Taco Soup Recipe
This taco soup recipe is easy, flavorful, and packed with beans, ground beef, and diced tomatoes for a twist on tacos. The best part? It’s ready in just 35 minutes, but you can also simmer it in a slow cooker for an easy weeknight meal.
Table of Contents
If you love tacos, you will love this hearty and comforting taco soup. It’s like eating a taco in a bowl, and the combination of beef, beans, and veggies in a flavorful broth is just amazing. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, so you’ll have fewer dishes to wash after dinner.
If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my Mexican casserole, Mexican lasagna, and chicken enchilada casserole for more Tex-Mex inspired dishes.
This recipe is a family favorite that I’ve been making for years. I found the recipe in my grandma’s recipe box and it’s in her own handwriting which makes it even better. It’s a super simple recipe that’s easy to pull together on a chilly day.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Taco Soup Recipe is a snap to make. It’s as simple as browning the beef, adding the other ingredients, and letting it simmer. It’s ready in just 30 minutes!
- Flavor-Packed: Despite how easy it is to make, this soup, like my favorite broccoli cheese soup, is bursting with flavor. The combination of taco seasoning and ranch seasoning gives it a unique, zesty kick that’s simply irresistible.
- Family Favorite: I’ve made this recipe for my family countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s the perfect comfort food, especially on a chilly evening.
- Versatile: While I love serving this soup as is, it’s also great with some added toppings. My personal favorites are a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, but you can get creative with your own additions.
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Key Ingredients
- Ground Beef: This is the star of our taco soup, adding a hearty and savory flavor to the dish.
- Kidney Beans: These beans add a creamy texture and a pop of color to the soup.
- Corn: Sweet and crunchy, corn is a must-have for a classic taco soup recipe.
- Red Gold Diced Tomatoes: These tomatoes are the base of our soup, providing a rich, tangy flavor and a chunky texture. The RedPack brand has been replaced with Red Gold, but they still make the same great tomatoes.
- Dry Ranch Seasonings: This mix adds a zesty and herby flavor to the soup, giving it a unique twist.
- Optional Ingredients: You can serve the soup with a side of tortilla chips and add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cilantro on top for an extra kick.
Equipment
- Large Stock Pot – You’ll need this to combine all the ingredients and simmer the soup.
- Skillet – This is essential for browning the ground beef.
How to Make Taco Soup
Preparation
Start by browning the ground beef. Once it’s cooked, drain the excess fat.
Step 1 – Combine the Main Ingredients
In a large stockpot, combine the cooked ground beef, red beans, white corn, and diced tomatoes. Stir them all together.
Step 2 – Add the Seasonings
Next, add the taco seasoning packet and the dry ranch seasoning. Stir the seasonings into the soup.
Step 3 – Let It Simmer
Let the soup simmer for 30 minutes. This will help all the flavors to meld together and make the soup extra delicious.
Step 4 – Serve the Taco Soup
After simmering, your taco soup is ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Expert Tip
To give your taco soup a flavor boost, don’t skip the ranch seasoning. It adds a tangy and herby note that complements the taco seasoning and takes the flavor to the next level.
Recipe Variations
- Chicken: I love making this recipe with 3 cups of chicken. Cook the chicken before stirring the ingredients together. Or better yet, use rotisserie chicken.
- Added Veggies: I like to add chopped peppers or onions if I have some on hand!
- Frozen Corn: Instead of canned corn, add 3 cups of frozen corn and 1/2 Cup of water.
What to Serve With
- For a complete meal, serve your taco soup with a side of warm tortilla chips. The crunchy texture of the chips pairs perfectly with the hearty soup.
- If you’re a fan of creamy textures, top your taco soup with a dollop of sour cream. The coolness of the sour cream balances the bold flavors of the soup.
- For a fresh and zesty twist, garnish your taco soup with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. It adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor to the dish.
Recipe FAQs
This recipe is a type of soup made with similar ingredients to those used inside a taco. It usually contains ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes, as well as taco seasoning and ranch seasoning for flavor.
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ground beef, feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to cook the meat thoroughly before adding the other ingredients.
If you prefer a spicier taco soup, you can use a hot or medium taco seasoning instead of a mild one. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the soup while it’s simmering.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: After enjoying your delicious taco soup, you can easily store any leftovers. Simply transfer the soup to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Freezing: If you’d like to extend the shelf life of your taco soup, it also freezes well. Once it has completely cooled, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months.
- Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen taco soup, let it thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
- Reheating: You can reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s completely warmed through. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
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Serving Size
- What to Expect: This taco soup recipe yields 12 cups of hearty and filling soup.
- How to Scale: If you need more than 12 cups of soup, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure your stock pot is large enough to accommodate the increased quantity. Follow the rest of the instructions as directed, and you’ll have a delicious taco soup for a larger crowd.
Easy Taco Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and drain.
- To a large stock pot add cooked ground beef, red beans, white corn and diced tomatoes. Stir.
- Add taco seasoning packet and 4 teaspoons of dry ranch seasoning.
- Let simmer for 30 minutes. Serve hot topped with sour cream and cilantro.
This looks like winner! Full of flavors, quick from the stove to table, and who doesn’t like taco stuff?
I love 30 minute soups, but the real question is who doesn’t?! With these flavors guests can think you slaved in the kitchen for a few hours to prepare this soup.
You are just pure genius making taco into a soup! Love the idea!