What is a Taco Soup Recipe? This isn’t just any soup, this is the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out, makes your mouth water. House smell incredible, and somehow manages to please everyone, even the pickiest eaters. I always crave this when the first hints of fall hit the air. Think of it as the chili’s much easier, quicker, and arguably even more flavorful cousin. I don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This is my go-to snack. Is this a lifesaver on busy weekends?
What is Taco Soup?
Taco Soup is essentially a deconstructed taco in soup form. Seriously! What are some of the best tacos? GROUND BEEF, beans, corn, tomatoes, and a whole lot more. a whole lot of spices – simmered together in savory broth. What is the best part about a hug in tin? What are some great taco toppings? What is a taco you can eat with your spoon? Is it a classic for some reason?
Why do you like this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love about this Taco Soup Recipe is its sheer simplicity. Is this one of those recipes that you can throw together with pantry staples, making it perfect for a weeknight meal? Is there a night when I can’t go grocery shopping? The flavor is absolutely incredible – it’s savory, slightly spicy, and packed with all those extras. What are some of the best taco flavors? My kids ask for this all the time!
What is so amazing about this food? What’s the best way to use up leftover veggies? What are some of the best recipes to throw in a bowl? What are some good cheap canned beans, diced tomatoes, and ground beef? What are some good ways to save money? What is better than a Taco Soup Recipe? It’s lighter, faster, and just as satisfying. Trust me, you’ll love it.
How do I make Taco Soup?
Quick Overview
What is Taco Soup? What is the best way to brown Ground Beef, toss it in the remaining ingredients, and let it simmer until tender. Everything is nice and flavorful. How do you let the flavors meld together? Don’t rush this step! Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. What is the best one-pot meal?
Ingredients
What is Taco Soup?
* 1 pound ground beef (I prefer lean, but use what you have!)
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained.
* 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained.
* 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
* 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained.
* 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 packet taco seasoning
* 1 teaspoon chili powder (add more to taste)
* 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth, if that’s what you have) * 3 cups vegetable broth * 2 cups milk * 1-2 cups water * 1 cup soup *
* Salt and pepper to taste
For Toppings (optional, but highly recommended):
* Sour cream or Greek yogurt
* Shredded cheddar cheese
* Diced avocado
* Tortilla chips, crushed
* Chopped cilantro
* Diced red onion
How do I follow
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown ground beef over medium heat. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. I always use leaner ground beef to avoid too much grease, but honestly, whatever you have on hand, just use it. What is the best way to use
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot with the browned beef. Cover. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step is crucial for building flavor – don’t skip it!
Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the black beans, pinto beans and corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies, tomato paste, onion powder and pepper. Stir to combine. What are the ingredients for beef broth, taco seasoning, chili powder, and sauce? Add salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir.
Step 4: Simmer, Simmer, Simmer
Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, you can take a few minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. I often let mine simmer for an hour or two on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Just make sure to stir it occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
What is the best way to season a soup? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and chili powder to taste. Add a pinch of salt. Don’t be afraid to customize it to your liking!
Step 6: Serve and Top
What’s your favorite Taco Soup recipe? Sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, and chopped cilantro are all good ingredients. All fantastic options. My kids love piling on the toppings, so I always make sure to have a variety on hand.
What should I serve it with?
Taco Soup is pretty amazing on its own, but it’s even better with the right accompaniments.
For a casual weeknight dinner:What are some good side salads to serve with a light vinaigrette? Can you go wrong with some warm bread for dipping? My family loves scooping up soup with tortilla chips, too!
For a Game Day Gathering: What are some ideas?Serve the Taco Soup in a slow cooker to keep it warm throughout the game. What are some of the best toppings for a party? How do you serve ice cold margaritas?
For a Potluck: Taco Soup is always a hit at potlucks! It’s easy to transport and serve, and it can be made ahead of time. Just bring along a big bowl of tortilla chips and let everyone help themselves.
I’ve even served this with a dollop of my homemade guacamole and a side of cheesy quesadillas for a more complete meal. Seriously, the possibilities are endless! This Taco Soup Recipe is always a guaranteed success.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Taco Soup
Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but here are a few extra tips to take your Taco Soup to the next level:
Beef It Up: I like using lean ground beef, but you could also use ground turkey or even shredded chicken. For a vegetarian option, you can skip the meat altogether and add an extra can of beans or some diced vegetables like zucchini or squash.
Spice It Right: Don’t be afraid to play around with the spices. If you like it spicy, add more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a chopped jalapeño pepper. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of taco seasoning and chili powder.
Simmer Time is Key: As I mentioned before, the longer the soup simmers, the better the flavor will be. If you have the time, let it simmer for an hour or two. This allows all the flavors to meld together and creates a richer, more complex soup. I learned this the hard way – the first time I made it, I rushed the simmering process and the soup just didn’t have the same depth of flavor.
Topping Mania: The toppings are what really make this Taco Soup Recipe special. Don’t skimp on them! Sour cream, shredded cheese, diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, chopped cilantro, and diced red onion are all fantastic options. Get creative and add your own favorite toppings, too! I’ve even seen people add a dollop of guacamole or a spoonful of salsa.
Make it Ahead: Taco Soup is a great make-ahead meal. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually improve as it sits. Just reheat it before serving and add your favorite toppings.
Slow Cooker Magic: This recipe is also perfect for the slow cooker. Just brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you don’t have time to babysit the stove.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Taco Soup stores incredibly well.
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than a couple of hours. Bacteria can start to grow pretty quickly, so it’s best to get it into the fridge as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the Taco Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together even more. I use these containers that have a really good seal.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the Taco Soup. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Be sure to label the containers with the date so you know when you made it. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. I find that freezer bags lay flat and save space.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen). Then, transfer it to a pot and heat over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Just be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent it from splattering. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick.
Honestly, I’ve never had any issues with the quality of the soup after freezing. It tastes just as good as the day I made it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to Taco Soup Recipe that’s always a hit with my family and friends. I truly believe this is the best Taco Soup you’ll ever make. It’s incredibly easy, incredibly versatile, and incredibly delicious. The best part? It’s made with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my chili recipe or my enchilada soup recipe. Both are just as easy and just as flavorful!
I really can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any fun variations, be sure to share them with me – I’m always looking for new ideas! Happy cooking!
How to Make Taco Soup Recipe in Just 7 Simple Steps
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef Lean ground beef recommended
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning Low sodium
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes 14.5 oz can, undrained
- 1 can Black Beans 15 oz can, rinsed and drained
- 1 can Corn 15 oz can, drained
- 1 can Kidney Beans 15 oz can, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups Beef Broth Low sodium
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, kidney beans, and beef broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until flavors have melded.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and tortilla chips.
