There’s nothing better than a big bowl of warm, comforting soup—especially when it’s packed with bold taco flavors and requires minimal effort. This Taco Soup with Ground Beef is the perfect weeknight dinner when you need something hearty, delicious, and satisfying. It has everything you love about tacos—seasoned beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and a rich broth—all in one cozy bowl. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means fewer dishes to wash (and who doesn’t love that?).
Whether you’re making it for a busy family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a warm and flavorful meal, this taco soup will not disappoint. It’s incredibly easy to throw together with pantry staples and can be customized with your favorite toppings. So, grab a big pot, and let’s get cooking!
Getting Started: What You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple the ingredients are. You probably have most of these in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful taco soup:
Ingredients for the Soup:
- Ground beef – The heart of this recipe! It gives the soup a rich, meaty flavor.
- Onion & garlic – These aromatics add depth and make the soup extra flavorful.
- Diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and corn – The perfect combination of textures and flavors. Be sure to drain and rinse the beans and corn before adding them to the soup.
- Diced green chilies – These add a mild kick without overpowering the dish.
- Tomato sauce & broth – The base of the soup, making it thick and comforting. You can use beef or chicken broth depending on what you have on hand.
- Taco seasoning – A store-bought packet works great, or you can use homemade taco seasoning if you prefer.
- Salt and pepper – To season and balance the flavors.
Toppings (Optional but Highly Recommended!):
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
- Fresh cilantro
- Crunchy tortilla chips or strips
- A squeeze of fresh lime for brightness
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
To start, heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. You’ll want to stir occasionally until the beef is browned and fully cooked, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
At this point, you’ll likely see some grease in the pot. If there’s a lot, go ahead and drain the excess fat to keep the soup from getting too oily. A little bit of fat is fine because it adds flavor, but too much can make the soup heavy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Now that the beef is browned, it’s time to add in some flavor! Toss in the diced onion and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This step helps bring out the natural sweetness of the onion, which balances the savory flavors of the soup.
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic becomes fragrant—just be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
Step 3: Add the Rest of the Ingredients
Now comes the fun part—dumping in all the remaining ingredients! This is what makes this recipe so easy. No complicated steps, just a simple “pour and stir” method:
- Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced green chilies into the pot.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and broth (beef or chicken).
- Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and give everything a good stir to combine.
At this point, your kitchen is probably smelling amazing, and you might already be tempted to sneak a taste—but hold on! The best part comes after we let all those flavors simmer together.
Step 4: Let It Simmer
Once everything is in the pot, it’s time to bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. As soon as you see those first bubbles, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
This step is key because it allows all the flavors to blend together. The taco seasoning infuses into the broth, the beans soak up the delicious spices, and the green chilies give everything just a hint of heat. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
Pro Tip:
If you like your soup a little thicker, let it simmer uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes. This will help some of the liquid evaporate, making the soup heartier. You can also mash a few of the beans with the back of a spoon for a naturally thicker consistency.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Now that the soup has simmered and the flavors have developed, it’s time for a quick taste test! Grab a spoon and check if it needs a little extra seasoning.
- If you want more spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- If it needs a bit more salt, sprinkle in a little at a time until it tastes just right.
- For a deeper, richer flavor, a splash of lime juice or a teaspoon of cumin can make a big difference.
This is the moment to really make the soup your own. Adjust as needed, then get ready to serve it up!
Step 6: Serve and Add Toppings
Now for the best part—assembling your bowl with all your favorite toppings! Ladle the warm, flavorful taco soup into bowls and let everyone customize their own with a mix of delicious add-ons.
Topping Ideas:
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully into the soup for an extra cheesy bite.
- Sour cream – Adds a creamy, cooling contrast to the spices.
- Sliced jalapeños – For those who love a little extra heat.
- Fresh cilantro – Brightens up the dish with a pop of freshness.
- Tortilla chips or strips – Adds a perfect crunch (highly recommended!).
- Lime wedges – A squeeze of fresh lime juice takes the flavors to the next level.
Feel free to mix and match toppings based on what you love. This soup is super customizable, so everyone can enjoy it just the way they like.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This taco soup is great for meal prep because the flavors actually get better the next day! Here’s how to store leftovers:
- In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave.
- In the freezer: Let the soup cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
If you’re making this for a meal plan, divide it into portions for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this taco soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! This recipe works beautifully in a slow cooker. Simply brown the ground beef and sauté the onion and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will be!
2. How can I make this soup spicier?
If you love a little heat, there are several ways to spice things up:
- Use a spicy taco seasoning mix.
- Add chopped jalapeños or extra green chilies.
- Stir in a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper while the soup simmers.
3. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes if you’re looking for a lighter option. The flavor will be slightly different, but the seasonings and toppings will still make it taste delicious.
4. What’s the best way to thicken taco soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, try these simple tricks:
- Let the soup simmer uncovered for an extra 5-10 minutes.
- Mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon to create a thicker consistency.
- Stir in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the broth.
5. Can I make this soup dairy-free or gluten-free?
Yes! This soup is naturally dairy-free as long as you skip the cheese and sour cream toppings. To make it gluten-free, just ensure that your taco seasoning and broth are certified gluten-free (some brands may contain hidden gluten).
6. What sides go well with taco soup?
This soup is filling on its own, but if you want to serve it with a side, try:
- Warm cornbread or garlic bread.
- A simple side salad for a fresh contrast.
- Extra tortilla chips for dipping!
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Taco Soup
There’s a reason why taco soup is a go-to comfort food—it’s easy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this one-pot wonder will always hit the spot.
What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can make it mild or spicy, thick or brothy, loaded with toppings or kept simple—it’s totally up to you! Plus, it’s a great way to use up pantry staples and enjoy a filling, home-cooked meal without much effort.
Enjoy your bowl of cozy, taco-inspired goodness!
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TACO SOUP WITH GROUND BEEF
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
This hearty and flavorful taco soup is packed with seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes, all simmered in a rich broth. It’s an easy, one-pot meal perfect for busy nights. Serve it with your favorite toppings for a delicious and customizable dish!
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 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 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 (14.5 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Tortilla chips or strips
- Lime wedges
Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
3️⃣ Add the Ingredients
Stir in the diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, corn, green chilies, tomato sauce, and broth.
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, and stir well to combine.
4️⃣ Simmer
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld.
5️⃣ Season and Serve
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips.
Notes
- Make it Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño while sautéing the onions or increase the amount of green chilies.
- Thicker Soup? Let it simmer longer or mash some beans for a heartier consistency.
- Make it in a Slow Cooker: Brown the beef, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Storing & Freezing: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
