If you are looking for a hearty, flavorful, and super comforting meal that comes together with little fuss, this Easy Taco Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the zest of seasoned ground beef with the vibrant colors and textures of beans, corn, and tomatoes for a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this soup is not only delicious but also so straightforward to make that it quickly becomes a favorite in any household.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples you might already have on hand, each chosen to build layers of bold flavor and satisfying texture in this soup. From the seasoned ground beef to the colorful beans and sweet corn, every component contributes to making this dish an easy, tasty winner.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base packed with protein and flavor.
- 1 ounce taco seasoning: Adds that signature taco spice blend, bringing a lively kick to the dish.
- 15 ounces canned corn (do not drain): Sweet and juicy kernels that add a pop of color and texture.
- 15 ounces canned kidney beans (do not drain): Hearty beans that bulk up the soup and give it a satisfying bite.
- 29 ounces stewed tomatoes: Offer a rich tomato base with a slightly chunky texture for depth.
- 15 ounces tomato sauce: Smooth and tangy, it balances the flavors and helps create the broth.
- 1 cup water: To perfect the consistency, keeping everything luscious and just right.
How to Make Easy Taco Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. This initial step builds the rich, meaty foundation for your Easy Taco Soup Recipe. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy while maintaining great flavor.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Canned Ingredients
Next, sprinkle in the taco seasoning, then pour in the canned corn and kidney beans with their juices still intact. Add the stewed tomatoes and tomato sauce, then stir everything together gently. The juices locked inside the cans will mix with the seasonings to create a vibrant, hearty broth that’s full of character.
Step 3: Bring to a Gentle Simmer
Turn the heat up slightly to bring the soup to a gentle simmer. This allows all the flavors to start melding together. Stir occasionally to keep everything nicely combined, making sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Let it Simmer
Once simmering, reduce the heat a little and let the soup cook for about 20 minutes. This gives the ingredients time to marry into one delicious mixture. During this phase, your kitchen will start smelling irresistible—a true sign your Easy Taco Soup Recipe is coming together beautifully.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy
When your soup is piping hot and flavors have blended wonderfully, it’s time to serve. Ladle the Easy Taco Soup Recipe into bowls and get ready for a bowl of pure comfort and joy!
How to Serve Easy Taco Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your soup with fresh garnishes to add brightness and contrast. Think shredded cheese, a handful of crisp tortilla chips, dollops of sour cream, or a sprinkle of chopped green onions. Fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños can add an extra zing for those who love a bit more heat and freshness with every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy Taco Soup Recipe with warm cornbread or soft flour tortillas to soak up every last drop. A fresh green salad or avocado slices can also lighten the meal and bring added texture alongside the rich soup. These simple sides turn a humble bowl of soup into a satisfying feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out bell peppers for an eye-catching presentation. Layered in clear glass mugs, the colorful ingredients shine through, making it perfect for casual entertaining or family dinners that feel a little extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Taco Soup Recipe keeps well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Simply cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor. It’s a great dish to make ahead for busy days when you want something ready and waiting.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it an ideal candidate for batch cooking. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep its delicious taste and texture for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave some space at the top if using containers, as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw your frozen soup overnight in the fridge if possible, then warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot throughout. If reheating from fresh, microwave or stove methods work well—just heat gradually to preserve the soup’s hearty texture and avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Taco Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the ground beef and replace it with extra beans, diced vegetables, or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein. The taco seasoning and tomatoes will still give you that signature taco flavor.
Is this soup spicy?
The spice level mainly depends on the taco seasoning you choose. You can use mild, medium, or hot seasoning based on your preference, and add jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick if desired.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but canned stewed tomatoes provide a consistent texture and rich flavor that’s hard to replicate from fresh tomatoes. If using fresh, cook them down to develop the flavors and break them apart to mimic the canned texture.
What toppings do you recommend for this soup?
Classic toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado slices, tortilla chips, and fresh cilantro. These add freshness, creaminess, and crunch to perfectly complement the soup.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients into the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. This makes the flavors even deeper and the meat tender while keeping the process effortless.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Taco Soup Recipe truly lives up to its name by combining simplicity, taste, and comfort all in one pot. Whether you are a seasoned cook or just getting started in the kitchen, this recipe makes it easy to impress yourself and your loved ones. Give it a try, and soon it might become your go-to meal for cozy nights or impromptu get-togethers—delicious food that feels like home every time.
Print
Easy Taco Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Easy Taco Soup is a flavorful and hearty dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Combining seasoned ground beef with corn, kidney beans, tomatoes, and taco seasoning, this comforting soup simmers to perfection in about 30 minutes, yielding a satisfying meal for the entire family.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 ounce taco seasoning
- 15 ounces canned corn (do not drain)
- 15 ounces canned kidney beans (do not drain)
- 29 ounces stewed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, carefully drain any excess fat.
- Add ingredients: To the pot with the beef, add the taco seasoning, canned corn (with liquid), canned kidney beans (with liquid), stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and the cup of water.
- Combine and heat: Stir all the ingredients thoroughly to blend the flavors, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the soup to heat through and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños, then enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Feel free to add diced onions or bell peppers when browning the beef for extra flavor.
- Toppings like avocado, tortilla chips, or lime wedges enhance the dish.
- For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during simmering.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for longer storage.
