Easy Taco Soup Recipe

By Maya Ellison

Published •

Easy Taco Soup Recipe

The aroma of sizzling ground beef and spices fills the kitchen on a hectic weeknight. It turns a simple pot into something special. Easy Taco Soup Recipe brings the zesty kick of tacos into a comforting bowl. It’s ready in under an hour. With tender beef, colorful veggies, and hearty beans, it delivers bold flavors without the fuss.

This soup fits seamlessly into busy schedules. You can feed the family or prep for the week ahead. Leftovers reheat beautifully. They keep that fresh taste intact. Everyone appreciates how it warms you up. It feels like a treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Hearty and Flavorful: Packed with taco-inspired spices and fresh veggies for a satisfying meal. It feels indulgent yet light.
  • Quick Weeknight Win: Ready in just 35 minutes. Perfect for busy moms juggling dinner and everything else.
  • Family-Friendly Customizable: Easily tweak for picky eaters or vegetarian options. It makes a go-to for gatherings.
  • Budget-Friendly Comfort: Uses pantry staples like beans and corn. Creates a filling soup without breaking the bank.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Stores well in the fridge or freezer. Ideal for meal prepping on the go.

Easy Taco Soup Recipe Ingredients

The ingredients in this Easy Taco Soup Recipe blend seamlessly. They create a robust, taco-like broth. It’s both hearty and vibrant. Opting for fresh vegetables and quality spices elevates the overall taste. Each spoonful becomes more flavorful and comforting.

  • Lean ground beef: Provides a savory protein base. It absorbs the taco seasonings for rich depth.
  • Olive oil: Adds a subtle gloss. Helps sauté the aromatics without overpowering the dish.
  • Medium onion: Finely diced for sweetness. Balances the spicy elements as it softens.
  • Red bell pepper: Diced for a touch of color. Adds mild sweetness to brighten the soup.
  • Green bell pepper: Diced to contribute a fresh, slightly crisp contrast in texture.
  • Garlic: Minced for an aromatic punch. Infuses the entire pot with warmth.
  • Taco seasoning: The star for bold, smoky flavors. Mimics classic tacos effortlessly.
  • Beans: Drained kidney or pinto for heartiness and fiber. Makes the soup more filling.
  • Corn: Adds pops of natural sweetness and texture. From canned, fresh, or frozen.
  • Diced tomatoes: Fresh or canned for juicy acidity. Ties the ingredients together.
  • Beef broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base. Simmers everything to perfection.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste. Enhances all the natural flavors.
  • Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, tortilla chips, avocado, or jalapeños. For personalized flair.

Note: The complete list of ingredients and exact measurements can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How to Make Easy Taco Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Veggies

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and bell peppers. Break up the beef with a spatula as it browns. The vegetables soften too. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. It keeps the soup lighter and less greasy.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasoning

Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for just one more minute. The mixture becomes fragrant. This quick step releases the spices’ aromas. It avoids burning them. So, it sets the foundation for the bold taco flavor. That runs throughout the soup.

Step 3: Incorporate Beans, Corn, Tomatoes, and Broth

Add the drained beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and beef broth to the pot. Stir everything to combine evenly. The broth should just cover the ingredients. It gives a hearty consistency. This melds the textures. From creamy beans to juicy tomatoes.

Step 4: Simmer to Blend Flavors

Bring the soup to a boil. Then lower the heat to simmer. Cover it for at least 15 minutes. Stir occasionally. This allows the flavors to deepen. The ingredients tenderize fully. So, the longer simmer enhances the overall taste. Without extra effort.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste the soup. Adjust with salt, pepper, or additional taco seasoning as needed. Match your preferred spice level. Now it’s ready to ladle into bowls. Top with favorites like cheese or sour cream. For that finishing touch.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Drain Excess Fat: After browning the beef, remove any rendered fat. Prevents an oily soup. Keeps it lighter.
  • Use Fresh Garlic: Mince it just before adding. For maximum fragrance and flavor. Infusion during the quick sauté.
  • Simmer Patiently: Let it cook for the full 15 minutes covered. Fully melds spices. Without boiling off the broth.
  • Customize Heat: Add jalapeños or extra seasoning at the end. If you want more spice. Based on family tastes.
  • Opt for Low-Sodium Broth: This helps control the salt level. Especially with canned tomatoes and beans.

How to Serve Easy Taco Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my Easy Taco Soup Recipe with shredded cheddar. It gives a melty contrast. A dollop of sour cream cools the spice. Chopped green onions add a fresh, crisp bite. Sliced avocado brings creamy richness. These simple additions make each bowl feel special. And personalized.

Side Dishes

Pair the soup with warm cornbread. It’s a cozy, absorbent side. Soaks up the flavorful broth. A simple green salad with lime dressing offers balance. It’s bright and refreshing to the heartiness. For something lighter, try grilled quesadillas. They echo the taco theme.

Creative Ways to Present

I sometimes serve Easy Taco Soup Recipe in individual bread bowls. For a fun, portable twist. It impresses at family dinners. Layer toppings in a build-your-own bar. So everyone customizes their bowl with chips. For crunch. For a festive touch, garnish with a lime wedge. Squeeze over for extra zing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover Easy Taco Soup Recipe in airtight containers. In the fridge, it keeps well for up to 3 days. This makes it perfect for quick lunches. During the week. Just let it cool completely before sealing. To maintain freshness.

Freezing

For longer storage, I portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags. Or containers. Flattening them for easy stacking. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Without losing flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

I reheat Easy Taco Soup Recipe on the stovetop. Over low heat, stirring until hot throughout. It revives the textures. In the microwave, cover and heat in short bursts. Avoid uneven spots. Add a splash of broth if needed. To prevent drying. Keeping it just as hearty.

Print
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Easy Taco Soup Recipe

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  • Author: Maya Ellison
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Description

Easy Taco Soup is a hearty, flavorful soup that combines the bold tastes of tacos with simple ingredients like ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes. It’s quick to make and ideal for a comforting family meal.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • ½ red bell pepper, diced
  • ½ green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 16 oz can beans, drained (kidney or pinto)
  • 1 cup corn (canned, fresh, or frozen)
  • 1 ½ cups diced tomatoes (from ~1 lb fresh or canned)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, tortilla chips, avocado, jalapeños


Instructions

  1. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, finely diced onion, and diced bell peppers. Sauté, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until the beef is browned and cooked through, and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the drained beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and beef broth to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients.
  4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.
  5. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper, or more taco seasoning, as desired.
  6. Serve the taco soup hot with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, and crushed tortilla chips.

Notes

  • This recipe is customizable; add more heat with jalapeños if desired.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or additional beans.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Categorized in:

Soups
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