Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a secret weapon. It’s called 5-Ingredient Taco Soup, and it’s a total game-changer on those nights when you’re staring into the fridge wondering where dinner is going to magically appear from. You know those nights, right? It’s even simpler than my famous chili recipe – and that’s saying something! This is the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve actually accomplished something, even if all you did was open a few cans. Plus, the smell wafting through the house? Forget about it. My family practically inhales this stuff. I swear, even my pickiest eater asks for seconds. And honestly? I don’t blame them. It’s *that* good.
What is Taco Soup?
Think of it as the superhero version of taco night, but in soup form. It’s essentially a warm, comforting hug in a bowl, packed with all the flavors you love about tacos – savory beef, zesty tomatoes, hearty beans, and a kick of spice – without all the fuss of individual shells and toppings. It’s so ridiculously easy that it almost feels like cheating, but trust me, the flavor is anything but simple. My grandma used to make a version of this for us kids, and while her’s had a few *more* ingredients, I think this streamlined version captures the spirit perfectly. This recipe is really all about embracing simple, delicious, and satisfying food.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, let me count the ways! What I love most about this 5-Ingredient Taco Soup is that it tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen, when in reality, it takes about 15 minutes to throw together. Seriously!
- Flavor Bomb: This soup is bursting with flavor. The combination of the seasoned ground beef, the tomatoes, and the taco seasoning creates this incredible depth that just keeps you coming back for more.
- Insanely EasyDid I mention it only has five ingredients? Five! Is it so easy for a 10-year-old to make it herself? What is a lifesaver on busy weeknights?
- Budget friendlyAll of the ingredients are pantry staples that won’t break the bank. How do I feed a crowd without spending tens of thousands of dollars? I always stock up on these ingredients when they’re on sale so I can whip this up whenever the need arises.
- Super Versatile.: You can customize this soup to your heart’s content. Add your favorite toppings, swap out the beef for chicken or turkey, or throw in some extra veggies. What are some good ways to keep a cold the next day? I think it gets better over time.
Honestly, I’ve tried tons of Taco Soup recipes over the years, but this one is my go-to because it’s so quick and easy without sacrificing any of the flavor. It’s way more satisfying than just plain old tomato soup and it’s infinitely more exciting than staring at a bowl of cereal when you just can’t be bothered to cook.
How do I make Taco Soup?
Quick Overview
What is Taco Soup? If you brown Ground Beef, dump everything else in the pot and let it simmer until it is tender. It’s all warm and bubbly. What is the beauty of this method is in its simplicity – no complicated techniques, no fancy equipment, just simple, simple and effective. Pure, unadulterated deliciousness What do you want at the end of a long day?
Ingredients
What is the recipe for Delicious Soup?
- 1 pound ground beef: How many pounds of ground I usually use 80/20 for extra flavor, but you can use leaner ground beef if you prefer. Is it safe to cook ground turkey or chicken? Is ground chorizo good for cooking?
- 1 can of black beans, undrained: Don’t drain them! What is the best way to thicken soup? I always have a can of black beans in my pantry.
- What is the best way to drain corn? The sweetness of corn balances out the spice perfectly. I sometimes use frozen corn if I have it on hand.
- What are some good ways to use crushed tomatoes in soup? I like crushed tomatoes, but I prefer the smoothness of the crushed.
- 1 packet taco seasoning: Use your favorite brand! I like to use a low-sodium version so I can control the saltiness of the soup. And sometimes, if I’m feeling ambitious, I’ll make my own taco seasoning blend. But honestly? The packet is just so easy!
What are the steps to
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown Ground Beef over medium-high heat. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. I always add a little bit of olive oil to the pot to prevent the beef from sticking. Pro tip: Add some water to avoid burning. How do you brown beef?
Step 2: Drain the Fat
Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess fat. Nobody wants greasy soup! I usually just tilt the pot and use a spoon to scoop out the fat. What is the best way to wash your hands with a colander?
Step 3: Add the Good Stuff
Add the black beans, corn, crushed tomatoes, and taco seasoning to the pot. Stir well. Stir everything together until well combined. At this point, the aroma should be making your stomach rumble!
Step 4: Simmer and Serve
Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or longer if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. And honestly, sometimes I let it simmer for an hour or two, stirring occasionally. It just gets better and better. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
What to Serve It With
What to Serve It With
Okay, so the soup itself is amazing, but the toppings are what really take it over the top. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:
- For a Classic Taco Night Feel:What are some good side dishes to serve with guacamole?
- For a Little Extra Crunch: Add some crushed tortilla chips or Fritos. This is a great way to use up those broken chips at the bottom of the bag.
- For a Spicy Kick:I love Cholula!
- For a Fresh Touch: Garnish with chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice. This brightens up the flavors and adds a nice zing.
We usually serve this with a big side of cornbread or some warm tortillas. It’s also great with a simple salad. Honestly, anything goes! It is REALLY good with a Grilled Cheese sandwich. I know, it sounds weird, but trust me on this one.
How do I make Taco Soup?
What are some of the best Taco Soup recipes?
- Don’t skimp on the browning: you can get As I mentioned before, browning the ground beef is key to developing the flavor of the soup. Make sure to let it get nice and brown before draining the fat. I’ve even been known to add a little bit of beef bouillon to the beef while it’s browning for an extra umami kick!
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.Taco seasoning packets can vary in saltiness and spice level. Start with the recommended amount and then add more to taste. I always taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you want it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you want it smokier, add a dash of smoked paprika. I always have a jar of my homemade taco seasoning ready to go.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings.What makes this soup so versatile? What are some of the best ways to use crumbled bacon?
- Make it ahead of time: This soup is even better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prepping. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I find that the flavors meld together even more overnight, making it even more delicious.
- Add some veggies: This soup is great as is, but you can easily add some extra veggies to make it even healthier. Diced onions, bell peppers, and zucchini all work well. Just add them to the pot along with the black beans, corn, and crushed tomatoes. You can even throw in a handful of spinach or kale at the end for a boost of nutrients.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will affect the flavor of the soup. Use good-quality ground beef and taco seasoning. Trust me, you can taste the difference!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store and reheat your leftover 5-Ingredient Taco Soup:
- Room Temperature: I wouldn’t leave it out for more than two hours. Just to be safe!
- Refrigerator Storage: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s great for meal prepping or quick lunches. I usually pack it in individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
- Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the soup in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. I like to freeze it in individual portions so I can thaw out only what I need. This is a great way to have a quick and easy dinner on hand at all times.
To reheat, simply microwave the soup until heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat. If the soup is too thick, add a little bit of water or broth to thin it out. And don’t forget the toppings!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my super-easy, super-delicious 5-Ingredient Taco Soup. I seriously can’t recommend this recipe enough. It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s budget-friendly, and it’s bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner for busy families or anyone who just wants a comforting bowl of soup. And if you love this, definitely check out my other soup recipes – I’ve got a whole bunch of winners! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to share your own variations – I’m always looking for new ideas! Happy cooking!
5-Ingredient Taco Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 2 cans diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can corn drained
- 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning mix and stir well to evenly coat the beef.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips.
