Easy Taco Soup Recipe

Craving a delicious, hearty soup with minimal effort? Dive into this easy taco soup recipe that brings all your favorite classic taco flavors into one comforting bowl. This incredibly simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, boasting quick prep and amazing versatility. You will love how effortlessly it comes together, making it a go-to meal in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Taco Soup

This isn’t just any soup; it’s a weeknight hero. Here’s why you’ll quickly fall in love with this easy taco soup recipe:

• Quick & Easy: Enjoy minimal prep time and straightforward steps, perfect for beginners.
• Flavorful: Every spoonful delivers bold, zesty Tex-Mex tastes that are incredibly satisfying.
• Versatile: Customize ingredients and toppings to suit your family’s preferences.
• Hearty & Filling: Packed with ground beef, beans, and vegetables, it truly satisfies hunger.
• Budget-Friendly: Crafted mostly from affordable pantry staples, it won’t break the bank.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, making leftovers a delight.

Ingredients for Easy Taco Soup

Gathering your ingredients for this easy taco soup recipe is a breeze. Most items are likely already in your pantry!

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2 (10 oz.) cans diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 packet taco seasoning (1 oz.)
• 1 packet ranch seasoning (1 oz.)
• 3 Tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups water

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this easy taco soup recipe to your dietary needs or what you have on hand.

• Protein alternatives: Try ground turkey, ground chicken, or vegetarian crumbles for a lighter option.
• Beans: Feel free to swap pinto or black beans for kidney beans, cannellini beans, or even great northern beans.
• Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or cubed sweet potato during the sauté stage.
• Seasoning: For better sodium control, use homemade taco or ranch seasoning mixes instead of store-bought packets.
• Broth: Replace water with chicken or beef broth to achieve an even richer, deeper flavor profile.

Equipment Needed

You likely have all the necessary kitchen tools for this easy taco soup recipe already.

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Can opener
• Measuring spoons and cups

How to Make Easy Taco Soup (Step-by-Step)

Making this easy taco soup recipe is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a hearty meal.

1. Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned and no pink remains. If you are using ground beef with a high-fat content, carefully drain any excess fat from the pot. This prevents a greasy soup.
2. Sauté aromatics: While the beef cooks, dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Add canned goods: Stir in the drained and rinsed pinto beans, black beans, and the frozen corn. Pour in both cans of diced tomatoes with green chiles, including their juices. Give everything a good stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined at this stage.
4. Season and simmer: Add the tomato paste, the entire packet of taco seasoning, the entire packet of ranch seasoning, and the water to the pot. Stir thoroughly to mix all the seasonings and liquids into the soup base. Increase the heat to high, place a lid on the pot, and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
5. Finish cooking: Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the soup to gently simmer for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally during this time to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure flavors meld perfectly.
6. Serve hot: Ladle the hot easy taco soup recipe into individual bowls. Garnish generously with your favorite toppings and enjoy immediately for a satisfying meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Taco Soup

Elevate your easy taco soup recipe with these helpful tips for maximum flavor and texture.

• Drain excess fat: Always drain the fat from your browned ground beef to avoid a greasy soup.
• Adjust spice level: Tailor the heat by choosing mild or hot diced green chiles. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer more spice.
  

  Research indicates that blooming spices in oil can intensify their fat-soluble flavor compounds, making your dishes more aromatic and delicious.

  
  
• Bloom seasonings: Briefly toast the taco and ranch seasonings with the beef and aromatics for deeper flavor before adding liquids.
• Don’t forget to drain beans: Properly drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and prevent a murky broth.
• Taste and adjust: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

This easy taco soup recipe shines with customizable toppings and various serving ideas.

Delicious Toppings

• Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a creamy finish
• Crushed tortilla chips or strips for crunch
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for bright flavor
• Diced avocado or a dollop of guacamole
• Sliced green onions or pickled red onions
• A squeeze of fresh lime juice
• Salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick

Meal Ideas

• Serve this hearty soup alongside warm cornbread for a classic pairing.
• Enjoy it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
• Pair with flavorful Cilantro Lime Rice to complete your Tex-Mex feast.

Easy Variations

• Spicy version: Incorporate diced jalapeños, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or extra cayenne pepper.
• Creamy version: Stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking for richness.
• Smoky flavor: Add a dash of liquid smoke or chipotle powder for a deeper, more complex taste.
• Extra veggies: Boost nutrition and texture by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even diced sweet potatoes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

This easy taco soup recipe is fantastic for meal prep!

• Refrigerate: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze cooled soup in individual portions or larger containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat: Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe bowl.

Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Instructions

You can easily adapt this easy taco soup recipe for your favorite kitchen appliances, making it even more convenient.

Slow Cooker Method

Brown the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic in a skillet on the stovetop as described in the main instructions. Drain any excess fat. Transfer the cooked beef and aromatics to your slow cooker. Add all remaining ingredients: frozen corn, diced tomatoes with green chiles, pinto beans, black beans, taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, tomato paste, and water. Stir everything well to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the flavors have melded and the soup is thoroughly heated. Stir before serving.

Instant Pot Method

Select the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot. Add the olive oil. Once hot, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart, until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and continue to sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft. Hit “Cancel” to turn off the Sauté function. Stir in the frozen corn, drained pinto and black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, tomato paste, and water. Secure the lid and ensure the venting knob is sealed. Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and set the timer for 5 minutes on high pressure. Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure. Stir well and serve this delicious easy taco soup recipe.

Nutrition Information

• Per serving (approx. 1.5 cups, calculated for 6.6 servings):
  • Calories: 396 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Sodium: 618mg
  • Fiber: 11g
• Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

This easy taco soup recipe is truly a testament to simple, flavorful cooking. It delivers on ease, taste, and versatility, making it a perfect choice for those busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal in a hurry. You’ll appreciate how effortlessly it comes together, whether on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or an Instant Pot. Don’t hesitate to personalize it with your favorite toppings and make this delightful taco soup a staple in your kitchen.