
• Tortilla chips or strips
• Diced avocado

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner version.
• Swap canned corn for fresh or frozen corn.
• Prefer homemade seasoning? Use a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Kitchen Tools Required

Before you start, gather these essential kitchen tools:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Can opener
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Before cooking, drain and rinse the beans, corn, and any other canned ingredients. This helps remove excess sodium and ensures a fresh taste. Chop any additional toppings you plan to use, like avocado or cilantro.

Step 2: Cooking the Meat

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef (or turkey/chicken) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
3. Drain any excess grease to prevent the soup from being too oily.

Step 3: Adding the Seasonings and Liquids

1. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and ranch mix, stirring to coat the meat evenly.
2. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
3. Add the drained black beans, kidney beans, and corn. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Simmering the Soup

1. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
2. Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Serving and Garnishing

1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
2. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Taco Soup

• For extra flavor, sauté some onions and garlic before adding the meat.
• To make it creamier, stir in a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream.
• Want it spicier? Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder.
• If you like a thicker soup, mash some of the beans or let it simmer longer.

Variations of Taco Soup

Vegetarian Taco Soup

Skip the meat and use more beans or a meat substitute like lentils. Vegetable broth works great instead of beef broth.

Slow Cooker Version

• Brown the meat first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
• Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.

Instant Pot Version

• Sauté the meat using the “Sauté” function.
• Add all ingredients, seal the lid, and cook on HIGH pressure for 10 minutes.
• Quick-release the pressure and serve!

What to Serve with Taco Soup

• Warm cornbread or garlic bread
• Fresh salad with a lime vinaigrette
• Grilled cheese sandwiches
• Extra tortilla chips for dipping

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave.
• Freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.

FAQs about Easy Taco Soup Recipe

What type of meat works best for taco soup?

Ground beef is a popular choice for its rich flavor and easy preparation, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian twist, quinoa or black beans are excellent substitutes.

Can I make taco soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Taco soup is ideal for slow cooking. Just brown your meat if you’re using any, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

What are the best toppings for taco soup?

Enhance your taco soup with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced avocados, fresh cilantro, chopped onions, or tortilla chips for added crunch and flavor.

How can I make my taco soup spicier?

To kick up the heat, add diced jalapeños, increase the amount of chili powder, or include a dash of cayenne pepper when cooking. You can also offer hot sauce on the side for individuals to adjust their own spice level.

Is taco soup gluten-free?

Taco soup can easily be made gluten-free by ensuring that your taco seasoning and any broth used are free from gluten. Always check the labels if you’re catering to a gluten-sensitive diet.

How do I store leftover taco soup?

Leftover taco soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and only tastes better as the flavors meld. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

What makes this taco soup recipe easy?

This recipe is considered easy due to its simple preparation—most ingredients are just dumped and simmered, requiring minimal hands-on cooking time. It’s a great set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy days.

This FAQ section aims to provide valuable insights and practical tips while also being structured for easy reading and optimized with targeted keywords for better search engine rankings.