Easy Taco Soup Recipe You Can Make Any Night of the Week

We are making an easy, delicious taco soup recipe. And the best part? You can make it with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

At a Glance

Why This Taco Soup Recipe Will Become a Family Favorite

My kids are obsessed with tacos. So we definitely have a taco night. Ours is on Sunday instead of Tuesday. Sometimes I like to switch it up, and we make this fun taco soup recipe.

Now, this is not a traditional Mexican recipe. My mom, who is from Mexico, was like, “Taco soup, what?” But it is really tasty and fun. You can make it with ingredients everyone can get at the supermarket. And you can do so many variations with this. There are a ton of additions and substitutions we’ll discuss.

Want a restaurant-style dinner at home? Try this hibachi dinner recipe packed with bold flavors. 

Ingredients for This Easy Taco Soup Recipe

For the Soup:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 is ideal, but 90/10 works too)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 oz (28g) packet of taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, with the liquid (do not drain)
• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 2 cups frozen corn
• 1.5 cups water
• 1 packet ranch dressing seasoning

Toppings (your choice):

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• Diced avocado
• Sliced green onions
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Tortilla chips

How to Make This Taco Soup Recipe Step by Step

Step 1 – Get Your Pot Ready

Grab a big pot or Dutch oven. Turn the heat to medium high. Let it start getting warm.

Step 2 – Brown the Beef

Add one pound of ground beef to the pot. Toss in your chopped onion. Now, unseasoned beef just makes me sad. Do not do it. Go to your spice cabinet. Add your taco seasoning packet, a little chili powder, some cumin, and some smoked paprika. These are really optional. Use whatever you want. You could even leave it plain since we are adding more seasoning later on.

Break up the meat with the back of a wooden spoon. Mush it down so you do not see those extruded lines. You can leave larger pieces or break it into tiny chunks. I like larger pieces in this soup. Cook for a few minutes until the meat is nicely browned.

Note: You can swap the ground beef for Soyrizo, ground turkey, or ground chicken. If you use turkey or chicken, go for the higher fat version. The extra lean kind gets really rubbery.

Step 3 – Add the Good Stuff

Once the beef is brown, it is time to add the good stuff.

Add your can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir it in. Pour in your black beans along with the black bean juice. Do not throw that out! Add your pinto beans and your diced green chilies. Toss in two cups of frozen corn. If you use canned corn, make sure you drain it first. Pour in one and a half cups of water.

Stir everything until it is well combined. This taco soup recipe is one of those super quick and easy weeknight meals that comes together so fast.

Step 4 – Let It Simmer

Bring the soup to a simmer. Then reduce the heat to medium low. Partially cover the pot so some steam can escape but the liquid stays in. Let your soup simmer for 30 minutes. Walk by every now and then and give it a stir. All those flavors are really going to meld together and intensify.

Towards the end of your simmer time, dice up your avocado and get your toppings ready.

For another comforting option, this beef stew recipe delivers rich, slow-cooked goodness. 

Step 5 – Add the Ranch Seasoning

With about two minutes left, drop in your ranch dressing seasoning packet. Stir it in. This is a total flavor bomb. Let it simmer for those last two minutes.

Step 6 – Serve and Top It Up

Ladle your soup into a bowl. Now comes the best part. Top it up to your heart’s content.

Add a big dollop of sour cream. Sprinkle on your cheese of choice. Cheddar and Monterey Jack both work really well. Add some diced avocado, a sprinkle of green onions, a few cilantro leaves, and, because it is taco soup, go ahead and toss a couple of chips in there too.

Fire up something different with this chicken barbecue recipe that’s full of smoky surprises.

Tips and Easy Swaps for the Best Taco Soup Recipe

• Make it ahead: This is a great make-ahead meal. Make it one day and serve it over the next two days. The flavors just get better.
• Swap the meat: Ground turkey, chicken, or Soyrizo all work great. Just avoid extra lean poultry, as it gets rubbery.
• Seasoning your way: You can use homemade taco seasoning or store-bought. Both work just fine.
• Skip the canned corn: Frozen corn is the way to go. If you must use canned, drain it well first.
• Make it your own: There are so many variations you can try. Have fun with it.

Nutrition Info

Per serving, approximate values.

These numbers are estimates. They can change based on the brands and toppings you use.

Balance your meal with something fresh using this cucumber salad guide for crisp, flavorful bites. 

FAQs:

Finish your cozy meal on a sweet note with this creme brulee recipe that cracks into creamy perfection. 

Did You Make This Taco Soup Recipe?

That is just plain delicious. It really sticks to your ribs. It will fill you up and you will still go back for seconds. Hope you get a chance to make this recipe!

Leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. We would love to hear from you!