If you’re looking for a comforting meal that comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor, you’re going to love this Easy Taco Soup Recipe. It’s packed with hearty ground beef, vibrant tomatoes, and a medley of beans and corn that create a satisfying bowlful bursting with Tex-Mex goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or need a crowd-pleaser for the week, this soup balances simplicity and bold taste perfectly, making it an absolute staple for any home cook.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating a flavorful Easy Taco Soup Recipe. Each component plays a key role: from the rich, savory beef to the zesty taco seasoning, plus the beans and veggies that add texture, color, and heartiness to every spoonful.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a savory, protein-packed base that makes the soup hearty and filling.
- 1 ounce taco seasoning: Brings that classic taco spice blend, infusing warmth and a zesty kick.
- 15 ounces canned corn (do not drain): Adds a touch of sweetness and bright yellow color to balance the flavors.
- 15 ounces canned kidney beans (do not drain): Introduces a creamy texture and earthy flavor, plus extra protein and fiber.
- 29 ounces stewed tomatoes: Offers a rich tomato base with chunks that add robust, tangy depth.
- 15 ounces tomato sauce: Enhances the tomato flavor while thickening the soup to a perfect consistency.
- 1 cup water: Helps bring everything together and ensures the soup reaches just the right broth-like texture.
How to Make Easy Taco Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s beautifully browned and fully cooked through. Browning the beef properly not only enhances the flavor through caramelization but also creates those savory bits that will enrich the soup. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
To your pot with browned beef, add the taco seasoning for that signature, smoky spice. Then, pour in the canned corn and kidney beans with their juices—don’t drain! The liquid adds flavor and body. Follow with the stewed tomatoes and tomato sauce, which create a rich and vibrant tomato base, and finally, stir in the cup of water to help everything meld together.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Give your soup a good stir to combine all the ingredients evenly, then bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmer time allows all the flavors to marry beautifully, making the broth richly seasoned and the veggies tender yet vibrant.
Step 4: Ready to Serve
Once your soup is thoroughly heated and fragrant, it’s ready to enjoy! The Easy Taco Soup Recipe is now a warm, inviting bowl filled with comforting, bold flavors that will satisfy any craving.
How to Serve Easy Taco Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your steaming bowl of taco soup with garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, or fresh cilantro. These toppings add a delightful contrast in textures and burst of freshness that elevate the soup to a restaurant-quality meal.
Side Dishes
Pair your soup with crunchy tortilla chips for scooping or a batch of warm cornbread to soak up every last drop. A simple side salad with lime vinaigrette can brighten the meal while keeping things light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, assemble individual taco soup cups in small, heat-safe bowls or mugs and let everyone customize their toppings at the table. You can also serve the soup over cooked rice for extra substance or spoon it into mini bell peppers for a festive, handheld presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Easy Taco Soup Recipe into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a great option for weekday lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, so you always have a comforting meal ready when time is tight.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for a quick fix. Add a splash of water if needed to adjust the consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the ground beef and use a vegetarian taco seasoning to keep the chili flavors. Add extra beans or even diced vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to bulk it up.
How spicy is this Easy Taco Soup Recipe?
The spice level depends largely on the taco seasoning you use. For a milder soup, choose a mild taco seasoning, or add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne if you like it hotter.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used, but since canned stewed tomatoes add a concentrated, cooked flavor and liquid, you may want to simmer fresh tomatoes longer and adjust the liquid accordingly to achieve the right consistency.
What can I add to make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, try mashing some of the beans or simmering the soup uncovered a little longer to reduce the liquid. Adding a tablespoon of tomato paste can also give it more body and depth.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Definitely! Easy Taco Soup Recipe freezes very well, making it perfect for meal prep or busy days. Just be sure to cool completely before freezing and reheat gently to maintain the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Taco Soup Recipe is such a winner because it combines straightforward ingredients with incredible flavor, coming together in just 30 minutes. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any day you crave comfort without fuss. Give it a try—you’ll soon find this recipe becoming one of your go-to meals for busy weeknights or cozy weekends!
Print
Easy Taco Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Easy Taco Soup is a flavorful and hearty one-pot meal combining seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes simmered together to create a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
Seasoning
- 1 ounce taco seasoning
Vegetables & Beans
- 15 ounces canned corn (do not drain)
- 15 ounces canned kidney beans (do not drain)
- 29 ounces stewed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
Liquids
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Add all remaining ingredients: Pour in the taco seasoning, canned corn (with liquid), canned kidney beans (with liquid), stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water into the pot with the browned beef.
- Stir and bring to simmer: Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Heat the pot over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the soup: Allow the soup to simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors and ensure the soup is heated thoroughly.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot taco soup into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced avocado if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier soup, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while simmering.
- To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or extra beans.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Serve with tortilla chips or cornbread for a complete meal.
- Drain the beans and corn slightly if you prefer a thicker consistency.
