Name: Taco Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ tablespoon olive oil; 1½ pounds ground beef; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 package taco seasoning; ½ cup green pepper, diced; 2 cups beef broth; 1½ cups frozen corn; 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed; 15 ounces can tomato sauce; 10 ounces Rotel tomatoes; 4 ounces green chilies; 1 cup water (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 17 reviews

If you’re craving something hearty, cozy, and packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors, Taco Soup is about to become your new go-to recipe. This soul-warming soup brings together all the favorite elements of a taco—seasoned beef, beans, sweet corn, tangy tomatoes—in a single steaming bowl. It comes together in only 30 minutes, making it a total lifesaver on busy nights. Whether you’re gathering the family around the table or meal prepping for the week, Taco Soup is endlessly comforting and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Taco Soup is how everyday ingredients transform into something vibrant and filling. Each component adds unique flavor, texture, and color, making every spoonful a delicious adventure. Here’s what you’ll need:

Olive oil: This is the foundation to sauté the beef and onion while adding subtle richness.
Ground beef: Taco Soup’s heart and soul, bringing savory flavor and protein.
Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and boosts the umami profile.
Garlic: Essential for that irresistible aroma and punchy depth.
Taco seasoning: The key to that signature Tex-Mex taste—spicy, smoky, and a little earthy.
Green pepper: For a fresh bite and a pop of color in every bowl.
Beef broth: Enhances the soup’s richness and keeps everything luscious.
Frozen corn: Brings sweet crunch and gorgeous golden color.
Black beans: Creamy, protein-packed, and delightfully filling.
Pinto beans: A southern classic that adds lovely texture.
Tomato sauce: Mellows out the spices and creates a silky tomato base.
Rotel tomatoes: These bring tang and a gentle kick thanks to the diced green chilies.
Green chilies: For extra zest and just a hint of heat.
Water (optional): Thin out the soup to your desired consistency—it’s all up to you!

How to Make Taco Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Grab your trusty large soup pot and drizzle in the olive oil. Over medium-high heat, toss in the ground beef and diced onion. Stir frequently, breaking up the beef as it cooks, until there’s no pink left—just mouthwatering browned bits and perfectly tender onions. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep your Taco Soup light yet flavorful.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Taco Seasoning

Once your beef and onion mixture is sizzling, sprinkle in the minced garlic and your favorite taco seasoning blend. Give everything a big stir and let those spices toast for about a minute. This quick step unlocks an extra layer of flavor that makes Taco Soup sing.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients and Bring to a Boil

Time to create that broth! Add the green pepper, beef broth, frozen corn, black beans, pinto beans, tomato sauce, Rotel tomatoes, green chilies, and, if you prefer a thinner soup, pour in that optional cup of water. Stir gently to combine all those colors and textures. Turn up the heat and bring everything to a lively boil—your kitchen will smell amazing right about now!

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Once it’s bubbling, turn the heat down and let the soup simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. This lets all the flavors blend together beautifully, and the beans, corn, and peppers soften up just right. You’ll notice the soup gets a bit thicker and incredibly aromatic—signs it’s almost time to eat!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle your homemade Taco Soup into bowls while it’s piping hot. Add all your favorite toppings and bask in the warmth (and deliciousness) of this classic comfort meal. Enjoy!

How to Serve Taco Soup

Garnishes

Taco Soup loves to be topped with all the goodies! Classic choices include shredded cheese, dollops of sour cream, crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro. A few lime wedges on the side will bring a refreshing brightness that works wonders with the bold flavors.

Side Dishes

While this soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, pairing it with fluffy cornbread, warm flour tortillas, or a crunchy green salad takes your Taco Soup dinner to the next level. For an extra treat, offer some tortilla chips for dipping and scooping!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Taco Soup in bread bowls for a fun, edible twist. Or let guests customize their own bowls at a DIY soup bar with an array of toppings—it’s a great way to entertain friends or please picky eaters. You can even ladle leftovers over baked potatoes or rice for a quick lunch remix.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Taco Soup is a dream, as the flavors deepen overnight. Let it cool completely before storing in airtight containers. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days, perfect for easy lunches or cozy weeknight repeats.

Freezing

Taco Soup freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, making sure to leave a little room for expansion. It will keep well tucked away in your freezer for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pour the Taco Soup into a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. You can also pop a single bowl in the microwave for a couple of minutes. If it’s a little thick after storing, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take on Taco Soup. Just be sure to season well so you still get that hearty, robust flavor in every bite.

Is Taco Soup spicy?

Taco Soup is flavorful with a gentle warmth, but not typically super spicy. You control the heat—choose a mild or spicy taco seasoning, and use Rotel or green chilies according to your spice preference.

Can I make Taco Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef and onion first, then add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. This is perfect for busy days or when you want to prep ahead and come home to dinner ready to go.

Which toppings work best for Taco Soup?

Crowd favorites include shredded cheddar or jack cheese, diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and chopped scallions or cilantro. Feel free to get creative with your favorites!

How can I thicken or thin out my Taco Soup?

If you like a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer or use less added water. For a thinner, brothy soup, simply stir in extra water or broth until you reach your perfect consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about sitting down to a warm bowl of Taco Soup—it’s fast, filling, and just plain fun to eat. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need a comforting meal on a hectic night, this recipe delivers every single time. Give it a try, play with the toppings, and make it your own. I can’t wait for you to dig in!