If you’re craving a warm, hearty, and flavor-packed meal, look no further than this Best Taco Soup Recipe! This dish is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the delicious flavors of a taco in one easy-to-make soup. With seasoned ground beef (or chicken), beans, corn, and a blend of tasty spices, this soup is perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or a satisfying lunch.
Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, and tortilla chips. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and can be made in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for leftovers to enjoy throughout the week, this taco soup will become your go-to comfort food recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Taco Soup
✔ Flavorful and Filling – With the perfect blend of spices, beans, corn, and ground beef (or chicken), every spoonful is packed with taste.
✔ Easy to Make – A one-pot meal that comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
✔ Customizable – Add your favorite toppings like cheese, avocado, or jalapeños to make it your own.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – This soup stores well and is even better the next day, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping.
✔ Crowd-Pleaser – Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, everyone will love this taco-inspired soup.
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey for a lighter version)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 can (400g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (400g / 14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (400g / 14 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (300g / 10 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 500ml (2 cups) beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 250ml (1 cup) water
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (for added tang)
For Toppings (Optional):
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Tortilla chips
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sliced avocado
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef (or chicken/turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the pot if necessary.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings
- Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, ranch seasoning (optional), chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the meat and onions with the seasonings, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Soup Ingredients
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, corn, beef broth, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors can meld together. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can let it simmer longer.
Step 4: Final Touches
- Once the soup is heated through and flavorful, stir in the lime juice for a burst of fresh tang. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 5: Serve
- Ladle the taco soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. We recommend a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, some tortilla chips, and a few slices of avocado and jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Taco Soup
✅ Customize the Protein – Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian crumbles to suit your dietary needs or preferences.
✅ Add Heat – If you like your soup spicier, try adding diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or an extra pinch of chili powder.
✅ Use Fresh Corn – If you have fresh corn on the cob, feel free to use it instead of canned corn for extra sweetness and texture.
✅ Make It Vegetarian – Skip the meat and use extra beans or plant-based meat for a satisfying vegetarian taco soup.
✅ Freeze for Later – Taco soup freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw and reheat on the stove.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Calcium: 160mg
(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on ingredient brands and specific measurements used.)
How to Store and Reheat
🧊 Storing: Leftover taco soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
❄️ Freezing: This soup freezes wonderfully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months.
🔥 Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to thin it out as it reheats.
Frequently Asked Questions
🔹 Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Yes, absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works just as well in this soup and is a leaner option. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
🔹 Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can make it a day ahead, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
🔹 Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, this soup can be easily adapted for a slow cooker. After browning the meat, add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Final Thoughts
This Best Taco Soup Recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner for busy families and taco lovers alike! With its hearty ingredients, bold spices, and creamy toppings, it’s a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy dinner or serve it at your next get-together, this taco soup will quickly become one of your favorite comfort foods.
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