Best Taco Soup Recipe

Craving a dish that’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for cozy nights? Look no further than Taco Soup! This hearty and delicious meal combines all the best parts of a taco—savory ground beef, spicy seasonings, and fresh toppings—into a comforting bowl of soup. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just meal-prepping for the week, taco soup is versatile, satisfying, and ready in no time. Let’s dive into the ultimate Taco Soup Recipe that will quickly become a family favorite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Break the meat apart with a spoon, cooking for 6-8 minutes.
2. Add the Onions and Garlic: Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.

Step 2: Add the Seasonings

1. Taco and Ranch Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and ranch seasoning mix, coating the beef and onions thoroughly.
2. Mix Well: Let the seasonings cook with the beef for about 1 minute, enhancing the flavor.

Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients

1. Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes: Pour in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, Rotel tomatoes, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
2. Beef Broth: Add the beef broth to the pot, giving the soup its base. Stir everything together, making sure all the ingredients are well mixed.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

1. Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
2. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the Soup: Serve the taco soup hot in bowls.
2. Top with Garnishes: Add your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and tortilla chips.

Tips for Making the Best Taco Soup

• Customize the Heat: If you prefer a spicier soup, add a can of diced jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning. For a milder version, opt for mild Rotel or reduce the chili ingredients.
• Use Chicken or Turkey: You can easily swap out the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version of taco soup.
• Thicker Soup: If you like a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or let the soup simmer longer to cook off excess liquid.
• Double the Recipe for Leftovers: Taco soup is perfect for leftovers! Make a big batch and enjoy it for several days. It also freezes well for future meals.

Taco Soup Toppings

One of the best parts about taco soup is the customizable toppings. Here are some ideas to elevate your bowl of soup:

• Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
• Diced Avocado or Guacamole
• Chopped Green Onions or Cilantro
• Crispy Tortilla Strips or Crushed Tortilla Chips
• Sliced Jalapeños for a spicy kick
• Fresh Lime Wedges for a burst of acidity

Health Benefits of Taco Soup

• High in Protein: With the addition of ground beef and beans, taco soup is packed with protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Rich in Fiber: Beans and vegetables provide a healthy dose of fiber, which is important for digestive health and keeping you full.
• Loaded with Vitamins and Minerals: Tomatoes, corn, and beans are rich in vitamins like A and C, as well as minerals such as potassium and iron.
• Low in Carbs (Optional): For a low-carb version, skip the beans and corn, and add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

What to Serve with Taco Soup

While taco soup is hearty and filling on its own, pairing it with a few sides can make the meal even more satisfying. Here are some great side dishes to consider:

• Cornbread: A sweet and soft cornbread balances the spiciness of the taco soup.
• Quesadillas: Crispy cheese quesadillas are great for dipping into the soup.
• Mexican Rice: Add some extra carbs and flavor with a side of Mexican-style rice.
• Green Salad: A simple salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers is a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

Storing and Reheating Taco Soup

How to Store:

• Taco soup stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

Reheating:

• Simply reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat on the stove, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until hot.

Freezing:

• Taco soup is freezer-friendly! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

Taco Soup is the perfect combination of bold taco flavors in a warm, comforting bowl of soup. It’s a simple, satisfying dish that everyone can enjoy, whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or prepping for leftovers. With customizable toppings and an easy-to-follow recipe, this is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Try it out and make your next dinner unforgettable!

FAQs

1. Can I make taco soup in a slow cooker?
   Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
2. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
   Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or ground chicken for a lighter option.
3. Is taco soup gluten-free?
   Most of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check your taco seasoning and broth labels to ensure they don’t contain gluten.
4. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
   Yes, simply leave out the ground beef and double the beans for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
5. How can I make this soup dairy-free?
   To make the soup dairy-free, skip the ranch seasoning and avoid dairy-based toppings like cheese and sour cream. Use avocado and lime as alternatives.

Yield: 6

Best Taco Soup Recipe

Print

Craving a dish that’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for cozy nights? Look no further than Taco Soup! This hearty and delicious meal combines all the best parts of a taco—savory ground beef, spicy seasonings, and fresh toppings—into a comforting bowl of soup. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just meal-prepping for the week, taco soup is versatile, satisfying, and ready in no time. Let’s dive into the ultimate Taco Soup Recipe that will quickly become a family favorite.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional for extra heat)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Toppings (optional but recommended):
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Diced avocado
• Chopped cilantro
• Tortilla chips or strips
• Sliced jalapeños
• Lime wedges
• Brown the Ground Beef:
• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
• Add Seasoning and Liquids:
• Stir in the taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix, coating the beef mixture evenly.
• Add the diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, green chilies (if using), black beans, kidney beans, corn, and beef broth.
• Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
• Simmer:
• Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Serve:
• Once the soup is ready, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
• Ladle the taco soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar, sour cream, diced avocado, cilantro, or tortilla chips.

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
   Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
   
2. Add Seasoning and Liquids:
   Stir in the taco seasoning and ranch dressing mix, coating the beef mixture evenly.
   Add the diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, green chilies (if using), black beans, kidney beans, corn, and beef broth.
   Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
   
3. Simmer:
   Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld together.
   
4. Serve:
   Once the soup is ready, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
   Ladle the taco soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar, sour cream, diced avocado, cilantro, or tortilla chips.
   

Notes

Protein Options: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra beans or vegetables.

Spice Level: For a spicier kick, add extra green chilies or a dash of hot sauce.

Make Ahead and Freeze: This soup freezes beautifully. Just cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop when ready to eat.

Toppings: Don’t skip the toppings! They add extra flavor and texture to the soup, making it truly customizable to your liking.